- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Arkansas' Darius Acuff Eyeing No. 1 NBA Draft Pick
Razorbacks star guard emerges as potential top selection after standout season
Mar. 23, 2026 at 1:11am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Arkansas freshman guard Darius Acuff is making a strong case to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Acuff's impressive offensive production, efficiency, and floor leadership have made him one of the most discussed prospects in this year's draft cycle. While his defense has been a concern, Acuff has shown improvement in the postseason, raising his draft stock even further.
Why it matters
If Acuff were to be selected first overall, he would become the highest-drafted player in Arkansas Razorbacks basketball history, surpassing Sidney Moncrief who was picked 5th overall in 1979. Acuff's potential selection at the top of the draft would also highlight the program's ability to develop NBA-caliber talent under head coach John Calipari.
The details
Acuff, a 6'3" guard, has been a dominant scorer for the Razorbacks this season, averaging over 23 points and 7 assists per game. He has showcased an impressive offensive arsenal, shooting over 67% at the rim, 46% on floaters/runners, and 36% on pull-up jumpers. Acuff's ability to create his own shot and run an offense at a high level have made him a coveted prospect. While his defense has been a weakness, Acuff has shown improvement in that area during the postseason, raising his defensive rebound and steal percentages.
- Acuff averaged 30.2 points, 7.2 assists, 45.6% FG, and 48.6% 3PT over the previous 5 games of the SEC and NCAA Tournaments.
The players
Darius Acuff
A freshman guard for the Arkansas Razorbacks who has emerged as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
John Calipari
The head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, known for his ability to develop NBA-caliber talent.
Sidney Moncrief
The highest-drafted Arkansas Razorbacks player in program history, selected 5th overall in the 1979 NBA Draft.
What’s next
Acuff will look to continue his strong play in the upcoming NBA Draft, where he could potentially be selected as the No. 1 overall pick.
The takeaway
Darius Acuff's standout season for the Arkansas Razorbacks has put him firmly in the conversation to be the first name called at the 2026 NBA Draft. His elite offensive skills and potential defensive improvements have scouts and NBA teams intrigued by his ceiling as a franchise-changing guard.
