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22 hours ago
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In a 2026 NBA draft class headlined by names like Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and AJ Dybantsa, Darius Acuff Jr. might not have a realistic shot at becoming the No. 1 pick, but he could end up one of the most impactful.
Acuff, a six-foot-three lead guard committed to Arkansas, has the tools, scoring pedigree, and long-term polish to rise into the top tier of this stacked group and potentially become the next Razorback success story in a recent run of NBA-bound guards.
Over the past five years, Arkansas has become a quiet factory for NBA guards. The 2023 draft alone saw three Razorbacks (Anthony Black, Nick Smith Jr., and Jordan Walsh) hear their names called.
Before them, players like Moses Moody, Isaiah Joe, and Patrick Beverley paved the way.
Acuff is now poised to carry that tradition forward with a mix of scoring versatility, physical strength, and developing playmaking instincts that should translate seamlessly from IMG Academy to Bud Walton Arena and eventually to the league.
Acuff’s production speaks for itself. He was among the most prolific shooters in the EYBL, knocking down over 35% of his threes on high volume and converting free throws at an elite clip.
His 21.3 points per game led the EYBL Scholastic league in 2023-24, and he consistently finds ways to get buckets at all three levels. He’s also improved as a passer, especially in his senior year, showing more willingness to make basic reads and use his gravity to find cutters and shooters.
But if Acuff is going to climb into the same tier as Peterson, Boozer, or Dybantsa — arguably three of the most polished, NBA-ready prep stars in years — he’ll need to sharpen a few things. Fine-tuning his rim finishing against elite length, improving his decision-making, and reducing his turnovers will be key.
Still, the foundation is rock solid. His physicality, scoring instincts, and growing feel give him a real chance to be the first point guard off the board in a loaded class.
If Acuff continues to trend upward at Arkansas, he could not only become the next Razorback to make the leap but also challenge the top names in the 2026 draft.
He might not have the hype yet, but he has the game and the resume to crash the party.
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