College basketball rankings: Arkansas' Darius Acuff Jr. shines, providing hope for fans of NBA tanking teams
CBS Sports
by
Gary Parrish
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
College basketball fans got a glimpse of the future Wednesday night as several elite freshmen showcased their talents, further fueling the NBA's growing interest in tanking. With the 2026 draft lottery approaching, the focus on developing young talent is at an all-time high. The article highlights how Arkansas' Darius Acuff Jr. became the talk of the game after scoring a staggering 49 points—tying the record for the highest single-game score by a freshman since 1990. Despite facing a tough Alabama team, Acuff's relentless performance, even while recovering from an injury, demonstrated his potential as a top-tier prospect.
Acuff's story was just one of many standout performances. AJ Dybantsa of BYU set a school record with 35 points and seven rebounds in a losing effort against Arizona, while Tennessee's Nate Ament delivered
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/19/2026