John Calipari sets NBA Draft record with Darius Acuff's selection
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 24, 2026, 3:53 AM
Last updated Jun 24, 2026
During the 2026 NBA Draft, Darius Acuff Jr. was chosen seventh overall by the Sacramento Kings, marking a significant milestone for head coach John Calipari. Acuff's selection gives Calipari his 30th lottery pick, surpassing Mike Krzyzewski’s previous record of 29. This achievement comes as Calipari continues to build his program at Arkansas, where Acuff is the first lottery pick since his arrival in 2024. Acuff is expected to play a key role for the Kings in the upcoming season, as they seek to improve after a challenging previous year.
- •Darius Acuff Jr. selected seventh by Sacramento Kings in 2026 NBA Draft.
- •Calipari now has 30 lottery selections, surpassing Krzyzewski's record.
- •Acuff is the first lottery pick for Arkansas under Calipari.
- •Kings aim to rebuild after a 22-60 season with Acuff's addition.
- •Calipari has produced a player in the first 14 picks in 16 draft classes since 2008.
- 3:53 AMYahoo Sports — Legendary HC John Calipari Breaks Mike Krzyzewski’s NBA Draft Record After Kings Select Darius Acuff Jr.
"We’re in the midst of the college basketball offseason, which means John Calipari’s Arkansas Razorbacks aren’t in action. But with the 2026 NBA Draft taking place, Calipari is still having a big day.
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