John Calipari says Darius Acuff Jr. can become the face of the Kings
John Calipari believes Kings rookie Darius Acuff is ready for the NBA and says Sacramento fans will quickly fall in love with the dynamic guard.
Watch: Coach Calipari says 'it's a great day for Sacramento' after the selection of Darius Acuff Jr. | 24 mins
The Sacramento Kings spent months being linked to Arkansas star Darius Acuff Jr., and on draft night, they made it official.
After selecting Acuff with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Kings added one of the most decorated prospects in the class.
The freshman guard is coming off a sensational season with the Razorbacks, averaging 23.5 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 44 percent from three-point range.
His remarkable campaign earned SEC Player of the Year, SEC Rookie of the Year, and Consensus All-American honors.
According to Arkansas head coach John Calipari, Sacramento landed far more than a talented scorer.
During an exclusive interview with Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross, Calipari described Darius Acuff as someone capable of becoming “the face of your team.”
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 13: Head coach John Calipari and Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Arkansas Razorbacks talk during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners in the quarterfinal game of the 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
John Calipari on Darius Acuff Jr: “It’s going to work for all parties”
“Great kid, worker, can be the face of your team because of the kind of person he is,” Calipari said. “That may take time, but he’s that kind of player.”
Acuff had been connected to Sacramento since the conclusion of March Madness and even visited the organization for a private workout before the draft.
There was also familiarity between the two sides, as Kings general manager Scott Perry previously coached Acuff’s father, Darius Acuff Sr., at Eastern Kentucky in the 1990s.
Calipari revealed that everyone within the organization wanted Acuff.
“They really wanted him,” Calipari said. “And it’s going to work for all parties.”
The Hall of Fame coach compared Acuff’s journey to that of former Kentucky guard Tyrese Maxey, another player Calipari believed was overlooked before eventually flourishing in the NBA.
“I’ve been saying the same thing,” Calipari said. “You’re going to regret passing on this guy.”
Calipari also believes Acuff possesses the mentality needed to succeed immediately.
“You have to love the gym,” Calipari said. “You also have to have illogical confidence.”
(Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
That mindset was evident throughout Acuff’s lone season in Fayetteville. Calipari recalled that Acuff stayed on campus during Christmas break simply to continue working out and called the Detroit native a “gym rat.”
“He didn’t go home over Christmas,” Calipari said. “He said, ‘I’m going to get my workouts in.'”
While some evaluators questioned Acuff’s defense during the pre-draft process, Calipari dismissed concerns, pointing to his physical tools and competitive nature.
“He’s a better defender than you think,” Calipari said. “He’s a beast physically.”
Perhaps the highest praise came when Calipari predicted Sacramento fans would embrace their newest guard.
“We’re not going to be talking about this kid’s defense,” Calipari said. “Ticket sales are going up because people are going to want to watch him play. He’s so fun to watch.”
For a Kings franchise searching for its next cornerstone, Calipari believes Darius Acuff Jr. has everything necessary to become exactly that–and fans won’t have to wait long to see him in action.
Acuff will suit up in front of fans at Golden 1 Center during the California Classic (July 4-6th) as Sacramento gears up for Las Vegas Summer League.
Check out the full conversation with Arkansas head coach John Calipari at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.
Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?
The Sacramento Kings will now set their sights on the California Classic, with action set to run from July 4th through July 6th at Golden 1 Center.
New Kings point guard Darius Acuff Jr. (7th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft) will go head-to-head against Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. (6th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft) at 2 pm PT on July 4th, right here in downtown Sacramento.
Be sure to remain locked into Sactown Sports for your Sacramento Kings Summer League news, analysis, and much more!
Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule
- Wednesday, June 24th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
- Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
- Saturday, July 4th – Monday, July 6th – California Classic at Golden 1 Center
- Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
- Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official
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Comments
1 Comments
He just has to get the defense to a passable level. Defense is King in the playoffs, and the all time greats know that, MJ, Kobe, LBJ etc. And Christie knows it as well.