Razorbacks’ Guard Darius Acuff Selected No. 7 Overall in 2026 NBA Draft

BROOKLYN – Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff is the first of three Razorbacks off the board in the 2026 NBA Draft Tuesday night when he was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the No. 7 overall pick in the first round.

Acuff’s selection makes him the highest drafted player from Arkansas since 2023 when Anthony Black went No. 6 overall to the Orlando Magic.

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He went into the night projected to be the first player from the Hogs taken following a phenomenal freshman year that saw him earn first team All-American honors, SEC Player of the Year, league freshman of the year, and SEC Tournament Most Valuable Player.

Likely his biggest accomplishment was becoming the first player to lead the SEC in points and assists since Pete Maravich in 1970.

Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) reacts after a basket during the first half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Humphrey Coliseum. | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

As a freshman, Acuff averaged over 24 points, six assists and three rebounds on 48% shooting from the field, 44% from three and 81% from free throw line.

His knack as a bucket getter and facilitator lifted the Razorbacks to a different level in the postseason by averaging an astonishing 30 points, seven assists and one steal across six postseason tournament games.

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He led Arkansas to a victory over Vanderbilt for the SEC Tournament Championship and back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances.

Arguably his best performance of the season came in a double-overtime classic in Tuscaloosa against Alabama when he dropped 49 points on 16-of-27 from the floor, 6-of-10 from three and 11-of-12 from the free throw line. He also contributed with five rebounds, five assists and only one turnover in 50 minutes.

And don’t forget, the 6-foot-2, 186 pound point guard did all of that on a bum ankle he sustained against Aubrn just four days prior.

During a media appearance on ESPN last week, Calipari made sure to warn NBA teams they will regret passing on superstar point…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/razorbacks-guard-darius-acuff-selected-004714273.html

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Publish date : 2026-06-24 00:47:00

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