Shooting Woes Deepen: Top 3 Sharpshooters Gone — Can Acuff and Maleek Fill the Void for an Arkansas Razorbacks Team Already Struggling from Deep?
The storm clouds are gathering over Fayetteville, and the forecast isn’t promising — at least not from behind the arc.
The Arkansas Razorbacks, already battling through one of the worst shooting seasons in recent memory, have just taken a massive hit to their backcourt firepower. With the departure of their top three perimeter shooters — including team leaders Nelly, Z, and Boogie — the Hogs now face the daunting task of reimagining an offense that was already struggling to find its identity.
For a program steeped in tradition and high expectations, the question is loud and clear: Who’s going to make shots?
A Season to Forget — From Deep
Last season, Arkansas ranked among the lowest in the SEC in 3-point shooting, finishing with a paltry 29.8% from downtown. While grit and athleticism kept the Razorbacks competitive, their inability to consistently stretch the floor doomed them in critical moments — especially against elite defensive teams that packed the paint and forced them to shoot.
Now, things may get worse before they get better.
Gone are Nelly, the team’s floor general and top 3-point volume shooter; Z, the freshman phenom with a confident stroke; and Boogie, a steady offensive spark and veteran presence. Together, they accounted for the bulk of Arkansas’ perimeter production and spacing.
Meet the New Faces: Acuff & Maleek
In the wake of those losses, two players are being thrust into the spotlight — Acuff and Maleek — and the pressure to perform couldn’t be heavier.
Acuff, who transferred into the program with a reputation as a capable scorer, proved himself last season with solid numbers across the board, including a 36% clip from three-point range. With Boogie gone, Acuff is expected to step into a larger role both as a scorer and a leader.
“He’s got the tools,” said one member of Arkansas’ staff. “He’s confident, he puts in the work, and he’s not afraid to take the big shots. We just need him to do it every night.”
Maleek, on the other hand, is more of an unknown. His athleticism and on-ball defense have turned heads, but his offensive game — especially his outside shot — is still developing. While he’s expected to get extended minutes, replacing the combined production of both Nelly and Z may be more than he’s ready for at this stage.
“He’s a competitor,” said one scout. “But right now, he’s not replacing two experienced shooters. He’s got to find his rhythm and improve his shot selection if he’s going to help space the floor.”
Staff Scrambling for Reinforcements
It’s no secret: Arkansas is aggressively working the transfer portal, looking to bring in experienced shooters who can step in and make an impact immediately. With returning talent limited and shooting depth exposed, the staff knows it must act fast to rebuild a competitive offense.
While there’s hope that incoming freshmen could develop into reliable contributors, the reality is that relying heavily on first-year players to solve a systemic shooting issue is risky — especially in the always-competitive Southeastern Conference.
“There’s urgency in that building right now,” a source close to the program shared. “They know what they’re up against.”
What It Means for the Razorbacks
For Arkansas to take a leap forward next season, they’ll need more than just flashes of brilliance — they’ll need consistent perimeter threats who can stretch defenses and open up the floor.
Without that, teams will continue to clog the paint, dare the Razorbacks to shoot, and force them into low-percentage looks — the exact blueprint that sank them in key games last year.
Final Word: Pressure Mounts in Fayetteville
The entire Arkansas program face a defining offseason. Fans in Razorback Nation are loyal, passionate, and hungry for results — but patience is running thin. Acuff has the potential to become a go-to scorer. Maleek has the tools to grow into a two-way threat. But will it be enough?
With key pieces gone, a gaping hole at the arc, and a loaded SEC schedule ahead, the Razorbacks have no choice but to shoot their way out — or risk falling even deeper into the shadows of the conference elite.
Time is ticking. The Hogs need buckets. And right now, it’s unclear where they’ll come from.
