The current landscape of NBA basketball is heavily influenced by tanking, with many teams prioritizing draft positioning over wins. This trend was underscored last Wednesday as college basketball showcased potential top draft picks for 2026. Darius Acuff Jr. from Arkansas stole the spotlight with an impressive 49-point performance, despite his team losing to Alabama in double overtime. His feat marks the highest score by a Division I freshman since 1990, highlighting the high stakes surrounding the upcoming draft and the allure for struggling NBA teams to secure a lottery spot.

By the Numbers
  • Darius Acuff Jr. scored 49 points, the most by a Division I freshman since 1990.
  • Six potential lottery picks were in action during the featured college games.
State of Play
  • Acuff set the single-game scoring record for a freshman at Arkansas.
  • Darryn Peterson of Kansas continues to have availability concerns, despite a promising scoring ability.
What's Next

As the NBA draft approaches, teams will continue to evaluate college prospects, especially those like Acuff and others performing well. The lottery for the 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for May 10, and players' performances in the coming weeks will heavily influence their draft stock.

Bottom Line

The growing trend of tanking in the NBA is linked to the excitement surrounding promising college players, making the draft an increasingly pivotal moment for teams looking to rebuild. Acuff's standout performance serves as a reminder of the stakes involved, both for aspiring professional players and the franchises investing in their futures.