The basketball world is abuzz with anticipation as Darius Acuff Jr., the highly coveted No. 1 point guard in the class of 2025, was seen strutting his stuff at the prestigious Peach Jam, the EYBL’s Premier event this past weekend. All eyes were on Acuff as he showcased his skills, with top college coaches such as Kansas’ Bill Self, Michigan’s Dusty May, and Arkansas’ John Calipari closely monitoring his every move.
Acuff, who has narrowed down his choices to four elite programs, is expected to announce his decision following the conclusion of the Peach Jam. The 6-1 point guard’s finalist list includes powerhouse programs like Kansas, Michigan, Arkansas, and Connecticut. Tensions are running high as basketball enthusiasts eagerly wait to see which school Acuff will choose.
Renowned basketball analyst Joe Tipton of On3 has weighed in on the situation, suggesting that the battle for Acuff’s commitment will likely come down to Kansas and Arkansas. According to Tipton, the Razorbacks have ramped up their efforts in recruiting Acuff ever since Calipari took the helm of the program.
“The quicker a decision comes, the better it will be for Arkansas, which is seen as the favorite to land the Michigan-born guard despite very real looming threats from Kansas as well as the in-state Wolverines,” Tipton remarked.
Connecticut, on the other hand, seems to be on the outside looking in, as they are the only program that did not receive an official visit from Acuff. The talented guard visited Michigan on September 1, Kansas on April 18, and Arkansas on May 10, indicating his serious consideration of these schools.
Acuff, a Detroit native, made a name for himself during his time at Cass Technical before transferring to powerhouse program IMG Academy prior to last season. His impressive performances on the court have garnered him national recognition, as he was recently named to the Max Preps Juniors All-American Second Team.
The dynamic guard has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with, averaging 20.4 points and 5.5 assists for IMG Academy while leading them to a stellar 20-9 record and a No. 6 ranking in the country. Acuff’s scoring prowess was on full display in the Nike EYBL Scholastic Play, where he led all scorers with over 21 points per game.
Not content with just dominating the high school circuit, Acuff also shone on the international stage as a member of Team USA’s U18 squad. His standout performance in the FIBA Americup earned him MVP and All-Star Five honors, as he averaged 17.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in just under 25 minutes per game. In the Final against Argentina, Acuff was unstoppable, tallying 26 points on 11-18 shooting, along with 6 rebounds and 9 assists.
As the basketball world eagerly awaits Acuff’s decision, one thing is clear – whichever program lands this prodigious talent will have secured a game-changing player with the potential to make a significant impact at the collegiate level. Stay tuned as the saga of Darius Acuff’s recruitment unfolds, with Kansas, Michigan, Arkansas, and Connecticut all vying for his services.
