Kings select Darius Acuff Jr. and Alex Karaban in NBA Draft
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 24, 2026, 3:23 PM
Last updated Jun 24, 2026
Darius Acuff Jr. from Arkansas and Alex Karaban from UConn were selected by the Sacramento Kings in the 2026 NBA Draft. Acuff Jr. made history as the highest draft pick from IMG Academy, going No. 7 overall after a standout freshman season. Karaban followed at No. 29 overall, later traded to Sacramento from Cleveland, marking a first for IMG Academy with two players drafted by the same team in the first round. This selection continues IMG Academy's strong presence in the NBA, with 14 alumni taken in the first round since 2023.
- •Darius Acuff Jr. drafted No. 7 overall by Sacramento Kings.
- •Alex Karaban selected No. 29 overall and traded to Kings.
- •Acuff Jr. was SEC Player of the Year at Arkansas.
- •Karaban won back-to-back national championships at UConn.
- •IMG Academy has had 14 first-round picks since 2023.
- 3:23 PMYahoo Sports — See which two former IMG Academy players were taken in 2026 NBA Draft
"Arkansas' Darius Acuff Jr. and UConn's Alex Karaban were both taken by the Kings in the first round of the NBA Draft.
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