Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. has begun conducting team workouts ahead of the 2026 NBA draft, and the projected lottery pick believes the experience has been valuable.
Acuff was a consensus first-team All-American, averaging 23.5 points, 6.4 assists and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 44% from 3-point range. He ranked third in the country in points (845) and seventh in assists (232), both of which were single-season program records.
The 6-foot-3 guard reportedly worked out with the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls last week and has others scheduled, including with the Milwaukee Bucks and Utah Jazz. He said on the “Draymond Green Show” that he is gaining useful information during those visits.
You got to be in shape. The first workout was crazy, I ain’t going to lie. I’m in there huffin’, I’m gassed. It is crazy. I’m in there by myself, doing 1-on-0, but it is a different type of environment. Just takin’ all of the knowledge from the NBA, that has been the best part for me. I think in this whole process, I’ve been learning how to ask more questions. … We’re coming from college; we’re young, we’re freshmen, we want to know how it goes. I think the best part is the knowledge I receive from each team and seeing how the NBA works.
You got to be in shape. The first workout was crazy, I ain’t going to lie. I’m in there huffin’, I’m gassed. It is crazy. I’m in there by myself, doing 1-on-0, but it is a different type of environment. Just takin’ all of the knowledge from the NBA, that has been the best part for me. I think in this whole process, I’ve been learning how to ask more questions. … We’re coming from college; we’re young, we’re freshmen, we want to know how it goes. I think the best part is the knowledge I receive from each team and seeing how the NBA works.
Acuff, who was the SEC Player of the Year, joined Pete Maravich as the only players in history to lead the conference in points and assists in the same season. He was the only Division I player last season to average at least 20 points and six assists.
The Bob Cousy Award winner is highly touted because of his scoring and ability as a lead guard who can create for himself and get others involved. He has a quick shot and isn’t afraid to pull up from deep, while he was also effective in penetrating the paint.
Acuff is projected to be drafted in the 4-8 range and will likely visit with most of the teams selecting in the lottery. He should garner plenty of interest from those organizations as a prospect who has the potential to be a franchise-changing player.
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