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Darius Acuff, the No. 9 player in the 2025 class, according to On3's Industry Rankings, will be heading to the Arkansas Razorbacks next season. The 6-foot-1 guard finished his high school basketball career at IMG Academy and was also a part of the Iverson Classic on Friday in Hampton, Virginia.
In an interview with Slam High School shared with highlights in an Instagram post on Tuesday, Acuff talked about Arkansas coach John Calipari and what he expects from him.
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“He knows my game. He just wants me to be more of a leader and everything will come with itself,” Acuff said.
Darius Acuff also discussed training in the ACC’s gym near his childhood home in Detroit. Rashad, the father of Acuff's uncle, has taken care of the gym since 2003.
“I was just in there every day working out," Acuff added. "Literally since I was around that age up to now, I’ve been working out there. It’s never changed. I’ve been working with my dad, uncle, all types of stuff. Even our AAU team when we were little, that’s where we practiced at. All the memories are definitely in that gym."
Why did Darius Acuff sign for Arkansas?
The point guard is ranked second in his position and third in Florida. He received interest from plenty of programs across the nation, including the Kansas Jayhawks, Michigan Wolverines, Houston Cougars and Alabama Crimson Tide.
However, he signed with the Razorbacks in July. The IMG Academy player also talked about the relationship he shared with coach John Calipari. ESPN's Jeff Borzello and Paul Biancardi shared Acuff's comments in an article on July 27.
"We have a great relationship. We have been tight for a year and half," Acuff said. "Growing up I knew what type of guard coach he was. He built the best relationship with me. He keeps it real. It's like he is already your coach when you speak with him. He has been there from the start. That was a separator.
"History speaks for itself. All the guards he has put in the league. I want to be part of that."
Darius Acuff will be joined by five-star shooting guard Meleek Thomas and four-star small forward Isaiah Sealy next season.
