Arkansas Coach John Calipari calls out lack of hype for star guard

As the postseason spotlight grows brighter, so does the conversation around individual accolades. And according to John Calipari, that conversation isn’t giving Darius Acuff Jr. nearly enough respect. The Arkansas star guard has been putting together a season of elite-level performance, consistently leading the Razorbacks on both ends of the floor. From scoring outbursts to clutch playmaking and relentless minutes, Acuff has proven he can carry a team when it matters most.

Yet despite his production and leadership, Calipari believes the national narrative hasn’t fully caught up to just how dominant his guard has been this season.

Darius Acuff Jr. Deserves More Recognition for His Play and Toughness

Following another dominant stretch from his star guard, Calipari didn’t hold back.

“I'm a little disappointed, why isn't he in the National Player of the Year equation?... He's doing things in the guts of games. And he's playing when he could probably take some games off. He's playing anyway.”

Calipari going to bat for his players is nothing new. He’s built a Hall of Fame career advocating for his guys. But this time, he might have a particularly strong case.

Acuff isn’t just putting up numbers sparingly. He’s elevating them and getting better each game.

The Arkansas guard has scored 20+ points in nine straight games, taking over contests as a scorer while maintaining complete command of the offense. What separates him from typical high-volume guards is efficiency and control.

He’s shooting 49.9% from the field and 43% from three-point range, elite marks for a high-usage perimeter player. He’s averaging 6.2 assists per game (19th nationally and first in the SEC) while committing just 1.9 turnovers in 34.7 minutes per night.

That’s not reckless scoring.

That’s surgical production.

Acuff Jr. Proving He's Different While Leading the Razorbacks

What makes Acuff’s surge even more impressive is the context.

He’s been doing all of this on a banged-up ankle.

In fact, he was reportedly in a walking boot just two days before Arkansas’ double-overtime thriller against Alabama, a 117–115 loss in which Acuff played all 50 minutes and erupted for a season-high 49 points.

No load management.
No excuses.
No dip in production.

While many players would sit or limit minutes, Acuff has leaned in. Calipari’s comment about “playing when he could probably take some games off” wasn’t coach-speak, it was reality that many other players would've taken up.

That mentality is part of what sets him apart. There’s a toughness and internal drive that can’t be taught. Teammates feed off it. Coaches trust it. And opponents fear it.

Calipari’s frustration centers around one thing: why isn’t Acuff firmly planted in the National Player of the Year discussion?

Fortunately for Arkansas fans, he’s not alone in that belief.

College basketball analyst Casey Jacobsen currently has Acuff ranked No. 3 on his latest Player of the Year Ladder, trailing only Cameron Boozer of Duke Blue Devils and AJ Dybantsa of BYU Cougars.

That’s elite company.

Acuff’s development throughout the season has been undeniable. Each month has brought a new layer: better decision-making, tighter handle, deeper range, stronger late-game command. What began as a promising freshman campaign has transformed into a full-blown star turn.

If Arkansas makes a deep run in the SEC Tournament and carries momentum into March Madness, the spotlight will only intensify. And if Acuff continues producing at this level of efficiency and fearlessness, the National Player of the Year conversation may shift from “why isn’t he in it?” to “how could he not win it?”