Darius Acuff Jr., the consensus No. 1 point guard in the class of 2025, was at the Peach Jam, the EYBL’s Premier event this weekend, where he was closely monitored by Kansas’ Bill Self, Michigan’s Dusty May, and Arkansas’ John Calipari. Acuff is down to four schools and is expected to make a decision following the Peach Jam. Connecticut is the other program on the 6-1 point guard’s finalist list.
Joe Tipton of On3 believes that Acuff’s decision will ultimately come down to Kansas and Arkansas. The Razorbacks really got serious about him since Calipari took over the program.
Top 2025 Point Guard Prospect Is Nearing Decision As He Is Choosing Between 4 Schools
“Acuff has been trending toward landing at Arkansas since John Calipari took the reins of the program back in April,” Rivals Basketball Recruiting Director Rob Cassidy said. “Now it seems the five-star college recruitment could be in its final days, as rumblings about a possible July decision have begun. There’s been no official word from Acuff or his camp about a decision date, but it certainly feels like things are trending in that direction.”
“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.”
Connecticut appears to be the odd team out, as the Huskies are the only program that does not receive an official visit. He visited Michigan on September 1, Kansas on April 18, and Arkansas on May 10.
Who Is Darius Acuff?
The Detroit (MI) native played his first two prep seasons at Cass Technology before transferring to IMG Academy before last season. He was named to the Max Preps Juniors All-American Second Team this past season, averaging 20.4 points and 5.5 assists for IMG Academy while leading them to a 20-9 record and No. 6 ranking in the country.
Acuff, the leading scorer in Nike EYBL Scholastic Play at over 21 points a game, was also a member of Team USA’s U18 gold medal FIBA Americup. Acuff was the top performer during the tournament, earning MVP and All-Star Five honors. He averaged 17.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 24.2 minutes. He recorded 26 points (11-18 FG), 6 rebounds, and 9 assists in the Final against Argentina.
Acuff is a consensus five-star recruit and the No. 8 consensus prospect overall. He is given five stars and listed in the top-10 ratings of ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports, with 247Sports ranking him No. 4. On3 has him the lowest of the four recruiting services at No. 18 overall and four-stars.
Here is what 247Sports Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein said about Acuff’s game:
“Acuff is the most dominant and dynamic lead guard in the class, who plays with outward confidence. He controls the offensive end of the floor with the ball in his hands and has a variety of versatile tools at his disposal. Firstly, he’s cut-up and powerful with long arms (a +4.5 inch wingspan). So, when he drops his body to attack, he can absorb contact without getting pushed off his line, whether that be in the open floor or half-court.
That contributes to his ability to dictate his own pace and avoid getting sped up. He’s got a good early feel for how to play pick-and-roll, and loves to both change his angle right before reaching the screen and also split those defenders just when coming off. He’ll attack hard in the open floor and can really get downhill with his increasing power and sheer force.
As Acuff has sculpted his frame, he’s simultaneously become more explosive and improved his first-step, but it’s often his second-move, or counter, that is especially lethal. He’s got a lot of different options when he goes through his legs mid-drive and has even become adept at adding a burst of speed, and accelerating, in the midst of his attack.
Inside the lane he has a full assortment of scoring options including crafty wrong-footed finishes, complete use of both hands at the rim, and good range on his runner. He is also a tough shot-maker and improving overall shooter who is equally dangerous off the catch or dribble, and doesn’t need much separation to get his shot off.
Acuff is most effective when he’s making those around him better and asserting himself as efficiently as possible. He has good vision and is a talented passer, but like many young scoring lead guards, he can sometimes dominate the ball and settle for unnecessarily tough shots. Defensively, his physicality and competitiveness should be long-term assets, while he gradually seems to be getting a little looser in his hips.”
Looking at The Schools Who Are Considered The Favorites For Acuff
Here is a look at Michigan, Kansas, and Arkansas. Acuff previously gave his thoughts to On3 about each of the three schools.
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan was thought to be the leader for Acuff’s services before the Wolverines fired Juwan Howard. The Wolverines do not have any commitments for 2025. But the Wolverines do have three point guards on the roster for 2025, with Auburn transfer Tre Donaldson being the best of the trio. Next season will be Donaldson’s senior year.
Acuff would start for the Wolverines immediately unless Donaldson has a big year in 2024-25.
“It felt like home there. Coach (Juwan) Howard is my dog. He is like a lost uncle. It was sad to see him leave, but they have a great coach there now. One of the first things Coach (Dusty) May said to me when he called was, ‘We hoop over here.’ It was a great conversation we had, he is a good guy, a basketball head for sure. He is trying to get the program back to its winning way and bring what he built at FAU to Michigan.”
Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas could also use a point guard for the future. The Jayhawks project to have Elmarko Jackson, who will be a junior next season, but nobody else. Jackson, a top-20 consensus recruit, made 17 starts and 34 appearances a year ago. However, he struggled last season. KU doesn’t have a commitment for 2025.
“Bill Self is a savage, man, that is my dog. It was a great visit overall. They felt like family there. It is a different atmosphere there. I went there for an unofficial visit too, I went for a game. So I’ve been to Kansas twice. That atmosphere there is the best in college basketball, it was great to see. I talk to the staff all the time. Coach (Kurtis) Townsend, and Coach Self, I talk to them all. Our relationship has grown a lot.”
Arkansas Razorbacks
Arkansas backcourt appears to be the fullest for next year, but it is the age of the transfer portal so things change quickly. Kentucky transfer DJ Wagner could head to the NBA after a strong season this year, and Boogie Fland, the No. 20 recruit in 2024, is listed as a combo guard.
“Coach (John) Calipari treats you like family. He welcomed me in on my visit (to Kentucky) like he knew me already. It was a great visit overall. I really enjoyed it and I am looking forward to visiting them again at Arkansas. They like my aggressiveness. He says he likes how I am able to get downhill, my pace, and my attitude for the game. They see that I just love the game so much and I just want to win.”
