The NBA draft is underway, and John Calipari is supporting his Arkansas stars. There are three Razorbacks in the NBA draft: Darius Acuff Jr, Meleek Thomas, and Trevon Brazile. Acuff got drafted as a top-10 pick, and coach Calipari couldn’t be prouder.
After seeing one of his stars getting drafted, he had a motivating message for Meleek Thomas, who is yet to be drafted. Calipari was in attendance at the Barclays Center for the NBA draft and shared a picture with Meleek and his parents.
“Now it’s time for Meleek and his family to get the call!” Calipari posted on his X account.
Thomas is projected to be a late first-round or early second-round pick in the draft. The Denver Nuggets, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the NBA champions, the New York Knicks, are three of the teams that have been heavily linked to drafting Arkansas guard.
Denver has pick No. 26, Cleveland has pick No. 29, and New York has picks No. 24 and 31. All three of those teams could benefit from Thomas’ ball-handling ability, his efficient three-point shooting, and his impressive off-the-ball movement.
He proved his quality as one of yet another top-rated guards under John Calipari’s leadership. He averaged 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 37 games in his one-and-done season.
John Calipari reacts to Darius Acuff Jr getting drafted by the Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings selected Darius Acuff Jr as the No. 7 pick at the NBA draft. Calipari expressed happiness for his Arkansas star. Coach Calipari posted a picture with his family before he got drafted.
He captioned the post, “With Darius and his family at the draft! So happy for all of them on what is such a special night!”
After Acuff got drafted, Calipari showed his excitement with two more posts.
“With NBA Lottery pick and Sacramento Kings Guard Darius Acuff Jr!!! Congratulations to the entire family! The Kings are getting a fierce competitor and winner,” he shared.
Darius Acuff Jr was one of the underrated players in college basketball last season. He averaged 23.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.4 assists. The Kings would benefit from his elite scoring and playmaking abilities. He is also someone who can carry the ball and lead the backcourt.
Read more:
“Makes a Huge Difference”: Former Auburn HC Bruce Pearl Notices Touching Fact at NBA Draft Ceremony
WATCH: Dusty May Gets Fired Up Celebrating Major Milestone After Michigan’s Draft Night Success
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in baseball, tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
