Darius Acuff Jr. has a message for Sacramento after getting drafted by the Kings
Getting drafted is a dream come true for any NBA prospect. The joyous reaction of Sacramento Kings fans made the moment that much more special for Darius Acuff Jr.
About 3,000 fans who gathered for the team’s watch party Tuesday at Golden 1 Center erupted when Sacramento’s selection was announced, roaring with approval when the Kings chose the Arkansas point guard with the seventh pick in the draft.
Acuff had already seen footage of the crowd’s reaction when he joined a videoconference with Sacramento media shortly after hearing his name called at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
“It was great to see Kings fans celebrate like that,” Acuff said. “They’re showing love already. I’m going to definitely show love right back. I’m excited to be there. I love Sacramento. I know it’s a great city.”
Acuff will make his summer league debut for Sacramento when the Kings host the California Classic July 4-6. The Kings’ first game against the Brooklyn Nets will feature a marquee matchup between Acuff and Mikel Brown Jr., who was the No. 6 pick in the draft.
Acuff confirmed recent reports that Sacramento was his preferred destination, partly because of his relationship with Kings general manager Scott Perry, who coached Acuff’s father at Eastern Kentucky.
“I wanted to be here for sure,” Acuff said. “I don’t know where they got that from, but I would definitely say I wanted to be a King for sure. Any team I got drafted to, I would have been fine, but this is definitely my best destination. I’m excited to be here. It’s just a relationship that’s been going on for a while now. This is the best thing for me.”
Acuff has already heard about the loyalty and dedication of Kings fans, who have supported the team through good times and bad since the team came to Sacramento in 1985.
“The first thing somebody told me was they’re the best fans in the world, so I’m definitely excited to get there and play in front of them,” Acuff said. “I know they’re diehard fans. They love no matter what, how your season is going, they’re going to come support. I know that. I can’t wait to get there.”
This story was originally published June 24, 2026 at 9:15 AM.
