Arkansas Razorbacks coach John Calipari has warned NBA teams that they will regret passing up on 6-foot-3 guard Darius Acuff Jr. Calipari has a reputation for developing NBA talent, with the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Derrick Rose, Tyrese Maxey, and more playing under him at the collegiate level.
Acuff Jr. recorded 28 points, three assists and three rebounds on Thursday as the Razorbacks lost 109-88 to Arizona, thus bringing their NCAA Tournament journey to an end. After the game, Calipari spoke highly of the guard.
“Pass on him, you’ll regret it,” Calipari said. “I said it about Maxey. I’ve said it about a bunch of guys. I said it about Shai: ‘You’re going to regret passing on this kid.’ And I know there are other good players, but this kid [Acuff] is unique.”
Speaking after Thursday’s loss, Calipari added to his comments on Acuff, calling him the “ultimate competitor.”
“(Acuff) was the ultimate competitor. He had a will to win and would make baskets because he wasn’t afraid to miss late in games,” Calipari said. “He and Meleek (Thomas) and the other guys, they set the stage for growth.”
Acuff led Arkansas to a 28-9 record, helping the team finish third in the SEC. He was named the SEC Player of the Year after averaging 23.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game, shooting 48.4% and 44.0% from 3-point range.
NBA Mock Draft predicts Darius Acuff Jr. to land with the Dallas Mavericks
According to multiple mocks of the 2026 NBA draft, Darius Acuff Jr. is predicted to be picked between No. 5 and No. 10. ESPN and USA Today have the Mavericks drafting Acuff to bolster their backcourt.
Acuff is a three-level scoring threat who can facilitate for his teammates and is also efficient in making his own shot and 3-point shooting. He averaged 30.2 points and 7.2 assists in five postseason games with Arkansas.
With Kyrie Irving, 33, recovering from an ACL tear, acquiring a starting guard would make sense for Dallas. Acuff Jr. could be a strong future asset next to last year’s No. 1 pick, Cooper Flagg.
The Utah Jazz, Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies are also expected to have a look at Acuff Jr due to his projected draft position.
Read More: Darius Acuff Jr. Joins NBA Comp Allen Iverson For Shaquille O’Neal’s Company
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