JLA Speaks to Media Upon Return Home

JLA returns to Perth where his basketball journey began and where he now looks to make a major impact on and off the court for the club he grew up supporting.

“It just made sense,” Lual-Acuil Jr. said. “Very rarely do you get an opportunity where everything aligns on the court and off it. My kids, my wife, our life stage, it was the perfect time to come back home.”

JLA spoke passionately about what it means to wear Wildcats colours.

“I’m a Red Army guy. I was a Perth guy, so I’m one of their own. I hope they embrace me, because I’ll be out there doing everything I can for the club.”

Lual-Acuil Jr. revealed he was a lifelong Wildcats fan, sharing memories of watching the team as a kid and being gifted Wildcats gear while still in college. He also paid tribute to Wildcats legend Mike Ellis, who first introduced him to competitive basketball.

“He took me to my first WABL training session. I couldn’t afford to play at the time, so I kind of ghosted him. Mike, if you see this, I’m sorry,” he said with a laugh.

On the court, the towering centre brings size, athleticism and championship-winning experience to a roster that’s building serious momentum heading into NBL26.

“I think everyone kind of knows what I bring. I’m not much of a talker, I’m more of an actions guy. But this group has the pieces to compete for a championship.”

He noted the defensive potential of the Wildcats squad, with the key additions of Sunday Dech and Lat Mayen joining a strong returning core.

“Every championship team over the past few years has been a top-three defensive team in the league. That’s the goal. We want to be elite on that end.”

Lual-Acuil Jr. also confirmed he’s already been in regular contact with many of his new teammates, especially Dech, who has been recruiting him behind the scenes for months.

“Sunday hasn’t shut up since he signed, he’s one of my best friends. So it already feels like home.”

The Red Army won’t have to wait long to see the new-look Wildcats in action, with the Perth Wildcats International Series tipping off in mid-September at Perth HPC.

The Wildcats will take on B.League heavyweights The Ryukyu Golden Kings and Sunrockers Shibuya across two double-headers, with tickets on sale from 11am July 24.

“These games are part of a bigger push into Asia,” Wildcats owner Mark Arena said. “We toured Japan last year and built great relationships. This series brings that to Perth, and we’ll head back to Japan next pre-season.”

Lual-Acuil Jr. will be front and centre in those clashes as the Wildcats ramp up preparations for NBL26.

“Every year, our goal is to win a championship,” Arena added. “Jo joins a team built to contend and we’re not done yet.”

Feature image credit: Ross Swanborough