Rio Tinto Wildcats Academy features on SBS World News

Mach, who's been part of the Wildcats Academy for two years, spoke to SBS about his amazing basketball journey.

The 16-year-old has only been playing basketball for three years, but his talents were quickly identified.

Wildcats Academy director and Wildcats assistant coach Keegan Crawford felt Mach had the tools to succeed.

Meet Jongkuch Mach of the @RioTinto Wildcats Academy!

Standing at 7"4, young JK is set to be the next big thing in Aussie basketball. 🏀

He's one of many up-and-coming talents in the program led by Wildcats Academy director Coach Keegs. 💪

Thanks to @SBSNews for the feature! pic.twitter.com/xiZv4ewvyQ

— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) May 20, 2024

"Physically you look at him and he's a blank canvass," Crawford said.

"That's one of the things that we're excited for.

"He definitely has all of the tools and talent that high-level programs that the NBA, NBA Global Academy, (Basketball Australia) Centre of Excellence will look at."

Mach, who recently represented WA at the Basketball Australia National Under-18s Carnival, has his sights set on the NBL, where he would become the competition's tallest player.

More than half of the 28-player Wildcats Academy squad, made up of 14-19 year olds, have Indigenous or African heritage.

"There's a really big Sudanese and Indigenous communities that are so into their basketball, and sport in general," Crawford said.