NBA star and social media erupts after Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr.’s breakout

Darius Acuff’s name is ringing louder than ever across the college basketball world.

The star freshman exploded for 49 points in a double-overtime thriller against the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball, nearly willing his team to victory in what ultimately ended as a heartbreaking loss. While the Razorbacks didn’t walk away with the win, Acuff walked away with something just as significant, national attention whether he likes it or not.

Trae Young Weighs In on Darius Acuff Jr.’s Rise

Social media lit up as fans, analysts, and players around the country reacted to one of the most electric performances of the season. Among those taking notice was current NBA All-Star Trae Young, who posted on X: “Darius Acuff one of them next ones! Head up killa!”

That’s not casual praise. That’s recognition from a player who competes against the best in the world every night in the NBA. For Young to publicly stamp Acuff as “next up” speaks volumes. It signals that this isn’t just a hot stretch or viral moment, it’s the emergence of a future star.

Acuff’s 49-point masterpiece showcased the full arsenal. He scored at all three levels, shot lights out from the field, and displayed the kind of elite shot-making ability that translates beyond college. But what continues to separate him isn’t just scoring. It’s his playmaking. Time and again, he creates for teammates, manipulates defenses, and controls tempo like a veteran, rare traits for a freshman playing in the grind of the SEC, widely regarded as one of the toughest conferences in the country.

Before the season, scouts questioned his physical profile. Could he hold up? Would his frame limit him? Those concerns are fading fast. Night after night, Acuff has answered them with production, poise, and dominance against high-level competition. He’s developing on the fly, and the growth is visible with each passing game.

Under head coach John Calipari, there's been a theme of wherever he coaches one-and-done stars and lottery talents typically transpire. Acuff appears poised to be the next name in that lineage.

At this point, it feels increasingly inevitable that he’ll hear his name called early in the draft after just one season in Fayetteville. His draft stock is climbing by the week, not because of hype alone, but because of tangible improvement and big-game performances like the one against Alabama.

Hog Nation would be wise to savor every moment. Each game from here on out is potentially one of the last chances to watch Acuff in an Arkansas uniform. If this is just the beginning, the rest of the country, and soon the NBA, better get ready.