Arkansas Razorbacks standouts Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas are showing their chemistry on the big stage through their recent banter in the 2026 NBA Draft Combine. In a video uploaded to Instagram by NBA Future Starts Now, both Acuff and Thomas were asked about specific facets of each other’s game.
As a result, they let out friendly trash talk on one another. Thomas was first asked about his scouting report on Acuff, specifically how a player can stop him from scoring. The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native then asserted that he is the only one that can stop Acuff.
Acuff was then asked about what makes Thomas such a dynamic shooter. The Detroit, Michigan native then gave praise to Thomas for his sharpshooting, but ended his statement by claiming he’ll give it up if he’s guarding him.
“ I would say unless you Meleek, you can’t,” Thomas said with Acuff responding by saying, “He got confidence in himself. But when I’m guarding him, he might give it up, though. I don’t know.” (0:00)
– Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas, May 14, 2026
Both Acuff and Thomas are both projected to be first round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, with the former expected to be a lottery selection. They both have declared for this year’s draft after just one year with coach John Calipari’s Razorbacks. But, they still have until May 27 to withdraw and maintain their college eligibility. While Thomas remains undecided, Acuff is unlikely to return to the Arkansas-based program.
Darius Acuff Jr heaps praise for Arkansas teammate Meleek Thomas ahead of the NBA Draft
Even if they trash-talked one another during this year’s NBA Draft Combine, Darius Acuff still had praise for Meleek Thomas, specifically on his shooting ability.
Acuff even claimed that Thomas is the toughest shot maker he has ever seen, mentioning his ability to pick his spots and make it easier for his teammates to find him.
“ He just, he knows. I always say he knows where to be on the court like if I’m trying to find him, he knows where to spot up and shoot it. If he need dribbles, he going to take them. And I tell people in here, he like the most toughest shot maker I ever seen. He gonna make the tough shots, he shoots them,” Acuff shared. (0:00)
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