IMG Academy’s Darius Acuff on his relationship with Arkansas’ John Calipari

SPRINGFIELD ― For Arkansas commit Darius Acuff Jr., the choice to play below coach John Calipari was pushed by his relationship with the previous Kentucky head coach.

“Our relationship was huge, it wasn’t actually (something) to do with basketball,” Acuff mentioned. “I understand how (Calipari) is as a coach. (I’ve) been watching since I used to be a child, seeing all of the guards get into the (NBA) so for me it was actually (as a result of) I had the most effective relationship out of all of the coaches with him, that stood out essentially the most to me.”

The No. 7 ranked participant within the Class of 2025 competed on the 2025 Hoophall Traditional in Springfield on Friday as IMG Academy (FL) narrowly fell to Wasatch Academy (UT), 59-58.

Acuff Jr. had a team-high 18 factors and 7 assists for IMG Academy, however a chilly taking pictures night time dampened his sturdy efficiency.

“This was in all probability his worst offensive sport since his junior yr,” IMG Academy coach Sean McAloo mentioned. “He’s had a hell of a yr, I can’t assume the final time he has gone 0-8 from three, however only a good level guard, is aware of the best way to get guys photographs… He’s acquired a clutch gene within him, simply missed a pair at the moment that may have in all probability closed it out.

“Powerful child, offensively extraordinarily gifted… He’s taken a monument leap by way of simply progress, maturity, power, vitamin (and) psychological. It’s onerous to play at this stage once you are available in at 16 years outdated. Final yr, he had yr, however it wasn’t the place he wanted to be so far as every part else {that a} level guard does.”

Born and raised in Detroit, Acuff Jr. transferred to IMG Academy from Case Technical (MI) after his sophomore yr. Rising up, he witnessed a slew of guards who performed below the previous UMass coach enter and excel within the NBA, together with Derrick Rose, John Wall and De’Aron Fox.

“However primarily for me, I watched Tyler Ulis loads,” Acuff Jr. mentioned. “I really feel like (if) he was my peak, a bit taller, he would have been an issue (within the NBA). He was already an issue (at Kentucky)… I really feel like he simply ran the offense too effectively and I really feel like we performed a bit comparable.”

Acuff Jr. will likely be sharing the backcourt at Arkansas with one other top-ranked guard from this class, No. 9 ranked Meleek Thomas of Extra time Elite.

“I believe we’ll be good, we acquired good measurement, I really feel like we constructed for it, it’s why we (dedicated) there,” Acuff Jr. mentioned. “Simply go in there, show folks improper and win some video games.”