'We have unbelievable potential': Tyson Acuff brings veteran experience to Rutgers men's basketball
Graduate student guard Tyson Acuff is preparing to bring his veteran leadership to the Rutgers men's basketball team.
The 6-foot-4 Detroit, Michigan, product began his collegiate career at Duquesne and averaged 5.7 points per game and 2.9 rebounds per game as a second-year freshman before transferring back home to play at Eastern Michigan.
Last season, he averaged 21.7 points per game and 3.6 rebounds per game with the Eagles and was the nation's seventh-leading scorer.
Aside from being a prolific scorer, Acuff is eager to display other aspects of his game.
"I do a lot of things other than score," Acuff said. "I'm able to facilitate, rebound and lead guys with my experience. That's what I bring."
With several new faces on the team, Acuff brings his knowledge and familiarity with collegiate basketball to the table, ensuring a smooth transition for his new teammates.
"Playing with some young guys, I think that I'll be able to help get them to the next level and bring them a few attributes as far as talking defensively and working on the transfer from high school to college," Acuff said.
His role will look a little different this season with the additions of five-star freshmen, forward Ace Bailey and guard Dylan Harper, but Acuff has embraced that change with open arms.
"I think it's going to be fun,” he said. "Like I always say, three is better than one, so you got more options … You're still going to share the ball. It's a team sport, so I think it will be good."
Acuff's leadership extends beyond the court with his ability to tune out unnecessary noise.
"Everybody has their opinion, I don't really read too much into it," he said. "That's not my job to control their expectations. It's just to play hard and lead my team to the best of their ability that we can play to."
Although he has not seen much action on the court due to a foot injury he sustained in the offseason, Acuff intends to be back before the start of the season.
"I feel great. Rehabbing every single day, running and getting used to jumping and shooting," Acuff said. "I'm not really worried about getting back to it. They did a great job keeping me in shape."
With his veteran presence and leadership ability, Acuff will be a pivotal piece for the Scarlet Knights this season.
"We have unbelievable potential. The hope is March Madness and getting to a national championship," he said. "We have to take it one game at a time and I think that as long as we do that, we'll be ready."
