Darius Acuff is an elite scorer, but also a brilliant facilitator. The latter identity might be more important against Hawaii.
No one needs an explanation about the ability of Darius Acuff to score at an elite level. Acuff has made himself a likely top-five pick in the 2026 NBA draft because he can score from any spot on the floor in any way a game or situation requires. If teams give him the 3-point shot, he can and will hit it. If teams take away the three and force him to drive, he is up for it, scoring at the rim or at the free throw line. He is efficient, consistent, tough, and smart. He has a Plan B if defenses take away his Plan A. This points the way toward Arkansas' likely path to victory against Hawaii in the NCAA Tournament.
Acuff being the best player on the floor is not even a question in this game. Of course he is. What's more instructive and relevant is how Acuff decides to play this game and react to what Hawaii does.
Chances are Hawaii will try to get the ball out of Acuff's hands. Though that's easier said than done, it remains important for Acuff -- a freshman playing in his first (and likely only) NCAA Tournament -- to not be unsettled or impatient. If he doesn't score a lot of points, that's not a problem. Acuff passing to a teammate for an open shot is something he has been willing to do all season long. That patience and unselfishness -- part of what makes Acuff such a great player, great enough to be SEC Player of the Year and SEC Freshman of the Year -- must remain intact and in evidence against Hawaii.
Acuff knows this, but John Calipari will remind him of it going into the Hawaii game: Arkansas has a capable supporting cast. We have seen Trevon Brazile, Billy Richmond, Meleek Thomas, Malique Ewin, and even DJ Wagner make shots and offer meaningful contributions the past few weeks. Arkansas was able to win a road game at Missouri in which Acuff didn't even play. Feeding teammates -- if Hawaii double-teams Acuff and insists on making other Razorbacks score -- should not be a problem for the superstar point guard. UA role players should get lots of open shots in this game, and that is something the Hogs should embrace.
This might seem self-evident to everyone in that locker room, but a reminder to make about this time of year is that March Madness can create an extra layer of pressure or expectations. In the heat of battle, 19- and 20-year-old athletes might not process the game as clearly or fluidly as they normally do, which is precisely why and how upsets happen. Highly-seeded teams don't do what they did all year. Lower-seeded teams with nothing to lose play freely and seize their big chance.
Darius Acuff might be able to strong-arm his way to the basket against weaker Hawaii defenders and put up 30 points. However, if UH throws waves of bodies at him and makes him give up the ball, it shouldn't be a problem. Acuff knows how to help and set up teammates. Doing so against Hawaii offers a reliable path to the second round of the Big Dance.