Why will this March be different for Arkansas basketball? Hogs' closer Darius Acuff Jr.
Why will March Madness be different for Arkansas basketball this year after a Sweet 16 run in 2025? John Calipari has his closer in Darius Acuff Jr.
PORTLAND, Ore. — Last season's run to the Sweet 16 was surprising and thrilling. Arkansas basketball wants this year's March Madness journey to go one weekend further.
The No. 4 Razorbacks (26-8) open up their time at the NCAA Tournament against No. 13 Hawaii (24-8) on Thursday, March 19.
The ambition is the Final Four, and there's one reason that looms larger than any other why the Hogs can make reach the grandest stage in the sport. John Calipari's squad has a closer. He also happens to be one of the best players in the sport, and Arkansas lacked the late-game brilliance Darius Acuff Jr.
provides during last year's postseason. "(Acuff) has that otherworldly confidence that he will make the play," Calipari said during the SEC Tournament. "To be able to do that, you can't be afraid of not making the play.