NBL22 Debrief - Jo Lual-Acuil Jr

Heading into the NBL22 season, pundits pondered how Melbourne United would cover for the loss of superstar big-man Jock Landale following his move to the NBA.

Enter Jo Lual-Acuil Jr.

The reigning NBL Best Sixth Man winner has already proved his effectiveness coming off the bench for United before seamlessly sliding into the starting lineup, putting up MVP-like numbers in the process.

Speaking after the season, there wasn’t much to it according to JLA, he was just doing what he does.

“I think it was just me hooping, just playing basketball.

“I didn’t really think too much about the role or anything like that heading into the season, I just tried to prepare myself as best I could in the preseason and I think the work that I put in ended up showing and carrying me through the season.”

Lual-Acuil Jr helped steer a relatively new group throughout their top-of-the-table regular season, leading Melbourne in scoring (16.4), rebounding (9) and blocked shots (2.3)

Despite the difficult end to the season, JLA praised his teammates for their ability to come together and achieve what they did in NBL22.

“It was a great group of guys to have around, super professional and it was always fun coming into training.

“It was always good vibes, high energy, they’re just a joy to be around and it translated when it was time for us to play other teams. I feel like the pressure was more external than internal, we just tried to take things game by game.

“It’s pretty recent after our loss, I think the loss has kind of tainted some of the stuff that we’ve done but overall, finishing first in the regular season, I just feel like this group deserved a little bit more.”

One player Jo worked with closely was 20-year-old Next Star Ariel Hukporti, with the pair getting better each day as they went against each other.

“Ariel’s got limitless potential. He’s a super talented kid and he’s a sponge, he really just wanted to learn so it was great going against him.

“There are some things that he does that not a lot of people can do, I think physically his body is super mature as well so I’m excited to see the growth that he has going into next year.”

Heading into the offseason, Lual-Acuil Jr is focussed on getting in some much needed family time before chasing his NBA dream.

“The biggest thing will be spending some time with my family, and then yeah, the grind just doesn’t stop.

“I’ve already got a couple of things in the back of my mind that I’ve got to do better, so once the time comes to start going again I’ll be ready to go.”

The big-man has not ruled out a return to United next season, stating if he’s playing in the NBL, it will be for Melbourne United.

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