Darius Acuff Jr. aims to follow Jalen Brunson's NBA path in 2026

Darius Acuff Jr. seeks to become a standout point guard in the NBA, following Jalen Brunson's footsteps as a skilled undersized player.

Point guard with big dreams As Jalen Brunson attempts to lead the New York Knicks to their first NBA title in half a century, another point guard is chasing a similar dream of becoming an All-Star despite his stature. Darius Acuff Jr., who grew up admiring Allen Iverson and Stephon Marbury, wants to leave his own mark on the league. "We feel like we can go out there and play against anybody," Acuff said, reflecting on Brunson’s success. He aims to replicate that level of performance, inspired by the 6-foot-2 guard’s achievements. ## Undersized but overflowing with talent Acuff, who measured 6-foot-2 without shoes at the May combine, hopes to shatter expectations for smaller guards. He became the first player since Pete Maravich in the late 1960s to lead the SEC in both scoring (23.5 PPG) and assists (6.4 APG) during his single season at Arkansas. His all-around game, including shooting, playmaking, and ball-handling, catapulted his draft stock from mid-first round to the top five. Despite weighing just 186 pounds with a 6-foot-7 wingspan, he plays with the intensity of a much larger athlete. ## Learning from past models Brunson entered the league nearly a decade ago as a second-round pick with two NCAA titles but quickly became an All-Star and a key contributor for the Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks. Acuff now has Brunson as a blueprint for navigating the early challenges of his career. If Acuff succeeds, he could further cement the possibility of undersized, high-IQ point guards thriving in the modern NBA. "I think Acuff can open some eyes in the NBA," a Western Conference scout noted. ## Early season standout performances Before Arkansas’ season began, Acuff targeted games against top prospects to prove himself. In late November, he scored 21 points on 4-of-8 shooting from three in a comeback attempt against Duke. Shortly after, he posted 17 points and 10 assists in a win over Louisville. In January, he dropped 29 points against Tennessee, more than doubling their top scorer’s output. By mid-February, Acuff exploded for 49 points in a double-overtime loss to Alabama, showcasing his offensive firepower despite the team’s defeat. ## The rise in draft projections Acuff’s performances translated into rising draft stock, with evaluators focusing more on his skill than his size. His elite shooting at 44% from three-point range made him a standout. "The basketball world is starting to rotate back to the point guard, and I think the NBA needs that type of guard back," said his manager and mentor, Rashad Phillips. He noted how teams often lack true floor generals, comparing the NBA’s situation to football without quarterbacks. Acuff debuted at No. 12 in the first ESPN mock draft for 2026. ## Defying size expectations Acuff’s draft value is complicated by the NBA’s recent preference for taller prospects. Since 2016, only 11 of 30 players 6-foot-3 or shorter were selected in the top 10. Among the 434 current NBA players, just 52 are 6-foot-2 or shorter. Yet Acuff’s versatility could make him a valuable addition. "For a guard like Acuff, he has the ability to get in the paint as well as punish defenses from the perimeter," an Eastern Conference executive said. His ability to shoot threes off the dribble is a prized skill for smaller guards. ## Balancing offense and defense While Acuff’s offensive talents are undeniable, his defensive challenges are a concern. "I think he's going to be challenged defensively and he's going to have to accept and embrace that challenge if he wants to be at the highest level," a Western Conference executive cautioned. Despite this, his scoring and playmaking abilities make him a rare prospect. "Those guys are hard to find. When you can do all those things and score the way that he can, an offensive hub in the NBA is not an easy thing to find." ## Adapting to a changing league The NBA has evolved into a positionless game where creators are valued over traditional roles. Even centers like Victor Wembanyama now handle the ball more than past big men. "It's become so much more of a positionless game, especially on the perimeter," an Eastern Conference executive explained. "You're asking yourself, 'Who are your creators?' Most of the time, you don't find a point guard in the truest sense." Many players now pitch themselves as stabilizers rather than stars. ## Calipari’s point guard legacy Acuff’s mentality and leadership reflect the qualities of Calipari-coached point guards like Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, and De'Aaron Fox. When Calipari called Acuff one of the best he has ever coached, he highlighted his maturity, body language, and competitive spirit. "You look at him now, he's like all the best players that I've coached," Calipari said ahead of the Sweet 16. Acuff’s resilience is evident, as he once played through an injured toe in a walking boot to avoid missing practice. ## Overcoming draft skepticism The NBA’s history of undervaluing skilled but undersized players looms over Acuff. In 2009, two point guards were picked ahead of Steph Curry, who also measured 6-foot-2 without shoes. Many decision-makers who passed on Brunson in 2018 will now face similar scrutiny over Acuff. Measurements don’t always tell the full story, though. Biomechanical analysis at P3 Peak Performance suggested Acuff moves like a taller player. "Based on everything that we've seen from Darius, I'm confident that he's going to play bigger than his height suggests," said Eric Leidersdorf, head of research and development at P3. ## The complete package Acuff enters the 2026 NBA draft with an impressive resume: All-American, SEC Player of the Year, and the first NCAA men’s athlete to sign a signature shoe deal with a major U.S. brand (Reebok) while still in college. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and leadership makes him a coveted prospect. "They're getting a great player, a winning player," Acuff said. "I'm going to do everything for the team to win. Whatever they need me to do, I'm going to do it."