Arkansas freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. has declared for the 2026 NBA draft, announcing his decision on ESPN's "NBA Today." The 6-foot-3 point guard is currently projected as the No. 6 prospect in the draft by ESPN's Jeremy Woo, following a historic freshman season that saw him earn SEC Player of the Year honors and a spot on the AP All-America first team.

Acuff led the Razorbacks to the Sweet 16 this season while averaging 23.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. He shot 44% from three-point range and developed under coach John Calipari, who has a track record of developing lottery-pick point guards including Derrick Rose, John Wall, and De'Aaron Fox. Acuff specifically cited Calipari's success with guards as a factor in his decision to sign with Arkansas.

The rising star drew inspiration from NBA legend Allen Iverson, with whom he's formed a relationship in recent months. "When I first watched his highlights, I told my dad, 'This might be my new favorite player,'" Acuff said. "He always told me to just play every game like it's your last." Acuff envisions himself as a postseason standout at the next level, having watched the Lakers-Rockets playoff series with renewed perspective on the NBA's pace and intensity.