What’s next for Darius Acuff Jr.? Explaining Arkansas freshman’s NBA Draft stock originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Arkansas’s season came to an end on Thursday with a loss to Arizona, which means Darius Acuff Jr.’s college career could also be over.
Advertisement
The freshman was a sensation for the Razorbacks, leading one of the nation’s most explosive offense and putting his name with the other outstanding freshmen. In fact, he made history in his three NCAA tournament games, scoring the most points by any freshman in the first three games of the tournament.
Acuff now enters an offseason where he will be a polarizing draft prospect in a loaded NBA draft class. However, he also comes with some notable concerns in his game.
Here’s a look at what’s to come for Acuff.
MARCH MADNESS HQ:Live NCAA bracket | TV schedule | Latest news and more
Advertisement
What’s next for Darius Acuff Jr?
In all likelihood, Darius Acuff Jr.’s college career is done, as the point guard is expected to enter the 2026 NBA draft. While this year’s class is stacked at the top, NBA teams will consider Acuff with a top pick thanks to his playmaking abilities on offense.
In Acuff’s freshman season with Arkansas, the point guard led the SEC in points per game, assists per game and minutes per game. He was also named to several All-American first teams and was named the SEC Player of the Year and SEC Rookie of the Year.
NBA SCOUTING REPORT: Why Darius Acuff Jr. is a polarizing prospect
Advertisement
Darius Acuff Jr NBA Draft projection
Darius Acuff Jr. is projected to be one of the top players available in the 2026 NBA draft, although there is stiff competition for the top pick. Acuff’s offensive skills will surely entice NBA teams, but his defensive deficiencies could potentially limit how high in the draft he goes.
ESPN currently has Acuff ranked eighth on its big board, while CBS Sports has him ranked fifth, Sporting News sixth and The Ringer has him sixth. Acuff will likely be considered the best true point guard in the draft, but he is going up against combo guards and star-caliber wings as well.
How does Darius Acuff Jr compare to other potential top picks?
HEre’s how Darius Acuff’s numbers this season compares with the other three projected top picks: Cameron Boozer, AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson.
|
Darius Acuff Jr. |
Cameron Boozer |
AJ Dybantsa |
Darryn Peterson |
|
|
Games |
35 |
36 |
35 |
24 |
|
MPG |
35.1 |
33.2 |
34.8 |
29.0 |
|
PPG |
23.3 |
22.4 |
25.5 |
20.2 |
|
RPG |
3.1 |
10.3 |
6.8 |
4.2 |
|
APG |
6.5 |
4.2 |
3.7 |
1.6 |
|
SPG |
0.8 |
1.5 |
1.1 |
1.4 |
|
BPG |
0.3 |
0.6 |
0.3 |
0.6 |
|
FG% |
48.6% |
56.3% |
51.0% |
43.8% |
|
3P% |
44.6% |
39.8% |
33.1% |
38.2% |
|
FT% |
81.1% |
78.7% |
77.4% |
82.6% |
How old is Darius Acuff Jr.?
Darius Acuff Jr. is 19-years-old, but will turn 20 early in the next NBA season. He is older than much of his competition for the top NBA pick, including AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Darryn Peterson.
Advertisement
How tall is Darius Acuff Jr.?
Darius Acuff Jr. is listed at 6-foot-2, so his size will be a factor in his NBA evaluation. Teams will have to decide whether they want to spend a high pick on a player of his size, or whether they prefer a player who is bigger and stronger.