Appearing on Wednesday’s episode of NBA Today on ESPN, Arkansas freshman guard Darius Acuff told host Malika Andrews that he has decided to declare for the 2026 NBA draft (Twitter video link).
The announcement comes as no surprise, given that Acuff is widely expected to be a top-10 pick in June. He’s ranked sixth overall on ESPN’s big board and shows up at No. 5 in the latest mock draft from Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report.
A 6’3″ guard, Acuff started all 36 games he played as a freshman in 2025/26 and led the SEC with 23.5 points and 6.4 assists in 35.1 minutes per contest. He also pulled down 3.1 rebounds per game and posted an excellent shooting line of .484/.440/.809.
The 19-year-old’s standout season, which included a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA tournament, earned him several year-end honors, including the SEC Player of the Year award and a consensus first-team All-American nod.
As ESPN’s Jeremy Woo observes, NBA scouts and executives have some concerns about Acuff’s defense, due in part to his size. However, he’s a dynamic offensive player who handles the ball well, creates – and makes – his own shots, and is a savvy finisher and play-maker.
Arkansas head coach John Calipari believes NBA teams are underrating Acuff. He has stated that Acuff is as talented as any freshman guard he has ever coached and told Marc J. Spears of Andscape last month that clubs who pass on the Razorbacks star will “regret it.”
“I said it about Tyrese (Maxey). I’ve said it about a bunch of guys,” Calipari said. “I said it about Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander): ‘You’re going to regret passing on this kid.’ And I know there are other good players, but this kid (Acuff) is unique.”
College underclassmen who want to go pro or simply test the NBA draft waters have until the end of this Friday to file their paperwork. Our early entrant tracker can be found right here.
I really like this kid game…
Ditto. He’s a killer.
I also think Kingston Flemings is a sure thing. Have you seen him?
They say he’s the next AI ….. offensively as good as anyone. Also a top ball-handler. Has potential to be a star. Could he go 4 is The question.
If Nets get the 4th pick imo they will take Acuff.
Grizz get the 4th pick they will take Acuff.
I think Kings rather Wagler over Acuff.
And if Clippers get 5th pick. They don’t need a guard. Better off trading down for bigs. Can get multiple picks.
Future Sacramento King. His defense is horrendous though