Human Highlight Reel – Darius Acuff is Still The Exact Same Player America Fell in Love With in College and It's Delightful To Watch
I always appreciate it when a player goes from college to the pros and is still the exact player everybody fell in love with in college. Darius Acuff Jr. might not be winning games the way he was in college. I suppose that "matters" on some level. But America fell in love with the basketball stylings of Arkansas Freshman Darius Acuff last season. Specifically in March (when people start watching college basketball). He had the look of a '90s throwback. He looked and played the way I would create a player in a video game. By that I mean, he reminded everyone of Allen Iverson. He even signed a signature shoe deal with Reebok. The first player ever to sign one while still in college.
In the NBA, he was drafted 7th overall by the Sacramento Kings. Most players, even some of the greats, take a little time to feel comfortable in the league. Not every head coach gives his rookie point guard the GREENEST of lights and lets him run the show from day one. But not every player has the benefit (or misfortune, depending on how you look at it) of being drafted by the Sacramento Kings. Kings Head Coach Doug Christie seemingly said, "Remember what you did in college, young man? Change nothing. In fact, shoot the ball EVEN HARDER."
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Darius Acuff Jr.'s game-by-game stats in last year's SEC + NCAA Tournament
Darius Acuff Jr.'s game-by-game stats through his first 7 NBA games
You might notice his shooting percentages were a little rough to get going in the NBA, but it sure as hell wasn't for lack of effort. Every time Darius Acuff steps on the court, it's his game. Don't get me wrong, the Kings are very much NOT winning these games. They finally picked up their first W over Dallas last night. The team is now 1-6. But Darius Acuff Jr. is still a god damn highlight reel every night. Even if he sometimes builds a house of bricks along the way.
I love what the Kings are doing. I don't know if it's "good basketball". It's certainly not winning basketball. But the Kings know they're not a threat to do anything this season. They drafted Darius Acuff hoping he'd be the future. They're going to give him a chance to play his game to the fullest. Wins be damned. Get your shots up, kid. Get comfortable. Darius Acuff Jr. is still only 19 years old. Maybe he'll develop into a winner someday. If not, at least it will be fun to watch.