Calipari Calls Out Teams for Drafting Acuff and Thomas

Coach’s Critical Remarks

John Calipari wasted no time letting NBA teams know he feels two of his former Razorbacks are undervalued. Speaking on SiriusXM NBA Radio, he compared Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas to recent Kentucky talents Tyrese Maxey and Immanuel Quickley, asking, “What are you people looking at? Do you understand how good these guys are?” Calipari blamed the Sweet 16 exit for the lack of exposure, noting both players were still recovering from injuries when the scouting reports fell short. He also pointed out that some teams passed on Acuff just as they overlooked Thomas.

Draft Day Outcomes

Sacramento landed Acuff with the 7th overall pick after owner Vivek Ranadive called Calipari and was told a trade up would be necessary. The Kings benefited from that early selection, securing the explosive guard who averaged 23.5 points per game in his lone college season. Thomas slid to the second round, chosen 34th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, a move that kept the 19‑year‑old guard in the NBA. Calipari later expressed satisfaction, saying both players “landed where people wanted them.”

Acuff’s College Statistics

• Points: 23.5 per game
• Field‑Goal Shooting: 48.4%
• Three‑Point Shooting: 44.0%
• Assists: 6.4 per game
• Rebounds: 3.1 per game
• Minutes Played: 35.1 per game

Thomas’s College Statistics

• Points: 15.6 per game
• Rebounds: 3.8 per game
• Assists: 2.5 per game
• Steals: 1.5 per game
• Three‑Point Shooting: 41.6%

What It Means for the NBA

The comparison to Maxey and Quickley underscores Calipari’s view that these two prospects could become immediate contributors. Their college efficiency, especially from three‑point range, suggests they could fill rotational roles right away. As more one‑year players enter the draft, Calipari’s outspoken style may push teams to reconsider their scouting criteria. Expect both Acuff and Thomas to be evaluated on the same metrics that made Maxey and Quickley attractive after their college careers.