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.

27 Dec
DrinkWise game preview - Round 14: Wildcats v 36ers

27 Dec
Energy and effort the keys to bouncing back, says milestone man Harris

22 Dec
Wildcats go down to ladder-leading Hawks on the road

21 Dec
DrinkWise game preview - Round 13: Wildcats v Hawks

21 Dec
Wildcats team up with the Y for World Basketball Day

18 Dec
Stint on sidelines sparks Cotton's golden run

18 Dec
'I had the dream to play NBA or NBL': Naitanui's hoop dreams

15 Dec
'Doing unprecedented things': Skipper's praise for hot Cotton

14 Dec
'Cats defeat Cairns for back-to-back road wins

13 Dec
DrinkWise game preview - Round 12: Wildcats v Taipans

12 Dec
'It's been amazing': Withers loving his time at the Wildcats

12 Dec
Injury update: Kristian Doolittle

8 Dec
Rillie praises unselfish Cotton after Adelaide heroics

8 Dec
Cotton stars as fast-finishing Cats claim crucial road win

7 Dec
DrinkWise game preview: Round 11 - Wildcats v 36ers

6 Dec
Wildcats fall short against fast-finishing Hawks at home
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.


