Wildcats Welcome Home NBL Champion Jo Lual-Acuil

The Perth Wildcats are thrilled to announce the signing of Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. on a two-year deal, with the dominant 213cm centre adding elite size, athleticism and championship-calibre experience to a building Wildcats roster.

JLA joins the club after an impressive season in the Turkish Basketball League with Manisa, where he averaged 17.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. He also featured for Al Ittihad Alexandria in the Basketball Africa League earlier this year.

Lual-Acuil Jr. is one of the top marquee-level players in the country and brings a strong NBL resume.

The 31-year-old was a key member of Melbourne United’s 2021 championship-winning team, winning the NBL’s Sixth Man of the Year award that same season. He went on to earn All-NBL First Team honours in 2022 and was selected to the All-NBL Second Team in 2024.

Raised in Perth’s northern suburbs, Lual-Acuil Jr. said the opportunity to return home and play in front of family and friends was incredibly meaningful.

“I’m excited to be coming back home,” Lual-Acuil Jr. said.

“This is the city where I fell in love with the game. I grew up in Perth watching the Wildcats and now I’m looking forward to being part of it.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing at RAC Arena, I can’t wait to run out there in front of the Red Army and get to work with JR and the guys.”

Wildcats General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said Lual-Acuil Jr. was a major signing and a key target throughout the off-season.

“We identified Jo early in free agency as someone who would be a perfect fit for what we are building,” Mills said.

“He is a proven winner at NBL level, has played against top competition internationally, and is still performing at an elite level. Beyond the stats, Jo is an exceptional teammate and professional. He will have a major presence on and off the floor.”

Wildcats Head Coach John Rillie said the club was thrilled to bring Lual-Acuil Jr. back to his home state.

“JLA is one of the elite talents in the league, so it’s exciting for us to add him to our roster. 

“He has tasted success in this league, so he understands what is needed to win in the NBL. 

“He can impact the game at both ends of the floor.  Protecting the rim and rebounding.  While offensively his ability to score in the paint and stretch the floor will always get the opponent’s respect.”

Lual-Acuil Jr. joins a well-balanced Wildcats roster that includes returning imports Kristian Doolittle and Dylan Windler, alongside Jesse Wagstaff, Sunday Dech, Elijah Pepper, David Okwera, Lat Mayen, Dontae Russo Nance and Next Star Noa Kouakou Heugue. As well as exciting young development players, Cameron Huefner and Tom Gerovich.

The Perth Wildcats will be making announcements on the remaining two roster spots ahead of the NBL26 season, with all focus firmly on the third import guard position. 

BE THE FIRST TO SEE JLA IN ACTION BY BECOMING A WILDCATS MEMBER TODAY

Welcome HOME JLA - NBL26 kicks off Saturday, September 20. Perth Wildcats v Tasmanian JackJumpers. 

With details of a pre-season Perth Wildcats International Series coming soon.