'Perth goes as far as JLA takes them'

In recent weeks, a lot has been made of the exceptional play of Perth Wildcats’ NBL26 MVP Kristian Doolittle.

And rightly so, with the American also finishing equal third in the NBL’s MVP voting, after posting career-high marks in points (16.6), rebounds (7.4), assists (3.6) and three-point percentage (34.6).

The other two garnering a lot of attention have been rising backcourt duo, Elijah Pepper and Ben Henshall.

Since Round 15, when David Duke Jr suffered an elbow injury, both young Wildcats increased their statistical outputs significantly.

Pepper’s averages rose in points (8.2 to 14.9 per game), rebounds (2.8 to 3.9), assists (1.3 to 2.3) and steals (1 to 1.2), while the latter had increased his output in points (7.7 to 10.9), rebounds (2.8 to 4.5), assists (1.9 to 4.9) and steals (0.7 to 1.1).

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As important as that trio are to Perth’s success, one NBL champion believes the Wildcats' marquee man still looms as their barometer during Finals.

“Their starting five needs to produce and the biggest worry the Perth Wildcats have is that they forget about JLA (Jo Lual-Acuil Jr.),” Damon Lowery told The West Australian.

“If JLA is not engaged in the game then you are pushing it uphill. JLA can switch off if he feels like he is being neglected. So he’s my focal point.

“You will go as far in this tournament as JLA goes."

The South Sudanese international leads the Wildcats this season, with a career-best 17.1 points a game, while also being in the competition leaders in blocks (1.6).

Lual-Acuil Jr.’s Wildcats travel to John Cain Arena on Wednesday night to face South East Melbourne in the Seeding Qualifier.

That fixture tips off at 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.

Read the full story here >> Perth Wildcats urged to make Jo Lual-Acuil their scoring star in NBL final against South East Melbourne