Arkansas basketball is selling more than SEC success — it is selling a direct path to the NBA.In Sports Director Armando Barry’s exclusive sit-down interview with former Razorback and 10-year NBA veteran Ronnie Brewer leading up to the NBA Draft, which airs on 40/29, Brewer said he believes Arkansas is building toward a future where multiple players are selected in the first round on a regular basis.Brewer pointed to the experience on John Calipari’s staff, saying the lessons learned at the NBA level are now being passed directly to young players in Fayetteville. In his view, that gives Arkansas a chance to prepare athletes not just for college success, but for the draft process and long-term professional careers.That belief also extends to Darius Acuff. Brewer said Acuff has the talent to become one of the highest-drafted players in program history. The current mark belongs to Sidney Moncrief, who went No. 5 overall, but Brewer said Acuff is talented enough to be in the conversation near the very top of the draft, calling him a “first-pick talent” and a player who should be a top-five selection.For Brewer, Acuff’s potential rise would mean more than an individual achievement. It would be another sign that Arkansas is becoming exactly what the program is pitching to recruits: a place where elite players can develop, thrive, and position themselves for the NBA.Brewer also pointed to Meleek Thomas and Trevon Brazile as two more Razorbacks with NBA potential. He said both have the talent to strengthen Arkansas’ 2026 draft class and further show how the program is helping players turn pro dreams into real opportunities.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. —
Arkansas basketball is selling more than SEC success — it is selling a direct path to the NBA.
In Sports Director Armando Barry’s exclusive sit-down interview with former Razorback and 10-year NBA veteran Ronnie Brewer leading up to the NBA Draft, which airs on 40/29, Brewer said he believes Arkansas is building toward a future where multiple players are selected in the first round on a regular basis.
Brewer pointed to the experience on John Calipari’s staff, saying the lessons learned at the NBA level are now being passed directly to young players in Fayetteville. In his view, that gives Arkansas a chance to prepare athletes not just for college success, but for the draft process and long-term professional careers.
That belief also extends to Darius Acuff. Brewer said Acuff has the talent to become one of the highest-drafted players in program history. The current mark belongs to Sidney Moncrief, who went No. 5 overall, but Brewer said Acuff is talented enough to be in the conversation near the very top of the draft, calling him a “first-pick talent” and a player who should be a top-five selection.
For Brewer, Acuff’s potential rise would mean more than an individual achievement. It would be another sign that Arkansas is becoming exactly what the program is pitching to recruits: a place where elite players can develop, thrive, and position themselves for the NBA.
Brewer also pointed to Meleek Thomas and Trevon Brazile as two more Razorbacks with NBA potential. He said both have the talent to strengthen Arkansas’ 2026 draft class and further show how the program is helping players turn pro dreams into real opportunities.