Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. has garnered a lot of attention lately. He flew under the radar for most of the season. But his recent performances have created a buzz around him. He is yet another addition to John Calipari’s long list of elite guards. Everyone is focused on AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer for the best player of the year and the No. 1 draft pick.
However, Darius has certainly made his case with impactful and consistent performances. He has been averaging 22.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists in 32 games this season. He won the SEC Rookie of the Year award and also the SEC Player of the Year honor. He has broken multiple records with Arkansas.
Darius completed 700+ points, 200+ assists, and 100+ rebounds. He became only the second player, after LSU legend Pete Maravich, to lead the conference in both points and assists in the same season.
Arkansas was recently victorious in the SEC tournament championship game, and the star of the show was once again Darius. He scored 20 points with 3 rebounds and 11 assists. His double-double guided Arkansas to an 86-75 victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores. After this performance, Stephen A. Smith voiced his opinion on Darius Acuff Jr. and John Calipari’s Arkansas.
“Acuff is so damn special. He’s up there for sure. Reminds me of [Allen] Iverson. Whatever it takes, he can do it to get the job done. But here’s the real deal: Arkansas is LOADED. Brazil. Wagner off the bench. Richmond III. Team to watch in the Tourney,” Smith made the comparison and heaped praise on Calipari’s Razorbacks.
Fans React to Stephen A. Smith’s Appreciation of Darius Acuff Jr.
Fans online did not particularly like Smith comparing Darius and Allen Iverson.
“Stop… You have no clue. 3 weeks ago you didn’t know who Acuff was. You certainly don’t know the others. You saw Wagner have a solid game today as he’s been struggling most of the year and want to call bench depth,” one fan called him out.
“Iverson? Acuff is 6’3 200. Iverson was 6′ 160 soaking wet. The comparison is Derrick Rose with better court-vision,” another stated.
“We’ve been knowing this Stephen A. This is not new to Hog fans. Thank you for finally platforming team and this player,” one fan said.
“Acuff Is Talented But Nowhere Near The Level Of Iverson! Let’s Not Be Disrespectful!” another commented.
“He’s nothing like Iverson @stephenasmith – he moves & plays like an upgraded better version of Stephon Marbury! If you can’t clearly see that,your not watching,” another fan said.
“He plays nothing like Iverson. If you wanna compare him compare him to the second player in that draft. Stephon Marbury,” another compared.
Read more:
After Breaking 56 Year Old SEC Record, Darius Acuff Jr. Enters Elite Company Feat. Ja Morant
Darius Acuff Ranking Explained: Where Does Arkansas Star Guard Sit Among the Nation’s Top Prospects
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