Last Four: No. 1 2025 Point Guard Prospect Is Nearing Decision, Deciphering Between 4 Schools

Darius Acuff Jr., the consensus No. 1 point guard in the class of 2025, was at the Peach Jam, the EYBL’s premier event this weekend, where he was closely monitored by Kansas’ Bill Self, Michigan’s Dusty May, and Arkansas’ John Calipari. Acuff is down to four schools and is expected to make a decision following the Peach Jam. Connecticut is the other program on the 6-1 point guard’s finalist list.

Joe Tipton of On3 believes that Acuff’s decision will ultimately come down to Kansas and Arkansas. The Razorbacks really got serious about him since Calipari took over the program.

Top 2025 Point Guard Prospect Nearing Decision as He Chooses Between 4 Schools

“Acuff has been trending toward landing at Arkansas since John Calipari took the reins of the program back in April,” Rivals Basketball Recruiting Director Rob Cassidy said. “Now it seems the five-star college recruitment could be in its final days, as rumblings about a possible July decision have begun. There’s been no official word from Acuff or his camp about a decision date, but it certainly feels like things are trending in that direction.”

“The quicker a decision comes, the better it will be for Arkansas, which is seen as the favorite to land the Michigan-born guard despite very real looming threats from Kansas as well as the in-state Wolverines.”

Connecticut appears to be the odd team out, as the Huskies are the only program that did not receive an official visit. He visited Michigan on September 1, Kansas on April 18, and Arkansas on May 10.

Acuff has a good early feel for how to play pick-and-roll, loves to change his angle right before reaching the screen, and also splits defenders when coming off. He attacks hard in the open floor and can get downhill with increasing power and sheer force. Inside the lane, he has a full assortment of scoring options, including crafty wrong-footed finishes, complete use of both hands at the rim, and good range on his runner. He is a tough shot-maker and improving overall shooter who is equally dangerous off the catch or dribble and doesn’t need much separation to get his shot off.

Acuff is most effective when he’s making those around him better and asserting himself as efficiently as possible. He has good vision and is a talented passer, but like many young scoring lead guards, he can sometimes dominate the ball and settle for unnecessarily tough shots. Defensively, his physicality and competitiveness should be long-term assets, while he gradually seems to be getting a little looser in his hips.

Looking at the Schools Considered Favorites for Acuff

Here is a look at Michigan, Kansas, and Arkansas. Acuff previously gave his thoughts to On3 about each of the three schools.

Michigan Wolverines

Michigan was thought to be the leader for Acuff’s services before the Wolverines fired Juwan Howard. The Wolverines do not have any commitments for 2025. But the Wolverines do have three point guards on the roster for 2025, with Auburn transfer Tre Donaldson being the best of the trio. Next season will be Donaldson’s senior year.

Acuff would start for the Wolverines immediately unless Donaldson has a big year in 2024-25.

“It felt like home there. Coach (Juwan) Howard is my dog. He is like a lost uncle. It was sad to see him leave, but they have a great coach there now. One of the first things Coach (Dusty) May said to me when he called was, ‘We hoop over here.’ It was a great conversation we had. He is a good guy, a basketball head for sure. He is trying to get the program back to its winning ways and bring what he built at FAU to Michigan.”

Kansas Jayhawks

Kansas could also use a point guard for the future. The Jayhawks project to have Elmarko Jackson, who will be a junior next season, but nobody else. Jackson, a top-20 consensus recruit, made 17 starts and 34 appearances a year ago. However, he struggled last season. KU doesn’t have a commitment for 2025.

“Bill Self is a savage, man, that is my dog. It was a great visit overall. They felt like family there. It is a different atmosphere there. I went there for an unofficial visit too; I went for a game. So I’ve been to Kansas twice. That atmosphere there is the best in college basketball. It was great to see. I talk to the staff all the time. Coach (Kurtis) Townsend, and Coach Self, I talk to them all. Our relationship has grown a lot.”

Arkansas Razorbacks

Arkansas’ backcourt appears to be the fullest for next year, but it is the age of the transfer portal so things change quickly. Kentucky transfer DJ Wagner could head to the NBA after a strong season this year, and Boogie Fland, the No. 20 recruit in 2024, is listed as a combo guard.

“Coach (John) Calipari treats you like family. He welcomed me in on my visit (to Kentucky) like he knew me already. It was a great visit overall. I really enjoyed it, and I am looking forward to visiting them again at Arkansas. They like my aggressiveness. He says he likes how I am able to get downhill, my pace, and my attitude for the game. They see that I just love the game so much and I just want to win.”