Position: PG/SG | Size: 6’3″, 190 lbs | Age: 19
Current Mock Draft Position: No. 6
Previous Mock Draft Position: No. 8
Darius Acuff Jr. just powered Arkansas to three wins in the SEC tournament, averaging 30.3 points and 7.7 assists. He was in takeover mode from start to finish, with offense running through blow-by driving ability, self-creation, tough shotmaking and sound decision-making.
The late-game execution we’ve seen all year has carried over into the postseason. The reliable and clutch play at the end of clocks and games highlights intangibles that can sway scouts to buy the person behind the player and look past historically worrisome details about size or analytics.
The numbers and tape show clear expertise when it comes to ball-handling, footwork, shooting (50.5 percent off the catch, 39.5 percent off the dribble), floater touch (47.9 percent) and playmaking (32.2 assist percentage, 10.0 turnover percentage). Even his finishing adjustments have worked well, despite him having to play mostly below the rim.
And still, it’s the poise and maturity as a No. 1 option that could persuade teams to draft a 6’3″ ball-handler over the bigger guards.
