Wildcats Multicultural Stories: Jo Lual-Acuil Jr.

Having previously experienced the impact of a Multicultural Game during his time with Melbourne United, Jo Lual-Acuil Jr was a strong advocate for bringing the concept to the Perth Wildcats.

“It was a big thing we did at Melbourne,” he says. “I think it’s something that should be celebrated across the league. I’m really grateful that everyone in the front office got behind it and made it happen here.”

Those memories remain vivid. During Melbourne’s championship run, the Multicultural jerseys became part of a shared experience that extended beyond the court.

“I remember we wore them through the finals and everyone was talking about their heritage and what it meant to them,” he says. “You learn about different cultures and backgrounds and you gain a different appreciation for everybody. It brings you closer as teammates.”

That understanding is something Lual-Acuil Jr has been keen to share with the current Wildcats group.

“I think it’s important to represent everybody and different backgrounds,” he says. “For me, being an immigrant coming to Australia, this game means a lot.”

He believes the Multicultural Game plays an important role in building awareness and connection.

“You go to a basketball game and it doesn’t matter where you’re from,” he says. “Everyone’s there together, cheering for a team. The same goes for us as players. We’re all from different walks of life.”

With visibility comes responsibility, something Lual-Acuil Jr embraces.

“Any time you’re in a position where people look up to you, you have to take that seriously,” he says. “Growing up, I didn’t have many people I could look up to who looked like me. To be that for the next generation is special.”

For him, leadership is less about profile and more about accessibility.

“Just being available,” he says. “Being someone they feel comfortable talking to. That’s the biggest thing.”

Representing South Sudan has been one of the most meaningful experiences of his career. It wasn’t until his parents’ emotional reaction that the full weight of that opportunity truly landed.

“That’s when I understood how important it was,” he says. “My dad calls me after every national team game. It means everything to my family.”

Now with a young family of his own, those experiences shape how he looks ahead.

“I want my kids to grow up in an environment where they feel comfortable being themselves,” he says. “That’s really important to me.”

Passing on a connection to culture is central to that.

“It’s about them understanding where I’m from and having a connection with that side of the family,” he says. “Talking to their grandparents and learning those stories.”

For those unfamiliar with South Sudan, Lual-Acuil Jr is quick to highlight what he believes deserves greater attention.

“It’s a beautiful country with beautiful people,” he says. “There’s so much more to it than what people might first think. The national team has helped shine a light on that.”

Food also plays a role in that connection, with family recipes holding special meaning.

“My mum’s baking, the pastries she makes, and a meal called combo,” he says. “That’s probably my favourite.”

There is an added layer of significance this year, with the Multicultural Game coming against Melbourne United.

“It’s crazy how it all works out,” he says. “They did a great job getting the ball rolling. Hopefully the rest of the league continues to get behind it.”

As the Wildcats prepare to wear the Multicultural Game uniform, Lual-Acuil Jr sees the night as both a celebration and an opportunity to learn.

“It’s about education, awareness and bringing people together,” he says. “That’s what this game represents.”

The Red Army can pre-order the Wildcats Multicultural Tee which displays flags that represent the cultural heritage of Wildcats players and the broader club, featured within the Wildcats ‘W’ available here