The Milwaukee Bucks were projected to take Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. in FanSided's newest mock draft, and his latest performance only further validates the selection. Acuff was already known as a prolific scorer, but his 37-point effort in the Razorbacks' win against the Oklahoma Sooners has continued to beef up his stock.
Acuff's scoring touch is legitimate
The guard was a man possessed against the Sooners. He set the tone early, hitting a mid-range and a 3-pointer before throwing down a dunk in transition. The scoring barrage was just getting started, as Acuff kept the ball rolling with an assortment of tough jumpers and finishes inside, ending the contest with 37 points on 11-of-21 shooting, including 5-of-9 from deep, in a win.
Interestingly, this wasn't even the best display of Acuff's scoring ability this season. Just a couple of weeks ago, the guard poured in 49 points against Alabama, doing everything in his power to will his team to victory in double overtime. Though the Razorbacks couldn't get over the finish line, Acuff's performance was one for the books.
Acuff has been one of the nation's most prolific scorers this season, averaging 22.7 points per game and ranking ninth nationally. Above all else, the electric guard will hunt for a bucket, and he can do it in a variety of different ways. He's shooting 52.2 percent on his twos, attacking the rim with authority, while also hitting 44.3 percent on his triples, stretching the floor.
No matter their plans, Acuff fits with Bucks
Whether the Milwaukee Bucks run it back with Giannis Antetokounmpo or enter unfamiliar territory without him leading the charge, Acuff would be a justifiable pick. With Antetokounmpo, Acuff could provide complementary scoring to take some pressure off the Greek Freak. Without him, the guard could look to etch his name into the running as the franchise's next cornerstone.
If the Greek Freak is back in town next season, perhaps the Milwaukee Bucks could take a page out of San Antonio's book. Complementing their franchise superstar, Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs have a trio of stellar guards in Stephon Castle, De'Aaron Fox, and Dylan Harper. The Bucks could look to have their own version of that with Giannis, Darius Acuff Jr., Ryan Rollins, and Kevin Porter Jr.
Acuff isn't a perfect prospect. At 6-foot-3, he's a bit undersized at the guard spot, and there are some questions about his defensive motor. Still, the potential for him to be a sensational player at the next level is becoming difficult to ignore. No matter where the Milwaukee Bucks land in the draft lottery, it wouldn't be shocking if they had eyes for Acuff.
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