NBL Return No Certainty for Lual-Acuil

Melbourne United superstar Jo Lual-Acuil Jr is no guarantee to return to the NBL next season, even if he doesn’t earn an NBA contract, according to league analyst and commentator Liam Santamaria.

Lual-Acuil has publicly stated he will chase his NBA dream this offseason, and if he returns to the NBL, it will be with United.

However, Santamaria has revealed the All-NBL First Teamer is set to receive some huge financial offers from overseas clubs, placing his NBL future in doubt.
 
“The word around Jo Lual-Acuil in recent times has been he wants to go to Summer League, he wants to get that NBA deal and explore those NBA opportunities,” Santamaria told Free Agency Market Watch.

“He was on the record saying ‘if I'm in the NBL, I'm going to be back with Melbourne United.’

“However big offers are going to come from China, and don't forget Japan as well. 

“The Japanese are coming for the Aussie bigs. Nick Kay, Angus Brandt, those guys are over there getting things done.”

According to a report from Sportando’s Emiliano Carchio, Chinese team Nanjing are already trying to sign the multi-skilled big man.

“Lual-Acuil will get good offers from Asia (so) Melbourne will need to come strong,” Santamaria added.

“Maybe there is room for another NBL club to get involved in that conversation but he's going to get big offers from those Asian countries.”

Lual-Acuil averaged 16.4 points and 8.9 rebounds per game this season and finished third in MVP voting.