Darius Acuff Jr.'s Rise from Detroit to College Stardom Darius Acuff Jr.'s talent, now on full display as he led Arkansas to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, has been evident since his early days in basketball. Growing up in Detroit, where his father and uncles were standout players, Acuff was immersed in the sport from a young age. His journey from a small-town standout to a college basketball sensation has been marked by rapid growth, exceptional skill, and a relentless drive to excel. Acuff’s rise began in the Detroit Public School League, where he quickly became a dominant force. As a freshman at Cass Tech, he averaged 16 points per game for a team that reached the Division 1 quarterfinals. His growth spurt before his sophomore season saw him shoot up to 5 feet 11, and by the time he was 6 feet 2, he was already considered one of the best players in the state. In 2023, he led Cass Tech to its first state championship, averaging 21.4 points and 5.7 assists while playing alongside his childhood friend, Trey McKenney. After his high school success, Acuff transferred to IMG Academy in Florida to compete against top-tier talent. During his final two seasons there, he continued to refine his game, earning recognition as a national prospect. His decision to commit to Arkansas in 2024 was influenced by the opportunity to learn from coach John Calipari, a mentor to several NBA stars. At Arkansas, Acuff has been a cornerstone of the team’s success, averaging 23.3 points and 6.5 assists per game while shooting 48.6% from the field and 44.6% from three-point range. His performance has earned him SEC Player of the Year honors, first-team All-American status, and a signature shoe deal with Reebok. Hall of Famer Allen Iverson has called him “the next HIM,” highlighting his impact on the court.#arkansas #darius_acuff_jr #john_calipari #cass_tech #steve_hall
