"He keeps it real": Five-star Arkansas commit Darius Acuff reveals why HC John Calipari's genuine approach won him over

Five-star Darius Acuff committed to the Arkansas Razorbacks on Friday and revealed how coach John Calipari's authenticity won him over. Acuff, one of the top scorers in high school basketball, added that he had a great relationship with Calipari.

Rumors were ripe that Acuff would go to the Kansas Jayhawks camp, while Michigan was also on the top of the list of the 6-foot-2 point guard prospect from Detroit.

Acuff told ESPN what motivated him to join the ranks of Razorbacks:

"We have a great relationship. We have been close for a year and a half. Growing up, I knew what type of guard coach he was. He built the best relationship with me. He keeps it real. It’s like he is already your coach when you speak with him."

Acuff attended the IMG Academy Florida and visited the Razorbacks in May. He recalled the first conversation he had with John Calipari, who told him:

"I knew of you, but I had never seen you play. Then I watched you and said I got to have you."

Darius Acuff scored 23.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists in EYBL this summer. In the Peach Jam play-in tournament, he shot 47% from the floor.

Darius Acuff on the coaching style of John Calipari

Darius Acuff shared his observations about the method employed by the Arkansas Razorbacks. Speaking about Calipari's "carrot and stick" policy, he said:

"I spent a lot of time on my visit with Coach Cal, Coach Chin [Coleman] and the staff. I saw how hard he coached Rob Dillingham at Kentucky. He pushes his guys and encourages them too. So, when they get in the game, they know what to do."

Calipari has high aims for the next season and has his eyes on the top talents of high school basketball. Koa Peat, Meleek Thomas, Caleb Wilson and Nate Ament are some of the stars Calipari wants to get in the Razorbacks camp.

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