Darius Acuff had a standout freshman year at Arkansas, earning an endorsement from Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis. As the most recognized Arkansas alum in the NBA and a former champion, Portis’ praise for the young player’s transition to the next level carries influence.
Acuff averaged 23.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.4 assists while shooting 48.4% from the field and 44.0% from the 3-point line, leading the Razorbacks to the Sweet 16 this season before falling to top-seeded Arizona, where he scored 28 points. His performance followed a 36-point effort against High Point in the Round of 32.
His best performance arguably was in the finals of the 2026 SEC Tournament, when he scored 30 points and recorded 11 assists in an 86-75 win over Vanderbilt.
Bobby Portis Calls Darius Acuff ‘A Generational Talent’
Portis appeared on the “Run It Back NBA Show” on FanDuel TV with Michelle Beadle, Chandler Parsons, and Lou Williams. He talked about watching Acuff, the 2026 Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, grow not only into a top player nationally but also into a leader under head coach John Calipari. Portis also enjoys Acuff’s even-keeled yet confident approach to basketball.
“Acuff is a special talent, man. A generational type of guard in my opinion,” Portis said. “One of the best to ever put on a Hog jersey, so it’s been fun to watch him all season, seeing him get better and take charge of the team. I like how he gets swaggy, how confident he is, and how he just stays even-keeled throughout the entire game. He’s going to have a hell of a career in the NBA.”
Portis Puts Acuff in Elite Company
Portis, who is an 11-year NBA veteran, made a bold claim for the rising star who will be a lottery pick in June’s draft by saying that he is one of the best players to ever play at Arkansas after one full season. He could make his own claim that both players are among only four in Arkansas school history to win the SEC Player of the Year.
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They join Corliss Williamson and Mason Jones, with Williamson earning that honor in back-to-back seasons in 1994-1995, as well as leading the Hogs to their only national championship in 1994.
Acuff, however, is a special talent, and Portis, scouts, and members of the media see it as well. If he continues his upward trajectory, Portis will be proven right in elevating Acuff to elite status in program history.
