Rafael Barlowe believed Darius Acuff Jr. was just a score-first guard in high school, and he gave Acuff time to change his mind in college; he did.
Barlowe, Director of Scouting for NBA Big Board, has scouted hundreds of players worldwide. He's watched high school, international and college players while producing scouting reports and mock drafts in the offseason.
The global scout was unsure whether Acuff could be a player who got his teammates involved. He waited, watched the 6-foot-3 guard at Arkansas and concluded his initial analysis was wrong.
Acuff led the SEC in scoring (23.5 points per game) and assists (6.3 per game). His freshman season as the Razorbacks' engine surpassed Pete Maravich, who did the same at LSU in 1969-70.
Now in the NBA, he has the chance to carry his college success into his rookie year with the Sacramento Kings.
Barlowe believes the 19-year-old could be the Rookie of the Year favorite. He said he'll have the ball in his hands the most and has confidence that a coach can't shake.
Acuff has looked like the best rookie in preseason. The seventh pick leads all rookies in scoring, averaging 18.7 points and shooting 41.2% from three.
He's averaging 2.9 more points than Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson and is shooting 6.8% worse from three than Oklahoma City Thunder guard Bennett Stirtz.
His preseason performance builds a strong foundation for Acuff early, and Barlowe's statement isn't the first. ESPN touted Sacramento's rookie as the likeliest to win the award outside the top four picks: AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer and Wilson.
The Kings' situation is the most significant reason for Acuff's boost. They're in the midst of a rebuild and are trying to trade veterans to prioritize his development.
He has the green light to run the offense, much like he did at Arkansas. Playing next to a veteran like Domantas Sabonis has elevated his game.
Acuff and Sabonis look to have formed a strong pick-and-roll duo in Sacramento's preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. Sabonis' hard screens helped the rookie generate space to either pull up for a mid-range jumper or find his veteran center rolling to the rim.
Their duo will likely be the backbone of the team's offense, especially in close fourth quarters when they need a reliable one-two punch to create easy offense.
Acuff landed in a favorable scenario to start his career. He's part of a franchise that will put the ball in his hands and give him the runway to be the offensive engine he was in college, making him a prime Rookie of the Year candidate.