John Calipari has coached an impressive lineup of college guards who went on to do big things in the NBA. Here is the list: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Devin Booker, De’Aaron Fox, Jamal Murray, Tyrese Maxey, Derrick Rose, Tyler Herro, Tyreke Evans, John Wall.
So, he knows a thing or two about NBA guards.
And he is currently the head coach of the University of Arkansas, where he coached Darius Acuff Jr. last season. Recently, Calipari spoke about newest member of the Sacramento Kings.
He shared a story that sheds some light on the type of mentality Acuff has.
“Darius walked in, we just lost to Alabama. I had four guys fouled out of the game. I’m playing with two guys the last overtime that hadn’t played all year. He’s trying to will us to win. His foot is so bad, he scores 49 … I said listen, ‘You should take the next game off.’ He was in a boot. We were playing Missouri at home. He looks at me and he said, ‘Do you know we lost?’ And he got up and left. Like, I’m not sitting out we just lost a game. You don’t want that? You don’t want a guy that he is going to give you everything he has?”
Arkansas lost that game to Alabama 117-115 in double overtime. Acuff played 50 minutes, finishing with 49 points on 16-27 from the field and 6-10 from three.
Of course Calipari, who also said he thinks Acuff will come into the league and average 18 points and 8 rebounds, is going to play up the guy he coached. But the story he told is a good sign for the things that matter about a player’s mindset. The things that show up outside of what they can do with a ball. The will to win.
That is a good thing. Sacramento wants that.
We’ll have more on the Kings newest player throughout the week.
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