Michigan in the running for elite five-star prospect

Michigan men's head basketball coach Dusty May could be on the verge of scoring a massive win on the recruiting trail.

Chris Breiler | Jul 17, 2024

Mar 10, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Basketball site on the court during a time out in the second half between the Michigan Wolverines and the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports / Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

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Michigan Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines are in the running to land a point guard who is described as being the "most dominant and dynamic lead guard" in the 2025 class. Darrius Acuff Jr, a five-star point guard out of IMG Academy, is nearing his decision according to a report from On3 Sports - and the Wolverines are squarely in the mix.

Despite including UConn in his list of finalists, 5⭐️ Darius Acuff says he likely won't be considering the back-to-back champs on commitment day. The No. 1 ranked PG in 2025 discusses Arkansas, Kansas, and Michigan as he inches towards a decision (On3+): https://t.co/aRlYowPDVH https://t.co/6cjx0KXYVO pic.twitter.com/jO2PXIxTYY
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) July 17, 2024

Although landing a guy like Acuff Jr. would signal May's first massive win on the recruiting trail, the first year head coach has already proven that he knows how to bring talent to Ann Arbor. Since taking over for former U-M head coach Juwan Howard back in March, May added six guys who figure to be big time contributors for the Wolverines when the season kicks off later this year.

That list of transfers is headlined by 7-1, 220 pound center Vlad Goldin. The big man was part of May's roster at Florida Atlantic, where he averaged 15.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game during the 2023-24 season. Goldin is joined by transfers Sam Walters (Alabama), Roddy Gayle Jr. (Ohio State), Tre Donaldson (Auburn), Danny Wolf (Yale), and Rubin Jones (North Texas).

But even with all of the solid additions through the portal, the reality is that having elite guard play is essential if you hope to compete for National Championships - and that's exactly what Michigan would get with a guy like Acuff Jr.

A-list coaches Tom Izzo, John Calipari and Bill Self all in to watch 5 ⭐️ PG Darius Acuff at Peach Jam 🍑

Acuff finished with 20 points in a close loss @NikeEYB pic.twitter.com/KYXCo7VLAQ
— League Ready (@LeagueRDY) July 15, 2024

Here's the full scouting report on the five-star point guard from 247 Sports:

"Acuff is the most dominant and dynamic lead guard in the class, who plays with outward confidence. He controls the offensive end of the floor with the ball in his hands and has a variety of versatile tools at his disposal. Firstly, he’s cut-up and powerful with long arms (a +4.5 inch wingspan). So, when he drops his body to attack, he can absorb contact without getting pushed off his line, whether that be in the open floor or half-court. That contributes to his ability to dictate his own pace and avoid getting sped up. He’s got a good early feel for how to play pick-and-roll, and loves to both change his angle right before reaching the screen and also split those defenders just when coming off. He’ll attack hard in the open floor and can really get downhill with his increasing power and sheer force.

"As Acuff has sculpted his frame, he’s simultaneously become more explosive and improved his first-step, but it’s often his second-move, or counter, that is especially lethal. He’s got a lot of different options when he goes through his legs mid-drive and has even become adept at adding a burst of speed, and accelerating, in the midst of his attack. Inside, the lane he has a full assortment of scoring options including crafty wrong-footed finishes, complete use of both hands at the rim, and good range on his runner. He is also a tough shot-maker and improving overall shooter who is equally dangerous off the catch or dribble, and doesn’t need much separation to get his shot off.

"Acuff is most effective when he’s making those around him better and asserting himself as efficiently as possible. He has good vision and is a talented passer, but like many young scoring lead guards, he can sometimes dominate the ball and settle for unnecessarily tough shots. Defensively, his physicality and competitiveness should be long-term assets, while he gradually seems to be getting a little looser in his hips."

Arkansas and Kansas seem to be leading in his recruitment at the moment, but it would be a mistake to count out Dusty May and the Michigan Wolverines in this one.

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