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Sport Nation
'Generational superstar': How JLA changes Perth's gameplan
Nicholas Quinlan • October 24th, 2025 3:06 pm
NBL veteran Mark Worthington has sung the praises of Jo Laul-Acuil Jr. following his performance for the Perth Wildcats so far this season.
After leaving Melbourne United following the 23/24 season for overseas opportunities, the centre has made his return to the league with the Perth Wildcats.
And in the seven games he has played so far, Lual-Acuil Jr. has reminded the competition of how good he is.
So far, he is averaging 21 points (3rd in the league), 2.1 blocks (1st in the league) and 6.9 rebounds per game.
And following his 24-point showing against the Cairns Taipans on Wednesday night, which saw the Wildcats snap a two-game losing streak, the former small/power forward who played 335 NBL games was impressed by how well the 211cm centre has adapted to their system.
“You can’t sing the praises of JLA (enough),” Worthington told SEN WA Breakfast.
“I know there has been a lot of talk about losing Bryce and what that means, but JLA is a superstar of this league.
“The Wildcats are adapting to a new style of play where it is not one person taking the majority of the shots. JLA is a very willing passer out of the post, which creates all sorts of troubles for opposition defences.
“And on top of that, his offensive game is just sensational. You’ve got a generational superstar in JLA, and hopefully he’ll be the key piece to just tick it over until Dylan Windler and a new import come in.”
The Wildcats will take on the reigning champions, the Illawarra Hawks, who currently sit dead last on the ladder.
Tip off takes place from 8pm AEDT (5pm local time) at the RAC Centre.
