Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie believes Jo Lual-Acuil Jr could be so dominant that he wins NBL MVP award

Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie has declared high profile recruit Jo Lual-Acuil Jr could win the NBL MVP award this season after making an instant impact with the club during the pre-season.

Lual-Acuil returned to the NBL after winning Basketball Africa’s MVP award in 2024. The 213cm centre placed third in the NBL MVP award during 2022 and his ability to control games at both ends of the court for Perth is already clear.

Lual-Acuil was unstoppable inside the paint against Japan’s Sunrockers Shibuya on Friday night when he top-scored with 22 points. But then he showed off his ability to be a rim protector against Ryukyu Golden Kings on Sunday, producing four massive blocks.

Rillie knows what it’s like to coach a NBL MVP because Bryce Cotton won two of his five trophies since he took over. Rillie said Lual-Acuil was already showing signs that he could be the best player in the competition.

“For sure,” Rillie told The West Sport Show.

“Him and I have had minimal discussion around that, as I have with several other players on our roster, because that’s the type of belief and faith I have in the guys on our team. But the trick to it all is respecting and appreciating each other’s skill set, but also using that teammate to create the gravity for them to be successful.

“I think for him to be a dominant MVP candidate in this league, he needs to be very active at both ends of the floor, because he’s a menace when he has that mentality.”

Listen to The West Sport Show on Wednesday to hear the full exclusive interview with John Rillie

The Wildcats launched their NBL season on Tuesday and will play their first game against Tasmania JackJumpers at RAC Arena on Saturday.

Lual-Acuil won a NBL title in 2021 but was also part of the Melbourne United team that lost the 2024 grand final to the JackJumpers. Rillie said the 31-year-old was determined to add another championship to his resume.

“He’s in that stage of his career where he’s a veteran and he understands the moments in games where he can be really impactful,” Rillie said.

“Over the weekend against the Japanese teams, he had those moments in both games for us - whether it’s at the offensive or defensive end.

“He’s been a part of winning teams in the NBL, so he has a hunger to win championships. So the more of those players with that mindset that we can bring to the franchise, the a greater chance there is of a championship.”

Listen to The West Sport Show on Wednesday to hear the full exclusive interview with John Rillie