Acuff Jr. Crowned Kings' Seventh Pick

Darius Acuff Jr. is the seventh pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, heading to the Sacramento Kings after an electrifying season at Arkansas where he averaged 23.5 points and 6.4 assists while winning both SEC Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year — a rare feat. Despite early doubts about his size and leadership, Acuff silenced critics by carrying the Razorbacks through tough moments, including clutch NCAA Tournament wins, even while battling an ankle injury. His poise under pressure and elite playmaking make him a perfect fit for Sacramento. The selection also reignites Coach Calipari’s draft momentum, with Jordan Smith Jr., the nation’s No. 3 recruit, poised to lead Arkansas next season — a daunting but promising next chapter. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/4e9b4f377e96f28d