(2025) - PG Darius Acuff, Jr. to Arkansas

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

IMG beaten 63-58 by Bullis School.  Acuff 31p (12-24 FG, 4-8 3P, 3-3 FT), 3r, 2a

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

Dushawn London from this weekend's National High School Hoops Festival -

  

Top ten junior Darius Acuff came out with the most prolific scoring outing of the whole weekend. Although as a team, IMG Academy came up short, Acuff’s performance was one of the main reasons they were still in the game down the stretch against a very tough Bullis squad.

As one of the top scoring guards in the country he found his shot and showed his ability to get down hill. Acuff knocked down four-threes and continuously got the basket and shot an efficient 50% from the field.

For Acuff’s recruitment he took a recent visit to Kentucky and will visit Rutgers in February. Michigan, Houston, and Indiana are also in the mix.

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

According to this story, we're actively in the hunt.

https://247sports.com/college/basketball/recruiting/Article/darius-acuff-kentucky-rutgers-indiana-houston-222931557/

[HoosierTrav]

This kid is going to Kentucky. Book it

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

Nice double double for Darius.

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

IMG vs. Paul VI at the City of Palms Classic at 8:45 tonight.

 

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

IMG lost 71-70 to Paul VI (VA).  

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

12/22:  83-66 win over Arch. Stepinac.  27p (10-16 FG; 3-9 on 3s; 4-4 FT); 8r; 8a; 0s; 0b; 5t

12/23:  96-92 loss to Don Bosco Prep.  23p (7-19 FG; 3-7 on 3s; 6-6 FT); 4r; 3a; 1s; 1b; 1t

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

Says he hopes to visit IU.

https://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/news/five-star-pg-darius-acuff-discusses-kentucky-michigan

[Scotty R]

1 hour ago, Class of '66 Old Fart said:

Says he hopes to visit IU.

https://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/news/five-star-pg-darius-acuff-discusses-kentucky-michigan

Don't understand the Rutgers view from these high school stars

[Home Jersey]

1 hour ago, Scotty R said:

Don't understand the Rutgers view from these high school stars

Only thing I can think of is maybe they have a strong NIL/collective system

[Demo]

1 hour ago, Home Jersey said:

Only thing I can think of is maybe they have a strong NIL/collective system

No doubt. Brandin Knight has a reputation as a Guy as a recruiter, but there’s no way big-time kids from Georgia and Michigan and every damn place have just out of nowhere developed a hankerin’ for playing 60 possession basketball in Piscataway, NJ. 

[Home Jersey]

Just now, Demo said:

No doubt. Brandin Knight has a reputation as a Guy as a recruiter, but there’s no way big-time kids from Georgia and Michigan and every damn place have just out of nowhere developed a hankerin’ for playing 60 possession basketball in Piscataway, NJ. 

Rutgers is an abomination of a state university.

First of all, there are 3 regional campuses across the state - all are considered Rutgers (Camden, Newark, Piscataway - Pway is the "main" campus, but if you go to Camden/Newark it's still considered Rutgers, not really a distinction in the same way there is between IUB and IU East, at least I think, if that makes any sense...). 

The "Piscataway" campus is broken down into five smaller campuses across New Brunswick and Piscataway (two of the crappiest parts of NJ in terms of roads/crime, etc.). Can take up to 1 hour to bus between each campus depending on traffic. 40-50 is usual. 

Ultimately they have more than 35k undergrads enrolled, and those cities have got bustling industry/food scenes independent of the students (it's also got all the downsides of a small, non-noteworthy coastal city). The school rankings are OK and some programs are good, like at all big universities. So can kids go there and have a good time while getting a good degree? Of course. 

Is there a reason why - if not a majority, then a very large plurality - of NJ kids elect to go to Penn State, IU, UDel, Maryland, etc. over Rutgers? Yes, a lengthy list of reasons, actually. Since basically nothing about their basketball program (a historically very sad one, despite having a very fertile recruiting base to work with) makes it very appealing to a high-level recruit .. my only guess is $$ lol. 

[Stuhoo]

1 hour ago, Home Jersey said:

Only thing I can think of is maybe they have a strong NIL/collective system

Clearly this is a major part of it. 

[cthomas]

Maybe some kids just like the medieval appeal of being a Scarlet Kinght.

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

 

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

Samad Hines - Darius Acuff has been great for IMG Academy (FL) this season -- averaging 22.2 PPG 43% FG 39% 3PT, 5.6 APG, and 6.4 RPG in his last 5 games. One of the toughest guards in the country with an elite balance of scoring and facilitating

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

IMG vs Canyon International at 5:30 ET on League Ready YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@League_Ready

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

Nice bit of late afternoon work.