JLA talks alive as Perth builds for NBL26

With All-NBL First and Second Team honours to his name, Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. has proven himself as one of the league’s most dominant bigs. It’s no wonder the Perth Wildcats are eager to lock him in.

The 31-year-old won’t come cheap, but he could be the key to putting the Wildcats back in the title hunt.

“Not only would we not rule it off the table, but it’s still a possibility,” ESPN’s Olgun Uluc said of the prospect of Lual-Acuil Jr. landing in the West.

“It’s the thing that would change that team, because if they don’t get that, then the drop between that third import and their best local would be too significant for us to see them competing for a championship."

“The JLA thing isn’t done. That is not off the table,” Pete Hooley reiterated.

Lual-Acuil Jr. posted averages of 14.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per game in the Hungry Jack’s NBL24 Season, before impressing in the Basketball Africa League, where he earned MVP honours. He has also suited up in China, Turkey and Egypt in recent times.

"The interest is continuing in JLA from the Perth Wildcats, and it seems like JLA is acutely aware of the leverage he holds as well, which is 'I know how much you need me, continue to raise your price, and the uncomfortable is coming.'”

The Wildcats are also actively searching for an import point guard to fill the massive void left by Bryce Cotton.

"Danny Mills and John Rillie are both here. Rillie’s watching all the games closely,” Hooley said.

“That import point guard is one that I’m sure we’ll get updates on over the next few days about potential names, or the type of guys they’re looking at.”

The Wildcats have undergone major off-season change, entering NBL26 in full roster construction mode. The departures of Bryce Cotton, Keanu Pinder, Michael Harris, Hyrum Harris and Izan Almansa mark the end of an era.

In response, Perth has brought in fresh talent, including Next Star Noa Kouakou-Heugue, seasoned NBL players Lat Mayen and Sunday Dech, and college prospect Cameron Huefner.

The 2025 NBA Summer League starts from July 11, Australian time, with exclusive interviews and insights available on the NBL App and NBL.com.au.