Rio Tinto Wildcats Academy features on SBS World News
20 May
1
min read


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!
— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) May 20, 2024
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
"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.
20 Oct
Wildcats Multicultural Stories | Alex Higgins-Titsha
Alex Higgins-Titsha
Perth Wildcats
Melbourne United
.jpg)
19 Oct
Wildcats Baseline Business | Training Alliance Group
.jpg)
18 Oct
Wildcats Multicultural Game returns to RAC Arena this Friday
Perth Wildcats
Melbourne United
.jpg)
17 Oct
NBL27 Round 5 Match Report | Wildcats vs KIngs
Perth Wildcats
Sydney Kings
.jpg)
16 Oct
NBL27 Round 5 Game Preview | Wildcats vs Kings
.jpg)
15 Oct
Red Army called on to support Teddy Bear Collection for Perth Children’s Hospital
14 Oct
Kristian Doolittle Press Conference | NBL27 Round 5 v Sydney Kings
Kristian Doolittle
Perth Wildcats
.jpg)
13 Oct
BY THE NUMBERS | WILDCATS RED HOT START TO NBL27
.jpg)
12 Oct
Knight impresses Rillie in winning debut
Brandon Knight
.jpg)
10 Oct
NBL27 Round 4 Match Report | Wildcats vs Breakers
Perth Wildcats
BNZ Breakers

9 Oct
NBL27 Round 4 Mental Health Game Preview | Wildcats vs Breakers
7 Oct
Perth WildCAST Episode 2 | Brandon Knight
Brandon Knight
Perth Wildcats

7 Oct
Wildcats to Host Second Mental Health Game for Lifeline WA
.jpg)
2 Oct
NBL27 Round 3 Pink Game Match Report | Wildcats vs Phoenix

1 Oct
NBL27 Round 3 Pink Game Preview | Wildcats vs Phoenix
.jpg)
30 Sep
Brandon Knight touches down in Perth excited to join Wildcats
Support your team with the latest gear
Grab your latest team releases before they're gone.

Get the latest Team Updates
Breaking news & special offers. Direct to your inbox.


