Arkansas may have found its next superstar and possibly its next first-round NBA Draft pick. Freshman point guard Darius Acuff Jr. delivered the biggest performance of his young career on Wednesday night, leading No. 25 Arkansas (6–2) to an 89–80 win over No. 6 Louisville in the SEC/ACC Challenge.
In a game filled with momentum swings, pressure, and high-level guard play, Acuff rose to the moment. The freshman phenom finished with 17 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds, recording the first double-double of his college career. Eleven of his points came in the second half as Louisville attempted to surge back into the game, a stretch that showcased why NBA scouts are already circling his name.
Darius Acuff vs Mikel Brown
Arkansas never trailed in the contest, but Louisville made three separate pushes to trim an 18-point halftime deficit to just five. Each time, Acuff answered.
Matched up with Louisville’s own highly touted freshman guard Mikel Brown, who scored 22 points (16 in the second half), the two traded shots and playmaking like veteran pros. For nearly a full minute, the game turned into a one-on-one duel: Brown scored at the rim, Acuff came off a ball screen and delivered a response. Again and again.
Both guards are already viewed as potential lottery prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft, but this time, Acuff’s all-around impact proved greater.
Even on a less efficient shooting night, 0-4 from three and 6-18 from the field, Acuff controlled the flow, made plays, and dictated tempo. Brown scored more, but Acuff won the matchup with his passing, composure, defensive communication, and command of the offense.
A Mature Offensive Profile Beyond His Years
What separates Acuff from typical freshmen isn’t just his scoring ability or flashy passes, it’s his discipline.
Even though his shooting numbers weren’t elite in this game, Acuff’s shot selection continues to impress evaluators. He rarely forces contested threes early in the clock, rarely takes a bad pull-up, and consistently reads the defense before deciding to attack, pass, or reset.
His early-season efficiency from deep has looked sustainable because it stems from:
- Balanced mechanics
- Smart decision-making
- Patience within the offense
- Understanding when to attack downhill
This performance was an exception, not the rule, and even in an inefficient game, he impacted winning in nearly every category.
Defensive IQ With Room to Grow
Defense remains the biggest question mark in Acuff’s long-term projection. He’s engaged, vocal, and has a high motor, often pointing out matchups and communicating switches even when the play isn’t centered on him.
Arkansas head coach John Calipari emphasized that Acuff is only scratching the surface: And that’s the scary part, Acuff is already this good with so much left he can improve upon. Who better to get the most out of his potential than legend Coach Cal.
NBA Draft Outlook: Rising Fast
NBA scouts love guards who can:
- Create advantages
- Shoot with discipline
- Control games in crunch time
- Play physical despite being underclassmen
Acuff checks all of these boxes. Performances like this; on national TV, against a top-10 team, with another elite freshman on the floor, carry real weight in NBA evaluations.
He showed:
- Leadership
- Poise under pressure
- Playmaking versatility
- Rebounding toughness
Acuff isn’t just a high-upside freshman, he’s already producing like an NBA-caliber guard. He's also showing the ability to play within the system. He gets his teammates involved and plays well sharing the scoring wealth which is harder for star freshman since they were usually the go-to guy in high school.
After tough close losses to Michigan State and Duke, Arkansas badly needed a breakthrough performance. Acuff delivered it. His composure late in the game helped seal a win that will boost Arkansas’ résumé and confidence as the brutal non-conference slate continues.
If this is only the beginning, Arkansas may have landed the next elite SEC point guard and a future first-round pick who’s already turning heads across the country.