Acuff possesses a powerful, 190-pound frame that is remarkably advanced for a 19-year-old freshman. Often described as "Detroit-tough," his wide shoulders and high bone density suggest he is built to endure the physical toll of an 82-game NBA season. Unlike many "skinny" freshman guards who struggle with the physical "bumps" of the professional game, Acuff already has the professional-grade physique required to initiate contact and absorb punishment in the paint without losing his balance or risking frequent injury.

His "lower-half anchor" is one of the best in the 2026 class. Acuff uses his powerful legs and low center of gravity to hold his ground against switching bigs and dislodge defenders when driving to the rim. This functional strength is more about "bully-ball" than weight room numbers; he effectively uses his chest to create space in the lane, ensuring that secondary defenders cannot simply bump him off his path. This trait is a key component of his high free-throw rate (4.4 FTA) and his ability to finish through contact.

Acuff is primarily a "below-the-rim" finisher who relies on craft rather than raw "pop and lift." While he is capable of finishing with a dunk in transition, he requires a significant "gather" and doesn't possess the "instant air" off one foot that defines elite vertical athletes. In the NBA, this lack of explosive lift means he will have to rely heavily on his floater and "English" off the glass to score over elite rim protectors, as he won't consistently out-jump the league's primary shot-blockers.

The "Pogo Factor" is not a significant part of Acuff's athletic profile. He lacks the ability to land and immediately spring back to the rim for offensive rebounds, which is reflected in his low offensive rebounding numbers (0.4 ORB per game). He typically takes a second to regroup after a contested attempt rather than being back at the rim before the opponent has landed. This makes him a situational finisher who needs to be efficient on his first attempt, as he won't often generate his own second-chance points.

While Acuff has solid hip fluidity, his "lateral twitch" is considered average for an NBA prospect. He can "open his hips" to run with drivers, but he can be vulnerable against high-level "burners" who possess elite first-step acceleration. His defensive value relies more on using his strength to "wall off" opponents and his length to recover rather than pure side-to-side speed. Improving his "slide efficiency" will be crucial for him to stay in front of the NBA's most explosive point guards.

He possesses good end-to-end burst, allowing him to push the pace in transition and get to the "nail" quickly. However, he is more of a "change-of-pace" runner than a pure sprinter; he excels at shifting gears and lulling defenders into a false sense of security before a sudden burst. This linear speed is effective for creating 5-on-4 advantages in the early clock, though he won't necessarily be the fastest man on an NBA floor at any given time.

This is Acuff's "superpower." His elite deceleration allows him to go from full sprint to a complete standstill in a single step, which is the secret to his high-level shot creation. This core control ensures that he remains on balance even when forced into awkward, off-balance floaters or mid-range pull-ups. His ability to "stop-on-a-dime" is the foundation of his offensive game, making his step-back jumper one of the most difficult shots to contest in the draft class.

Playing heavy minutes (33.3 MPG) in John Calipari’s high-octane system, Acuff has proven he has a high performance floor. His shooting mechanics remain consistent—his elbow doesn't drop and his arc stays true—even in the final minutes of a high-usage game. While his defensive stance can occasionally widen when he is fatigued, his overall conditioning allows him to remain the primary engine for his team throughout the duration of a competitive 40-minute college game.

Acuff is currently shooting 78.5% from the charity stripe on high volume (4.4 attempts per game), which serves as an excellent "Pure Touch" Proxy. This percentage, especially for a freshman lead guard with a massive offensive load, indicates that his touch is natural and transferable. NBA scouts view this as the baseline indicator for his long-term shooting ceiling; while not quite "elite" (90%+), it suggests he will be a reliable late-game option who won't be a liability when teams look to foul in clutch situations.

In an era of "Rim or 3," Acuff possesses a refined "Playoff Tool" in the mid-range. He is a master of the 10-to-15 foot pull-up, often using his powerful frame to create a small pocket of space before rising with a high, unblockable release. His ability to hit these shots consistently forces defenders to stay attached to him even after he beats his primary man, preventing the defense from "dropping" too deep. This mid-range mastery makes him one of the few prospects in the 2026 class with a true three-level scoring profile.

Acuff provides significant spacing gravity by being perpetually "shot-ready." His feet are set and his hands are in the shooting pocket well before the ball arrives on a skip pass or kick-out. This preparation allows him to get his shot off with a minimal dip, making it extremely difficult for defenders to recover in time. Because he is currently shooting 41.4% from beyond the arc, defenses are essentially forbidden from leaving him to help on drives, which opens up the lane for his teammates.

This is the cornerstone of Acuff’s NBA value. His ability to hit step-backs and pull-up threes at a high clip (over 41% total) forces opposing coaches to "show" or "blitz" screens, which immediately creates 4-on-3 advantages for the rest of the Razorbacks' offense. He doesn't need much space to get the shot off, and his balance during these high-difficulty attempts is elite. This specific skill—self-created perimeter scoring—is the most coveted trait for a modern NBA lead initiator.

His shooting mechanics are built for the professional game, featuring a fluid "one-motion" release that doesn't require extra "push" from his legs to reach deep distance. Acuff comfortably takes and makes shots from 25+ feet, suggesting his efficiency won't dip when he moves back to the NBA three-point line. His effortless power from depth ensures that he can keep the defense stretched to the logo, providing his team with maximum offensive geometry.

While Acuff is not a "high-flyer" who will consistently dunk over seven-footers, his "Rim Pressure" is generated through sheer strength and balance. He is excellent at "hunting the chest" of a defender to negate their verticality, which leads to a high free-throw rate. He finishes through the bump rather than avoiding it, though his lack of elite vertical pop means he relies more on being a "ground-bound" power finisher than a vertical one.

Acuff compensates for his average verticality with an elite arsenal of floaters, scoop layups, and "English" off the glass. He is a master of the "wrong-foot" layup, which catches shot-blockers off-balance and prevents them from timing their jump. His touch in the paint is soft and versatile; whether it's a high-arcing floater over a dropping center or a finger-roll from an awkward angle, he consistently finds ways to navigate the trees in the restricted area.

Acuff is functionally ambidextrous when attacking the rim. If an NBA scout tries to implement a "force left" game plan, Acuff is perfectly comfortable driving to his weak side and finishing with a left-handed scoop or a left-handed whip pass to the corner. This ability to go in both directions without a drop-off in efficiency prevents him from being neutralized by high-level defensive "shading" and makes him a nightmare to game-plan against in isolation.

His ball security against "hounding" point-of-attack defenders is among the best in the 2026 class. Acuff uses a variety of hesitations, "stop-and-go" moves, and crossovers to keep the defense off-balance. Crucially, he keeps his dribble alive even when trapped or pressured, rarely turning his back to the basket. This allow him to maintain vision of the entire floor while under duress, ensuring the offense never stagnates due to ball pressure.

One of the hallmarks of an elite NBA playmaker is the ability to pass without picking up the ball, and Acuff excels here. He frequently throws one-handed "whips" and "hooks" to shooters on the perimeter mid-dribble. This split-second advantage means the ball reaches the shooter before the defender can rotate, a skill that translates directly to the speed of an NBA defense. His 6.3 assists per game are a direct result of this advanced "live-ball" delivery.

Acuff manipulates the pick-and-roll with the patience of a five-year veteran. He is an expert at the "prison dribble," where he puts the trailing defender on his back (in the "cage") to watch how the help defender reacts. If the big drops, he takes the mid-range pull-up; if the big commits, he drops a pocket pass or lobs it to the roller. This level of manipulation is rare for a freshman and suggests he will be ready to run an NBA offense from day one.

He is a "Second Read" passer, meaning he isn't just reacting to what's in front of him; he is anticipating where the defense will be. He often identifies the "low-man" help defender before they even start their rotation, allowing him to throw "bullet" skip passes to the corner the moment the defender commits. This anticipation helps him maintain a high assist-to-turnover ratio (approx. 3:1), as he rarely throws passes into "blind" traffic.

Acuff throws passes with high velocity, ensuring that his teammates receive the ball exactly in the "shooting pocket." His pocket passes in the pick-and-roll are delivered with enough heat to slip past active hands but enough touch to be easily caught. In the NBA, where passing windows close in a fraction of a second, this "Bullet Pass" capability will be the difference between a successful play and a defensive deflection.

While he is most dangerous with the ball in his hands, Acuff shows a high IQ when playing off-ball. He frequently relocates after a pass to find "ghost" spaces in the defense where he can be available for a catch-and-shoot 3. He also sets "rub" screens for his teammates, using his sturdy 190-pound frame to actually make contact and create an advantage for others. This willingness to work without the ball is vital for his scalability in an NBA offense.

Acuff is a dynamic decision-maker at 100mph. In transition, he is equally capable of pulling up for a transition 3, finding a rim-runner with a perfectly timed lob, or using his strength to finish at the rim himself. He understands the geometry of the fast break, consistently identifying the "trailer" for a 3-point attempt if the primary break is stopped. His ability to generate high-value points in the first 6 seconds of a possession is elite.

This is a "Non-Factor" for Acuff. As the primary lead guard, his priority is to get back on defense and communicate assignments rather than fighting for second-chance points. He rarely enters the paint on a shot attempt, preferring to maintain floor balance. While he has the strength to be a "Worm" trait rebounder if he chose to, his role as an initiator dictates that he stay high to prevent transition opportunities for the opponent.

Acuff possesses the physical strength and broad shoulders required to act as a primary "stop sign" at the collegiate level, but his translation to the NBA point-of-attack is nuanced. While he can "sit in a stance" and effectively wall off drivers using his chest, he can be vulnerable to elite first-step acceleration from twitchy guards. His 2025-26 tape at Arkansas shows a player who can neutralize secondary initiators with ease, yet he still requires structural help when defending the most explosive burners in the SEC, suggesting his POA ceiling is that of a reliable, but not lockdown, defender.

When left on an island, Acuff remains remarkably disciplined for a freshman. He leverages his +4.5" wingspan to maintain a cushion while still being able to contest pull-up jumpers without having to "lunge" and risk a blow-by. He rarely bites on pump fakes or jab steps, showing a veteran-like poise in one-on-one scenarios. In the NBA, this discipline will be vital during late-clock "switch" situations where he is forced to guard taller wings on the perimeter.

For a 6'3" guard, Acuff's post defense is a surprising asset. His "lower-half anchor" allows him to prevent bigger wings from "backing him down" into the restricted area. He effectively uses his center of gravity to hold his ground, often forcing opponents into difficult turnaround jumpers rather than allowing them to get to the rim. This trait makes him a versatile "switch" piece in modern defensive schemes that require guards to hold their own when caught in a mismatch against "jumbo" creators.

Acuff's powerful, wide frame—while an asset for finishing—can be a liability when navigating screens. He often struggles to "get skinny" to stay attached to shooters, frequently getting caught on the "screen-body" and relying on his length to recover from behind. This "trailing" style can lead to open catch-and-shoot opportunities for elite NBA spacers. To improve this rating, he will need to work on his hip flexibility and "fight-through" motor to minimize the separation created by ball screens.

Verticality is not a primary component of Acuff’s defensive profile. He isn't a "shot-altering" threat in the traditional sense, as he lacks the explosive lift to meet dunkers at the summit. However, he does utilize his "Disruption Index" to swipe at the ball on the way up, leading to a respectable block rate for a lead guard (0.4 BPG). In the NBA, his rim protection will be limited to these "utility" contests rather than true verticality-based stops.

Acuff is a consistent contributor to "finishing the stop." He isn't content to simply watch the ball; he proactively looks for a body to box out, ensuring his team secures the defensive board. His 3.4 defensive rebounds per game at Arkansas reflect a guard who understands the importance of ending possessions. His strength allows him to wrestle away "50/50" balls from bigger players, making him a reliable rebounding guard for an NBA rotation.

Despite his significant wingspan, Acuff’s steal rate (0.9 SPG) is lower than scouts typically expect from a top-tier guard prospect. This is largely due to his conservative defensive philosophy; he prioritizes staying in front of his man over gambling for deflections. While this limits his "Passing Lane Disruption" score, it also means he rarely gives up easy baskets by being out of position. To reach a "Starter" grade in this category, he will need to develop more aggressive anticipation to jump lanes without sacrificing his stance.

Acuff is still mastering the "Sprint-to-Stall" technique. On tape, he occasionally over-commits to a closeout, allowing savvy veterans to beat him with a simple pump-fake and drive. While his length allows him to recover more often than most, NBA offenses will hunt these "off-balance" moments. Improving his footwork to arrive under control will be a major focus for him as he transitions into professional defensive schemes.

His recognition of team defensive principles is advanced for his age. Acuff is consistently in the right spot as the "low-man" on lob threats and is diligent about "tagging" the roller in P&R coverage. He understands the geometry of the floor and rarely misses a rotation to the corner when the defense is forced to scramble. This high Help IQ suggests he will be a "coach’s favorite" in team-based defensive systems.

Communication in the chaos of a change-of-possession is a growth area for Acuff. There are moments where he can be caught "ball-watching" after a missed shot rather than immediately sprinting back to identify his assignment. In a league as fast as the NBA, these split-second lapses in communication often result in open transition threes. Improving his "urgency" to get back and talk the defense into place is the final hurdle for his defensive profile.

Acuff adheres strictly to the "0.5-second" rule. The moment he receives the ball or comes off a screen, he has already made his decision: shoot, pass, or drive. This processing speed prevents the defense from resetting and keeps the ball moving. His ability to make high-level reads at full speed is what separates him from standard "score-first" guards and makes him a primary engine for an NBA-caliber offense.

His real-time communication on switches is vocal and effective, yet he occasionally suffers from "tunnel vision" when his man is off-ball. While he calls out "Screen Left" or "Switch" with confidence, he can lose track of "backdoor" cutters if he becomes too focused on the ball-handler. Refining this 360-degree awareness will be key to ensuring he doesn't become a target for off-ball-heavy NBA offenses.

As a high-usage "go-to" option, Acuff is expected to take difficult shots, and for the most part, he differentiates well between a "good shot for me" and a "good shot for the team." He understands his gravity and will often take a contested 3 knowing it's a better outcome than a forced pass into traffic. However, there are still sequences where he settles for deep, off-balance pull-ups early in the clock, a habit that NBA coaches will look to iron out.

Acuff plays with a "selective motor." He expends a tremendous amount of energy as the primary offensive engine, which sometimes leads to "coasting" on the defensive end or in transition. While he will dive for a loose ball in a high-stakes moment, his play-to-play engagement can fluctuate. For his NBA translation, scouts want to see a more consistent "hustle" floor that doesn't rely on the game situation to trigger.

The "Detroit DNA" is evident in everything Acuff does. He embraces physical contact, whether he's driving into the chest of a seven-footer or fighting through a screen. He plays with a palpable "edge" and never shies away from the "grind" of a physical game. This disposition is infectious and sets a tone for his teammates, making him a player opponents genuinely dislike having to guard for 40 minutes.

"Cortisol Control" is one of Acuff's most elite traits. His performance in the final 3 minutes of games—notably his 31-point masterclass against LSU in January 2026—shows a player who thrives under pressure. He actively demands the ball when the game is on the line and has a proven track record of hitting "back-breakers" that swing momentum. This "Clutch Factor" is what projects him as a future NBA closer.

Acuff is a natural, vocal leader who rallies his team during timeouts and after big plays. However, he is still working on maintaining positive body language during stretches of adversity. When calls don't go his way or a teammate misses an assignment, his frustration can sometimes be visible. Maturing his "Influence" to remain steady regardless of the score will be the next step in his leadership development.

While he is currently a high-usage star, Acuff’s toolkit is remarkably adaptable. His elite 41% three-point shooting and advanced live-dribble passing suggest he could easily transition into a "secondary connector" role alongside another superstar. He doesn't need to pound the ball for 20 seconds to be effective; he can thrive as a "star in his role" by spacing the floor and making quick, decisive secondary plays.

Playing for a demanding coach like John Calipari requires a high level of "Correction Speed." Acuff has shown a remarkable ability to take "hard coaching" and immediately apply adjustments in the next possession. His buy-in to the Razorbacks' defensive schemes in late 2025 demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice personal stats for team winning, a trait that NBA front offices value immensely.

At 19.2 years old, Acuff has one of the highest "Potential Multipliers" in the 2026 draft. The fact that he is already producing All-SEC numbers as a freshman suggests that his ceiling is significantly higher than older prospects in the class. His "Runway" is long, and with his work ethic and physical tools, he projects to be a long-term fixture in an NBA backcourt.