The spring/summer AAU season is underway, signaling the emergence of college men’s basketball coaches, including those from Kansas, who are actively scouting talent at various events. Over the past weekend, members of the KU coaching staff attended a Nike EYBL event in Indianapolis to observe games featuring highly-touted point guard Darius Acuff. Acuff, a 6-foot-3, 175-pound senior-to-be hailing from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, has garnered attention, ranked as the No. 4 recruit in the class of 2025 by 247Sports.com, and No. 9 by both ESPN.com and Rivals.com.
Recruiting analyst Jamie Shaw of On3sports.com remarked that Acuff not only displays remarkable athleticism but also exudes confidence on the court. Shaw highlighted Acuff’s quick first step, which consistently enables him to penetrate the defense, as well as his impressive shooting range, capable of sinking shots from as far as 35 feet. Additionally, Acuff possesses a smooth floater that adds to his offensive arsenal.
Having recently visited KU and Arkansas, Acuff is considering a variety of schools for his college career, including Michigan, Houston, Texas, Rutgers, and Georgia Tech. Despite his roots in Detroit and his childhood affinity for the Wolverines, Acuff is weighing his options carefully as he navigates the recruitment process.
He plans to reveal his college decision before his final year at IMG Academy begins. Rob Cassidy from Rivals.com observed Darius Acuff’s performance in Memphis a few weeks ago and noted that while the term “improved” might not fully capture Acuff’s progress, it’s evident that he has honed his game, particularly in terms of shot selection. Acuff, who competes for The Family of Michigan during the spring and summer, appears to have made strides in this aspect of his game. While he’s known as a prolific scorer who occasionally takes contested shots, Cassidy observed that Acuff is now showing more maturity in his decision-making on the court. Despite his scoring prowess, Acuff is making better choices within the team’s offensive scheme and is avoiding forcing plays that aren’t advantageous. Cassidy emphasized that Acuff remains one of the top scorers in his class.
During the Indianapolis event, Darius Acuff showcased his scoring prowess by putting up impressive numbers. He tallied 29 points in a victory against the NW Rotary Rebels, followed by 27 points facing the Mac Irvin Fire, and closed with 22 points against the Oakland Soldiers. Adam Finkelstein of 247Sports.com noted Acuff’s exceptional consistency in putting points on the board, a fact that doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone familiar with his game. Finkelstein highlighted Acuff’s assertiveness in seeking his shot, which forced defenders to make difficult choices. Additionally, Acuff’s controlled tempo and improved ability to change pace were standout features of his performance. Finkelstein concluded by describing Acuff as the most dominant and dynamic lead guard in his class, characterized by his confidence on the court.
KU EYES OTHER RECRUITS AS WELL:
Darryn Peterson, a 6-5, 195-pound combo guard entering his senior year at Huntington Prep in West Virginia, caught the eye of KU coaches at the Adidas 3SSB Circuit event in Texas. Playing for Phenom United of Ohio during the spring and summer, Peterson initially listed schools like KU, Alabama, Arkansas, and others, but he has decided to expand his options, including Kentucky. Originally from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Peterson visited KU unofficially in eighth grade and plans to set up official visits to KU and UNC. Bill Self has been a supportive figure for Peterson, encouraging him to keep improving and expressing confidence in his fit at Kansas. Peterson’s versatility and skill have attracted attention from top programs, earning him a No. 3 ranking in the class of 2025 by ESPN.com, Rivals.com, and 247Sports.com.
Jeremiah Green, a 6-3, 170-pound point guard entering his senior year at Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas, has received interest from various schools, including KU, Kansas State, Texas, and others. Green, who averaged 15.0 points per game as a junior and has been a consistent performer for Pro Skills in the Nike EYBL, has been selected as one of 30 prospects for the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s U18 national team training camp.
Chuck Love, a 6-5, 170-pound combo guard entering his senior year at La Lumiere School in LaPorte, Indiana, has garnered attention from KU, Missouri, LSU, and others. Love’s performance at the Nike EYBL event in Indianapolis impressed analyst Jamie Shaw, who noted his strong defensive capabilities and efficient scoring. Love’s balanced game and ability to guard multiple positions make him a valuable prospect.
Nate Ament, a 6-8, 190-pound small forward entering his senior year at Highland School in Warrenton, Virginia, attracted interest from numerous schools at the Adidas event in Texas. A member of Team Loaded AAU of Virginia, Ament’s performance led Brandon Jenkins of 247Sports.com to believe he’s on track for a 5-star status in upcoming rankings. Ament is currently ranked No. 13 by 247Sports.com, No. 14 by Rivals.com, and No. 40 by ESPN.com.
Malachi Moreno, a 6-10, 200-pound forward entering his senior year at Great Crossing High School in Georgetown, Kentucky, received attention from coaches at the Adidas tournament. Schools like KU, Kentucky, Louisville, and others have shown interest in Moreno, recognizing his potential as a prospect.
