Fayetteville, Ark. — Arkansas freshman standout Darius Acuff Jr. announced Wednesday, April 22, 2026, on ESPN’s “NBA Today” that he is declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft.
ESPN draft analyst Jeremy Woo currently lists the 6-foot-3 point guard as the No. 6 overall prospect.
“First, I want to thank God and my family,” Acuff said on the broadcast. “I want to thank all of the coaches I’ve had and every teammate. With that being said, I’m declaring for the 2026 NBA draft.”
Record-setting freshman season
Acuff captured SEC Player of the Year honors and earned a spot on The Associated Press All-America first team after averaging 23.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists while shooting 44% from three-point range. His play guided the Razorbacks to the Sweet 16.
Eye on the postseason
The Detroit native attended Game 2 of the Los Angeles Lakers–Houston Rockets first-round playoff series Tuesday night. “I see myself there, for sure,” he said of competing in the NBA playoffs. “It’s a faster game and teams play harder for a championship.”
Calipari pipeline and Iverson influence
Head coach John Calipari’s history of producing elite point guards—Derrick Rose (2008 No. 1 pick), John Wall (2010 No. 1), Brandin Knight, De’Aaron Fox and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—all drafted in the lottery, factored into Acuff’s decision to join Arkansas.
Acuff also credits Hall of Famer Allen Iverson for inspiring his style. “When I first watched his highlights, I told my dad, ‘This might be my new favorite player,’” he said, noting their relationship and Iverson’s advice to “play every game like it’s your last.”
Acuff now begins preparations for the NBA’s pre-draft process, aiming to solidify his status as a lottery selection.
Source: ESPN
