Arkansas Freshman Darius Acuff Enters 2026 NBA Draft
darius-acuff-declares-for-2026-nba-draft
Arkansas guard Darius Acuff announced Wednesday on ESPN’s “NBA Today” that he will declare for the 2026 NBA Draft.
The 19-year-old freshman is projected as a lottery selection. ESPN ranks him No. 6 on its big board, while Bleacher Report places him fifth in its latest mock draft.
Acuff started all 36 games for the Razorbacks during the 2025-26 season, averaging an SEC-best 23.5 points along with 6.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds and shooting splits of 48.4% from the field, 44.0% from three and 80.9% at the foul line. His play helped Arkansas reach the Sweet 16 and earned him SEC Player of the Year honors as well as a consensus first-team All-American selection.
Despite questions from scouts about his defense at 6’3”, evaluators praise Acuff’s ball-handling, shot creation and finishing ability. Arkansas head coach John Calipari has compared Acuff’s talent to former college standouts Tyrese Maxey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, telling Andscape last month that teams passing on the guard “will regret it.”
Underclassmen have until Friday to file draft paperwork if they wish to enter or test the process.
Source: Hoops Rumors
