Acuil-Jr. dominates 2024 BAL Awards

Named the Most Valuable Player of the 2024 Basketball Africa League, Al Ahly Ly's Jo-Lual Acuil Jr. has taken home two other awards.

In addition to his MVP recognition and his nomination to the 2024 All-BAL Defensive Team, the 6'11 center won the 2024 Dikembe Mutombo Defensive Player of the Year.

The 30-year-old South Sudanese center was also named to the 2024 All-BAL First Team alongside Samkelo Cele (Cape Town Tigers), Will Perry (Rivers Hoopers), Chris Crawford (US Monastir), and Aliou Diarra (FUS Rabat).

Perry was awarded the Manute Bol BAL Sportsmanship Award for a second season in a row.

BAL debutante Acuil Jr. averaged 22 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks in 10 BAL games.

In his closing ceremony speech, Acui Jr. said: "I never really set out to win awards.. the goal was always to win the trophy, and obviously we came in short. There's never been a silver lining in my career as far as these achievements but thankful and grateful to play in this league..."

"This is the first time that a Libyan team team has been to this tournament, and to make it to this far.. Shout out to Libya.. We represented you guys with pride."

Acuil Jr. currently holds the BAL scoring record after finishing with 42 points in an Al Ahly Ly's 110-78 win against City Oilers during the Nile Conference.