Acuff Named to Bob Cousy Award Top 5 Finalists

March 9, 2026

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced that Razorback Darius Acuff Jr. is one of five finalists for the 2026 Bob Cousy Award.

2026 Bob Cousy Award Finalists
Jaden Bradley, Arizona
Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
Kingston Flemings, Houston
Jeremy Fears Jr., Michigan State
Braden Smith, Purdue

Fans are encouraged to participate in Fan Voting starting on Friday, March 13, on hoophallawards.com. The Fan Vote will count as one committee vote during the finalist selection process.

Later this month, the finalists will be presented to Cousy and Lieberman and the Hall of Fame’s selection committees. The Selection Committees for the Bob Cousy are composed of top men’s college basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.

The winner of the 2026 Cousy Award will be presented on a to-be-determined date, along with the four other members of the Men’s Starting Five. Additional awards being presented include the Jerry West Award (Shooting Guard), Julius Erving Award (Small Forward), Karl Malone Award (Power Forward), and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award (Center).

Previous winners of the Bob Cousy Award include Braden Smith, Purdue (2025), Tristen Newton, UConn (2024), Markquis Nowell, Kansas State (2023), Ja Morant, Murray State (2019), Jalen Brunson, Villanova (2018), Tyler Ulis, Kentucky (2026), Trey Burke, Michigan (2013), and Kemba Walker, Connecticut (2011).

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