If you want to win an NCAA title then you usually need a good coach, a great resume…and a McDonald’s All-American. Only 2 championship teams from 1979-2020 did not have such a player (2002 Maryland/2014 UConn), and while UConn won a title in 2023 without 1 they added McDonald’s All-American Stephon Castle before winning a 2nd title in 2024. The rosters for this year’s McDonald’s All-American Game were announced last Monday after selecting the 24 best players in the nation from a list of several hundred nominees. If you do not think these guys can make an immediate impact in the fall, just ask Coach Jon Scheyer how he likes having 2024 honoree Cooper Flagg at Duke! Unlike most years when 1 school stands out as the big winner with the most All-Americans, there are 2 different programs tied for the lead with 3 each (Duke/UConn) and 3 players who have not yet committed to a college. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with Darius Acuff Jr. about being named a McDonald’s All-American and ranking as the best PG in the Class of 2025.
You won a state title as a sophomore at Cass Technical in Detroit: what did it mean to you to win a title? It meant everything. I was born/raised in Detroit and our team had talked about winning a title all year, so it was a big accomplishment for both our team and our school.
After that season you decided to transfer to IMG Academy: why did you make the switch, and how has it worked out so far? I needed a change to get my body right and make sure I had the right focus. Moving to IMG has taken away all the outside noise, and living in a dorm has helped me get used to what life will be like in college.
You played for Team USA at the 2024 FIBA Men’s U18 AmeriCup and were named tournament MVP: what did it mean to you to represent your country, and what did it mean to you to win a gold medal? That meant everything. It had always been a dream of mine to play for Team USA so that was 1 of my biggest accomplishments, as well as a blessing for both me and my family.
You received offers from several great schools including Kansas/Michigan/UConn but signed with Arkansas last July: what was the biggest factor in your decision? Coach Cal. My relationship with him was different than with any other coach. His style of play and his past success with guards meant that it was the best fit for me.
Last month you were named a McDonald’s All-American: what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? That is my biggest accomplishment for sure: I have watched the McDonald’s Game for as long as I can remember. I was with my parents when they made the announcement, so I was glad to do it for them.
You are part of an incredible recruiting class that includes Isaiah Sealy and fellow McDonald’s All-American Meleek Thomas: how well do you know your 2 future teammates? I met both guys in AAU ball around 10th grade and remember talking to them for the 1st time at the Nike Elite 100 Camp. Isaiah is from Arkansas so it is big for him to play for his state school, and Meleek is 1 of the best players in the country so we will just try to win a lot of games.
Another of your fellow McDonald’s All Americans is Nate Ament, who has not yet committed to a school but has Arkansas on his short list: how hard are you trying to get him to join you in Fayetteville this fall? We are trying very hard, but it is all up to him to make whatever is the best decision for him. He is a great player at 6’10” with guard skills: you do not find that a lot.
The Razorbacks started this season 11-2 in non-conference play but are 3-6 in the SEC so far and just lost Boogie Fland for the year after right thumb surgery: do you think they can get things turned around in time to make the NCAA tourney? I believe in them and tell Coach that every day. They are a good team and need to have those tough games to deal with adversity, which is why they have had success lately. There is a lot of pressure in Coach’s 1st year there, but they have responded well so I think they will be fine. Losing Boogie was tough because he is a great PG who was having a fantastic year…but they will be all right.
You are rated as the best PG in the Class of 2025: what is the secret to being a great PG? Always staying in the gym and staying with the ones who started with you. I have always trained with my family because I am loyal to them. If you take any days off then it will catch up to you.
Your father Darius Sr. and three of your uncles played basketball, and your cousin Tyson is finishing his college career at Rutgers this year: who is the best athlete in the family? Me, for sure! We all do something different: my dad has trained Tyson and I during our whole lives so he must have been pretty good back in the day.
