BIO: Bryce Jiron Cotton was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona (USA). Cotton’s parents separated when he was a toddler and his father worked as a police officer on the other side of the country. Money was tight and Adams often provided them with financial assistance during tough times. Cotton’s grandmother, Mary, helped raise him and his brother Justin while their mother worked in real estate.

Cotton loved sports as a child, playing basketball, football and baseball. Due to suffering from a rare form of epilepsy, he was advised during fifth grade to no longer play football due to the high risk of head injuries which could lead to seizures. Focusing on basketball, one of Cotton’s biggest deficiencies was his lack of height. Cotton’s parents separated when he was a toddler and his father worked as a police officer on the other side of the country. Money was tight and Adams often provided them with financial assistance during tough times.

Cotton’s grandmother, Mary, helped raise him and his brother Justin while their mother worked in real estate.

After spending his junior year in Las Vegas, Cotton completed secondary school at Palo Verde High School in Tucson. Cotton helped lead Palo Verde to a 24–7 record and a berth in the state 4A semi finals in the 2009/10 season. He averaged 23.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.7 steals per game as a senior, and scored 30 or more points nine times, including a career-high 40 points in a 85–82 win over Buckeye on February 16, 2010. He also set a school record for the highest triple-double with 37 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists against Rio Rico on December 11, 2009. He earned First Team All-City and First Team All-State honours in 2010. He also had perfect grades and a high GPA.

Cotton was not highly recruited out of high school. He was turned down by Montana State and Northern Arizona, and was later also turned away by Division II school Chico State. He also reportedly tried to obtain a scholarship from Houston Baptist.

FAMILY: Cotton is the son of Yvonne and Charles Cotton. He has one brother, Justin Tarpley, and two half-brothers, Chaz Cotton and Elijah Cotton. One of his brothers died by suicide in 2021.

His uncle, David Adams, played football at the University of Arizona and had a short stint with the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL.

Cotton’s wife Rachel, who is from Perth, gave birth to the couple’s first child in 2019.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Bryce Cotton made his NBL debut with the Perth Wildcats at 24 years of age. He scored 26 points in his first game.

Prior to Cotton’s arrival in Perth, the Wildcats were experiencing one of their worst starts in NBL history. The team had fallen to last place in December with a 7–9 record, struggling under long-term injuries to Damian Martin, Jarrod Kenny, and Matthew Knight.

Import Jaron Johnson initially took the fall for the Wildcats’ poor start, replaced by three-point specialist Andre Ingram just three games into the season. However, in an unusual turn of events, Ingram departed after only two games, citing mental health reasons, prompting Johnson’s return. Despite Johnson’s reinstatement, it was a temporary fix, and he was ultimately released again in December when Perth seized the opportunity to sign former NBA guard Bryce Cotton. Around this time, Perth legend Shawn Redhage also announced that the 2016/17 season would be his last in the NBL.

Throughout these roster upheavals, Casey Prather continued to shoulder the offensive burden for the Wildcats, notching a career-high 39 points in a tight win over Melbourne (92–89) in December. In early February, Prather recorded 29 points in a dominant win over Sydney (101–74), followed by a 26-point, career-high 11-assist performance in a close victory over Melbourne United (96–94). Martin’s return from injury saw him reach his 250th NBL game milestone, scoring a season-high 11 points, alongside 6 rebounds and 4 assists, as Perth defeated Melbourne once again (73–71).

Cotton made an immediate impact in his NBL debut, setting a Wildcats record with 26 points against the Sydney Kings, surpassing James Ennis’ 25-point debut with the Wildcats in 2013. By his fifth game, Cotton had hit a season-high 27 points in an overtime win over Cairns (84–78). With Cotton in the lineup, the Wildcats transformed, winning eight of their last twelve regular-season games, including two must-win matches that secured their playoff spot in fourth place (15-13).

Cotton finished the season as the league’s leading scorer with averages of 23.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals, while Prather (19.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.6 steals) was named runner-up for the NBL MVP award (behind Adelaide’s Jerome Randle) and earned a spot on the NBL First Team.

In game one of the Wildcats’ best-of-three semi-final series against the second-seeded Taipans in Cairns, Cotton erupted for 34 points, leading Perth to a decisive 91–69 win. His 34 points marked the highest post-season scoring effort by a Wildcat since Shawn Redhage’s 35 points in 2008, and Cotton also contributed a team-high five assists and three steals. In game two back in Perth, Cotton scored nine points as the Wildcats defeated Cairns 74–66, sweeping the series to advance to the NBL Grand Final.

In the Grand Final series, Prather (22 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists), Cotton (18 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists), and Knight (18 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 steals) led a balanced offensive attack, securing a 12-point win in game one (89-77). The series then moved to Wollongong for game two, but Perth maintained their playoff dominance with another 89–77 victory. Cotton (20 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals) and Prather (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists) led the scoring, supported by five Wildcats players in double figures.

In game three, Perth clinched the title with a commanding 95–86 win, remaining undefeated throughout the postseason and capturing their eighth NBL championship. This marked the Wildcats’ first back-to-back titles since 1991.

Several record-breaking moments defined the game three victory, most notably with Bryce Cotton’s phenomenal 45-point performance—an NBL Grand Final record. His 27.7 points per game across the Grand Final series was the highest scoring average in a Grand Final series in 20 years, earning him the Grand Final MVP honours.

2017/18
After a brief stint in the NBA Summer League, Cotton chose to re-sign with the Wildcats for the 2017–18 NBL season on 14 July 2017, despite significant interest from European powerhouse Unicaja Málaga. His contract became the highest in NBL history at the time, valued around $600,000.

However, Perth was dealt a blow when two-time Club MVP Casey Prather pursued NBA opportunities and eventually joined Melbourne. Initially, Perth signed Devondrick Walker as Prather’s replacement, but a foot injury sidelined Walker before he could make his NBL debut. Walker was replaced by JP Tokoto. Other roster moves included Derek Cooke Jr. stepping in for Jameel McKay and Lucas Walker being promoted to a full-time role to replace the retired Shawn Redhage.

Veteran Matthew Knight (5.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.6 assists) announced plans to retire at season’s end but decided to step away earlier in November after three head knocks, ending his season after just five games.

Cotton’s season took off with a 36-point game on 10 December in a win over Illawarra (99–91), propelling Perth to the top of the standings with a 10-3 record. However, the Wildcats faced a setback when Damian Martin (4.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.5 steals) injured his ankle, missing two games. Further injuries to Clint Steindl (2.8 points, 1.3 rebounds) and Greg Hire (2.1 points, 2 rebounds, and 0.6 assists) contributed to the team’s mid-season slump, dropping their record to 13–9 by January. Despite criticisms of Cooke Jr. (5.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 0.6 assists), who many fans felt underperformed, the Wildcats stuck with their roster. Returning to full strength, Perth finished the regular season strong, securing third place on the ladder with a 16–12 record.

Damian Martin was named Best Defensive Player for a record sixth time, while Tokoto (15.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 steals) earned a spot on the All-NBL Second Team. Cotton (19.8 points, 3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals) led the league in scoring and three-point shooting (84 of 187, 44.9%), joining the All-NBL First Team and earning MVP honours, becoming the third Wildcat to win the award after Paul Rogers (2000) and Kevin Lisch (2012).

In the semi-finals, the Wildcats fell to the second-seeded Adelaide 36ers. Game one was a 109–74 defeat, marking Perth’s second-largest finals loss, surpassed only by a 55-point loss in 1989 to North Melbourne. Despite a much tighter contest in game two, Perth lost by a single point (88–89), ending their season early.

2018/19
During the off-season, Perth secured Cotton with a new three-year deal and added Nick Kay and Mitch Norton (both via Illawarra), Tom Jervis (via Brisbane), and new import Terrico White. This reshuffle saw the departure of Lucas Walker, Jarrod Kenny, and Dexter Kernich-Drew, all of whom signed with Cairns, while Rhys Vague was elevated from a development player to the full roster.

The Wildcats traveled to the U.S. for pre-season games against the Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets. Despite a heavy loss to the Jazz (130–72), Coach Trevor Gleeson viewed it as a catalyst for their season. Perth then narrowly lost to the Nuggets (96–88), gaining valuable experience that helped set the tone for their season.

Starting the season at 10–1, Perth’s momentum was disrupted by injuries to captain Damian Martin (5.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.6 steals), who missed six games due to a calf tear, and Angus Brandt (8.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists), who missed three games due to an ankle injury sustained while playing for the Australian Boomers. By mid-January, the Wildcats had dropped eight of their next ten games, bringing their record to 12–9.

Despite pressure to make roster changes, Perth retained its roster, finishing the season strong with three consecutive wins over Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney, reclaiming the top spot with an 18–10 record.

Cotton (21.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals) won his second NBL MVP title, while Kay (14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists) enjoyed a career-best season. Both players were selected to the All-NBL First Team.

Standout games for Cotton included 31 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists against Melbourne United on 15 March 2019, 27 points and 6 rebounds on 27 October 2018, and 26 points and 4 rebounds against Illawarra Hawks on 1 February 2019.

Perth dominated Brisbane in the semi-finals, with Terrico White (24 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist) and Cotton (19 points, 10 assists) leading them to a Game 1 win (89–59). Game 2 saw White score 24 points as Perth clinched the series (84–79) to advance to the Grand Final against Melbourne.

In Game 1 of the Grand Final, Perth won (81-71) with strong performances from White (19 points, 8 rebounds) and Kay (14 points, 7 rebounds), while Cotton added 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. Melbourne’s offense was led by Casper Ware (19 points) and Chris Goulding (15 points).

Melbourne evened the series in Game 2 (92-74), powered by Ware (14 points), Goulding (14 points), DJ Kennedy (12 points, 14 rebounds), and David Barlow (11 points). White (17 points) and Cotton (19 points) led Perth’s efforts, though they couldn’t overcome United’s balanced scoring.

Trevor Gleeson’s adjustments led to a dominant Game 3 win for Perth (95-67), with White scoring 31 points and Cotton adding 27 points and 10 assists, nearly outscoring Melbourne alone. For Melbourne, Kennedy and Barlow were bright spots with 13 points each.

Perth clinched the title in Game 4 (97-84), with Cotton (28 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals) and White (20 points, 8 rebounds) sealing the victory. White, who faced early-season criticism, averaged 21.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over the series and earned Grand Final MVP honours.

2019/20
In the 2019 off-season, the Wildcats made their first move by re-signing four-time championship-winning coach Trevor Gleeson to a three-year deal, alongside veteran champions Damian Martin and Jesse Wagstaff, as well as import Terrico White. In total, six members from the championship roster returned, while Wani Swaka Lo Buluk was promoted from a development role to replace the retiring Greg Hire. The team also brought in Dario Hunt and Majok Majok to fill the spots left by departing big men Tom Jervis and Angus Brandt, who headed to Europe.

The Wildcats started the season strongly with a 5–1 record but experienced a dip by Round 10, falling to 8–5 after consecutive losses. They regained momentum with four straight wins to close out December with a 13–6 record. In December, Martin reached a milestone, playing his 300th game for Perth before a left heel injury sidelined him for January. After consecutive losses to begin 2020, the team decided to release Dario Hunt (8.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists) and replace him with seven-year NBA veteran Miles Plumlee (9.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks).

Plumlee’s arrival provided the interior presence Perth needed, showcased in a win over New Zealand (80–79), where he posted 23 points and 18 rebounds, becoming the first Wildcat since 2007 to record over 20 points and 15 rebounds in a game.

With seven games left in the season, and Plumlee required to play each one to qualify for the playoffs, the Wildcats won six of seven games, securing their 34th consecutive finals appearance with a second-place finish (19–9). Fresh from his experience with the Australian Boomers at the World Cup, Nick Kay (15 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.1 steals) delivered a breakout season, while Bryce Cotton (22.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists) made history as the first import to lead the league in scoring three years in a row.

In the semifinals, Perth edged past Cairns (2–1) to reach their 15th NBL Grand Final. Cotton (32 points) and Kay (14 points and 6 rebounds) led them to a game one victory (88–86) in front of a crowd of 11,647 Kings fans.

Ahead of game two in Perth, the league made the unprecedented decision to play the rest of the series behind closed doors due to COVID-19. In an empty stadium, the Kings leveled the series (1-1), fueled by Jae’Sean Tate (21 points on 7-of-9 shooting) and a standout performance from Andrew Bogut (24 points and 14 rebounds).

In game three, Kay (30 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists) delivered a career-high performance, including seven three-pointers, alongside Cotton (31 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists) to secure a decisive victory (111–96) for Perth.

Ahead of game four, the Sydney Kings decided to withdraw from the series due to COVID-19 uncertainties and travel restrictions, particularly affecting their overseas-based players concerned about returning home. After a week of deliberation, the NBL awarded Perth the championship, as they held a 2-1 lead at the time. This marked the Wildcats’ tenth NBL title. Cotton, who averaged 30.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists across the three games, was named Grand Final MVP for the second time in four years, becoming the first player in Wildcats history to win league MVP, Grand Final MVP, and a championship in the same season.

2020/21
After claiming the previous season’s Grand Final title, which ended prematurely when Sydney withdrew due to COVID-19 concerns, Perth encountered early struggles in the NBL21 season amidst ongoing pandemic disruptions. With key departures of Terrico White and Nick Kay to overseas offers, the Wildcats signed John Mooney to fill the significant gap in the frontcourt. However, due to the NBL’s decision to reduce import spots from three to two, Perth couldn’t re-sign Miles Plumlee. The season start was delayed multiple times and operated on an unpredictable schedule, with teams learning their matchups based on COVID travel limitations each week.

During these uncertain times, Perth struggled to find momentum and, after five rounds, sat in seventh place. The league then moved all teams to Melbourne for the NBL Cup—a series of eight games designed to maintain the season despite travel restrictions. It was here that Bryce Cotton (23.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.5 steals) elevated his game, which in turn opened opportunities for newcomer Todd Blanchfield (from Illawarra). Blanchfield (15.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists) set a Wildcats record for most three-pointers in a season, complementing Mooney’s strong performance (16.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.3 steals). Together, the trio brought Perth back to the top of the ladder.

As the season neared its end, Perth seemed primed for a third consecutive title, but Cotton’s season-ending injury in a loss to Melbourne (64–78) in their final regular-season game altered those plans. Despite missing the playoffs, Cotton’s impact was undeniable as he earned the league’s MVP award.

After being knocked from the top ladder spot by Melbourne in Round 13, Perth finished second (25-11). The Wildcats initially struggled in their semi-final opener against Illawarra (72–74) but bounced back in game two with Luke Travers (13 points, 10 rebounds) and Mooney (18 points, 10 rebounds) leading a 79-71 win. In game three, Blanchfield (24 points, 5 rebounds) and Mitchell Norton (15 points, 4 rebounds) stepped up in Cotton’s absence, propelling Perth over Illawarra (79-71) in a hard-fought series.

In the Grand Final, Perth faced first-seeded Melbourne United, who had been dominant all year. Games one and two took place in Perth due to travel restrictions. Blanchfield (27 points, 7 rebounds) led in game one, though United narrowly won (73-70). Game two was similarly challenging, with Chris Goulding (21 points) and Jock Landale (12 points, 17 rebounds) overpowering Perth again (83-74).

In game three, played in Melbourne, Norton (8.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists) fought through injury but struggled, weakening the backcourt. Despite Kevin White’s impressive performances across the three games (10 points, 12 points, and 14 points), Perth couldn’t clinch a win. Game three concluded with United defeating Perth 81-76 before a limited-capacity crowd at John Cain Arena. Jock Landale (15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 assists, 2 blocks) secured Finals MVP honours as United claimed their sixth championship.

2021/22
The 2021/22 season brought significant changes for Perth, beginning with the departure of Trevor Gleeson, who led the team to five championships in seven seasons, to the NBA’s Toronto Raptors. Mid-season signing Will Magnay, along with key bench players Clint Steindl, Jarrad Weeks, and Jarred Bairstow, left to join Tasmania’s new NBL team under former Wildcats assistant Scott Roth.

To rebuild, Perth appointed U.S. coach Scott Morrison, adding imports Vic Law (from Brisbane) and Michael Frazier III, alongside Matthew Hodgson (from Brisbane) to complete their roster.

Perth started the season with five home games but then faced a grueling stretch of 14 away games due to border closures. Despite the challenges of prolonged travel and separation from family, the Wildcats spent most of the season in the top four, emerging as Grand Final contenders.

Cotton (22.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.4 steals) and Law (20.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.0 blocks) were an unstoppable duo, both ranking in the league’s top three scorers. Perth led the NBL in scoring, averaging 89.1 points per game. By the time Perth returned to Western Australia, they were second on the ladder (13-6) with nine games left, all at home.

During this stretch, Frazier was swapped out for big man John Brown III, who began training with Perth only to learn that his former team would not grant a clearance, preventing his participation in the playoffs. Frazier, having trained alongside Brown, was asked to rejoin the roster as Brown returned to the U.S.

Earlier today, @PerthWildcats head coach Scott Morrison addressed the awkward nature of how things have played out with Michael Frazier II and John Brown III.#NBL22 pic.twitter.com/scxWbnKfDQ— NBL (@NBL) April 6, 2022

As the season neared its end, a knee injury sidelined Law, while Cotton also missed several critical games, resulting in Perth winning only three of their last nine home games. Heading into the final game, Perth needed a win against South East Melbourne to secure their place in the playoffs. Despite building an eight-point lead in the second half, the Phoenix staged a comeback, clinching a two-point overtime victory and ending Perth’s 36-season streak of consecutive playoff appearances that began in 1986.

Both Cotton and Law were named to the All-NBL First Team for their outstanding performances during the season, underscoring their impact despite the team’s challenging finish.

2022/23
After missing the playoffs for the first time in 35 years, Scott Morrison stepped down after one season for family reasons and Perth appointed former Townsville Crocodiles guard John Rillie as head coach on a three-year deal. Kevin White (to Illawarra) and Matt Hodgson (to Taiwan) departed, while Todd Blanchfield re-signed for three years, Jesse Wagstaff returned on a one-year deal and Kyle Zunic was elevated from development player to the main roster. Corey Webster (free agent), who had originally signed with Perth in 2017 before departing prior to the season, returned to the club, while TaShawn Thomas (via France) and Brady Manek (via North Carolina) were added for scoring depth.

The Wildcats also secured their three-time NBL MVP on a new three-year contract, keeping him in Perth through the 2024/25 season.

Perth opened the season at RAC Arena on October 2, where Cotton (23 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 6 steals) led a 24-point turnaround as the Wildcats defeated Brisbane 87-73. Wagstaff (14 points) and Thomas (12 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals) provided support, while Devondrick Walker (16 points and 5 rebounds) led the Bullets. “I’m happy with how I played but I’m happy with how the team came together,” Cotton said.

The Wildcats won their next two games to begin 3-0 and move to the top of the ladder before five consecutive losses dropped them to seventh. Cotton (23.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.6 steals across 30 games) led the NBL in scoring and remained available throughout the campaign, appearing in all 28 regular-season games and both play-in games without an injury-related absence.

On October 28 at RAC Arena, Cotton (27 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists) scored 14 points in the second quarter and threw down a poster dunk, while Travers (19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Thomas (14 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) also contributed, but Mitchell Creek (22 points and 6 rebounds) led South East Melbourne to a 91-90 win.

Cotton (15 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals) scored 12 points in the fourth quarter against Adelaide on November 5 and led a 14-0 run which broke Perth’s losing streak. Manek (25 points) and Corey Webster (18 points and 4 rebounds) provided support, while Robert Franks (24 points and 9 rebounds) led the 36ers before the Wildcats won 94-89 in front of a record crowd of 9,071 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

New Zealand’s unflattering social-media meme aimed at Corey provided extra motivation when the Breakers visited RAC Arena on December 3. In front of family and friends, Webster (26 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) scored 16 points in the third quarter, including nine consecutive Perth points, Manek (18 points and 6 rebounds) made three important three-pointers in the fourth and Cotton (17 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists) helped the Wildcats end New Zealand’s five-game winning streak with a 92-84 victory, while Barry Brown Jr (27 points) led the Breakers.

Cotton (32 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals) led Perth to another win over Adelaide at RAC Arena on December 9, with Thomas (22 points and 8 rebounds) and Webster (22 points) helping the Wildcats defeat the 36ers 98-90, while Mitch McCarron (20 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists) led Adelaide. Norton (7 points) played his 300th NBL game and Daniel Johnson (10 points and 5 rebounds) reached 400 appearances.

Three nights later, Perth trailed Melbourne 89-84 with nine seconds remaining before Blanchfield (8 points and 2 rebounds) made a three-pointer while being fouled, missed the bonus free throw, grabbed his own rebound and found Webster (20 points and 3 assists), who made the game-winning three-pointer. Cotton (29 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) led the Wildcats and Xavier Rathan-Mayes (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) was Melbourne’s leading scorer as Perth won 90-89 at RAC Arena. The result was Perth’s third consecutive win and Webster’s 250th NBL game.

Perth added Tai Webster (via Turkey) on January 3, reuniting him with Corey, while Corey Shervill was released from the Wildcats’ 11-man roster and remained with the club as a train-on player.

After Perth went 5-2 during December and climbed to fifth, Cotton’s best game came against Illawarra at RAC Arena on January 27. Cotton (40 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists) made 11-of-21 field goals, seven of 11 three-pointers and all 11 free throws, while Manek (16 points and 7 rebounds) and Webster (15 points and 7 rebounds) helped Perth defeat the Hawks 106-86. Tyler Harvey (23 points) led Illawarra before the win in front of 12,521 fans moved the Wildcats to 14-11 and fourth place.

Webster (14.2 points across 29 games), Thomas (13.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 28 games), Manek (13.1 points and 5.3 rebounds across 30 games), Travers (9.7 points and 5.7 rebounds across 29 games), Tai Webster (7 points across 8 games) and Norton (5.1 points across 28 games) formed Perth’s main supporting group. The Wildcats finished with the NBL’s highest offensive rating and averaged 92.1 points per game, second in the league, but had the worst defensive rating and ranked last in rebounding at 33.5 per game.

Cotton led the league in scoring, finished second to Xavier Cooks in MVP voting with 96 votes, earned All-NBL First Team selection and received Perth’s club MVP award.

Perth was outscored 27-15 in the fourth quarter against Tasmania in Hobart on January 29, with Thomas (19 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals), Cotton (17 points and 2 steals) and Webster (17 points and 4 assists) leading the Wildcats, while Milton Doyle (21 points and 4 assists) helped the JackJumpers win 102-94.

Cairns then defeated Perth 84-71 at RAC Arena on February 3, despite Cotton (28 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Thomas (23 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks) leading the Wildcats. Manek (12 points) also contributed, while Bul Kuol (15 points and 9 rebounds) led the Taipans and left Perth needing a final-round win over Sydney by at least 11 points to reach the postseason.

Sydney held Cotton (7 points) to one made field goal at RAC Arena on February 5, but Webster (26 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals), Travers (22 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Manek (21 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals) carried Perth, while Dejan Vasiljevic (18 points and 7 rebounds) led the Kings. The Wildcats won 96-84, finishing sixth with a 15-13 record and qualifying for the NBL’s inaugural play-in tournament by winning by 12 after needing an 11-point margin.

The Play-In Qualifier moved to John Cain Arena on February 9, where Perth trailed South East Melbourne for most of the game before outscoring the Phoenix 41-23 in the fourth quarter. Cotton (26 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals) scored 20 points in the final period, while Manek (24 points) and Thomas (13 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists) helped the Wildcats win 106-99. Creek (24 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists), Gary Browne (20 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals) and Alan Williams (16 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 steals) led the Phoenix.

Cairns entered the Play-In Game at the Cairns Convention Centre without injured star Keanu Pinder, but DJ Hogg (32 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks) set a Taipans playoff scoring record, while Kuol (23 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Sam Waardenburg (15 points and 10 rebounds) led the Taipans. Cotton (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists), Thomas (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks), Webster (14 points and 4 rebounds) and Manek (13 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists) were Perth’s best as Cairns won 91-78.

2023/24
After finishing sixth in 2022/23 and being eliminated by Cairns during the play-in tournament, Perth reshaped its roster under head coach John Rillie. Luke Travers (to Melbourne), Todd Blanchfield (to Illawarra), Mitchell Norton (to Brisbane), TaShawn Thomas and Brady Manek exited, while Rillie added two-time Most Improved Player Keanu Pinder (via Cairns), Hyrum Harris (via Adelaide), David Okwera (via Melbourne), imports Jordan Usher and Kristian Doolittle, Next Star Alexandre Sarr and rookie Ben Henshall. Captain Jesse Wagstaff and guards Tai and Corey Webster returned as Perth moved towards a younger roster.

Perth opened the season at RAC Arena on September 29, where Cotton (21 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) helped the Wildcats defeat Tasmania 101-95. Usher (35 points and 3 rebounds) produced the highest-scoring debut in Wildcats history and Corey Webster (16 points) provided support, while Jack McVeigh (22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block) led the JackJumpers.

Cotton (22.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.5 steals across 30 games) entered the second season of the three-year contract he signed in May 2022, which kept him with Perth through the end of the 2024/25 season.

Despite the opening victory, Perth lost five of its next six games as a new guard-heavy offence regularly left Cotton stationed in the corners and reduced his opportunities with the ball. The struggles produced calls from supporters and sections of the media for Rillie to be replaced, while comments attributed to Cotton’s wife criticising the game plan made national headlines.

Perth collected its second win in Adelaide on October 6, where Cotton (19 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) led an 82-75 victory, with Usher (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal) and Sarr (16 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks) providing support while Isaac Humphries (18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks) led the 36ers. After Pinder fouled out, Sarr made back-to-back three-pointers during the final two minutes to secure the result in only his third NBL game.

Following a disappointing loss to Brisbane, Pinder (13.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.7 steals across 31 games) publicly predicted Perth would win its next five games, with the Wildcats proceeding to deliver on his claim and turn their season around.

Cotton’s offensive recovery began against Adelaide at RAC Arena on November 4, where he finished with 29 points, 4 assists, and 1 steal as Perth recovered from an 11-point deficit and ended a four-game losing streak with a 99-88 win. Usher (17 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) provided energy after being moved to the bench and Pinder (12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block) controlled the frontcourt, while Trey Kell III (25 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists) led Adelaide.

His best scoring game came against Sydney on December 1, where Cotton (41 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) committed no turnovers and led Perth to a 114-105 victory and its sixth consecutive win. Pinder (18 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks) and Sarr (15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals) supported him, while Jonah Bolden (28 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block) was Sydney’s leading scorer.

Across eight games from December 15 to January 21, Cotton averaged 30.4 points and delivered four 30-point performances, returning to the front of the MVP conversation as Perth climbed into the top two.

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Rillie’s lineup changes helped create more opportunities for Cotton, with Usher (12.3 points and 3.4 rebounds across 31 games) embracing a sixth-man role and regularly finishing close games. Harris (5.8 points and 3.8 rebounds across 30 games) moved into the starting lineup and added defensive intensity, offensive rebounding and a willingness to dive on the floor for loose balls.

Sarr (9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks across 27 games) displayed the length, athleticism and defensive versatility that moved him towards the top of NBA draft projections. Doolittle (9 points and 6.7 rebounds across 29 games) became Perth’s primary defensive stopper, while Tai Webster (8.9 points across 28 games) assumed much of the ball-handling responsibility and allowed Cotton to spend more time working away from the ball. Tai averaged 18 points during a four-game stretch from January 13-25 as Perth won three of those games.

Wagstaff (6.5 points across 28 games) remained a reliable veteran presence, Corey Webster (6.1 points across 20 games) contributed in a reduced role and Henshall (3.1 points across 16 games) gained experience during his rookie season.

A knee complaint kept Cotton out of Perth’s regular-season finale, but the Wildcats finished second with a 17-11 record and returned directly to the semifinals. Cotton led the NBL in scoring for the seventh time in eight seasons, earned his seventh All-NBL First Team selection, won the Fans’ MVP and Perth’s Gordon Ellis Medal and claimed his fourth Andrew Gaze Trophy. The award moved him past Leroy Loggins’ three MVPs and into outright second behind Andrew Gaze’s seven.

Perth opened its semifinal series against Tasmania at RAC Arena on March 8 with an 89-81 victory. Pinder (25 points and 7 rebounds), Cotton (15 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Usher (11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) led the Wildcats, while Jordon Crawford (19 points and 3 assists), McVeigh (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Marcus Lee (16 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal) were Tasmania’s leading scorers.

Game two moved to MyState Bank Arena, where Cotton (26 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals) and Doolittle (20 points and 9 rebounds) carried Perth, while Sarr (5 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 blocks) protected the rim. Milton Doyle (24 points and 6 rebounds), McVeigh (22 points and 5 rebounds) and Majok Deng (18 points and 5 rebounds) led Tasmania to a 102-94 win and forced a deciding game.

Game three returned to RAC Arena, where McVeigh (27 points and 6 rebounds), Doyle (24 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals) and Will Magnay (18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 block) controlled the game for Tasmania. Cotton (21 points and 4 rebounds) and Harris (13 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Perth, while Pinder (7 rebounds, 4 steals, and 1 block) was held scoreless as Tasmania won 100-84.

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2024/25
After falling to Tasmania in the 2024 semifinals, Perth farewelled Alexandre Sarr (to Washington), Jordan Usher (to France), Corey Webster (to Auckland) and Kyle Zunic (to Keilor). John Rillie returned for his third season as head coach and agreed to a three-year extension, adding Elijah Pepper (via UC Davis), Next Star Izan Almansa (via G League Ignite) and Dylan Windler (via Atlanta), while Michael Harris was promoted from the development roster and Todd Withers (via Warwick) was signed as a nominated replacement player. Captain Jesse Wagstaff re-signed alongside Bryce Cotton, Keanu Pinder, Kristian Doolittle, Tai Webster, Hyrum Harris, Ben Henshall and David Okwera, with Dontae Russo-Nance and Thomas Gerovich joining as development players.

Cotton entered the final season of the three-year contract he signed in May 2022, which kept him in Perth through the end of NBL25. During his historic December scoring run, the Wildcats tabled another offer reported to be the richest player contract in NBL history, but no extension was announced during the season.

Perth opened the season against South East Melbourne during HoopsFest at RAC Arena on September 20, where Cotton (26 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) made eight three-pointers as the Wildcats won 106-98, with Pinder (29 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals) and Henshall (10 points and 7 assists) providing support, while Jordan Hunter (19 points and 7 rebounds) led the Phoenix.

Cotton (28.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 steals across 24 games) produced the highest-scoring season of his NBL career. His campaign was interrupted in Auckland on October 19, when Cotton (0 points in 2:29) dislodged a rib against New Zealand and missed the next five games.

Cotton returned against South East Melbourne on November 15 and immediately regained his scoring touch, finishing with 33 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in 32 minutes as Perth won 97-84, with Windler (20 points and 2 steals) and Doolittle (12 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) helping the Wildcats pull away, while Matt Hurt (27 points and 10 rebounds) led the Phoenix. Cotton later said, “The biggest thing for me this season was the rib injury,” explaining the setback renewed his appreciation for basketball.

Cotton’s best regular-season scoring game came against New Zealand at RAC Arena on December 1, where he made 18-of-28 field goals, seven three-pointers and 16-of-17 free throws to finish with 59 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 block as Perth defeated the Breakers 123-112. Almansa (17 points and 8 rebounds) and Windler (15 points) supported Cotton, while Parker Jackson-Cartwright (34 points, 10 assists, and 3 steals) led New Zealand. Cotton’s performance surpassed James Crawford’s Wildcats record of 57 points and became the highest individual score of the modern 40-minute NBL era.

The record performance opened a four-game stretch of at least 40 points. Cotton (40 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Perth against Illawarra on December 6, with Almansa (15 points and 9 rebounds) and Pepper (14 points) contributing, but Trey Kell III (26 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) drove the Hawks to a 121-111 win. Two nights later Cotton (49 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) carried Perth to a 115-105 road victory over Adelaide, with Henshall (15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) and Windler (13 points and 7 rebounds) providing support, while Kendric Davis (37 points, 5 rebounds, and 11 assists) led the 36ers. Cotton (44 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks) then extended the run against Cairns on December 14 as Perth won 128-92 behind Windler (18 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals) and Pinder (13 points and 10 rebounds), while Taran Armstrong (24 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists) was Cairns’ best, making Cotton the first NBL player since Andrew Gaze in 1991 to produce four consecutive 40-point games.

Pinder (15.8 points and 6.6 rebounds across 29 games) and Doolittle (15.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across 28 games) were Perth’s next two leading offensive players, while Windler (12.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals across 28 games) gave the Wildcats rebounding and perimeter shooting. Henshall (9.4 points and 3.4 rebounds across 32 games), Webster (7.7 points across 20 games), Pepper (7 points across 31 games), Almansa (6.8 points and 3.8 rebounds across 33 games) and Withers (5.8 points across 14 games) filled out the rotation. Cotton won his fifth Andrew Gaze Trophy, eighth NBL scoring title, fourth Fans’ MVP award and eighth All-NBL First Team selection before claiming a record-breaking seventh Gordon Ellis Medal as Perth’s club MVP. Doolittle received the Players’ Player and Best Defensive Player awards, Henshall was named Most Improved and Harris (2.8 points across 28 games) received the Coaches’ Award.

Perth closed the regular season against Adelaide at RAC Arena on February 7, where Cotton (49 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal) played all 40 minutes as the Wildcats won 112-104, with Pinder (18 points and 11 rebounds) and Windler (15 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 steals) producing double-doubles, while Davis (34 points and 8 assists) led the 36ers. The performance was Cotton’s sixth game of at least 40 points, making him the first player since Gaze in 1993 to reach that mark six times in one season as Perth finished third with an 18-11 record.

Perth opened the postseason against South East Melbourne in the Seeding Qualifier, defeating the Phoenix 122-105 behind Pinder (35 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks), Cotton (27 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Doolittle (20 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists), while Angus Glover (25 points and 2 steals), Hurt (24 points and 3 steals) and Nathan Sobey (22 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists) led South East Melbourne.

Game one of the semifinals moved to John Cain Arena, where Melbourne defeated Perth 105-93 behind Chris Goulding (41 points) and Ian Clark (22 points), with Jack White (13 points and 10 rebounds) completing a double-double. Pinder (24 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists), Doolittle (22 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Cotton (22 points and 6 assists) led the Wildcats.

Facing elimination at RAC Arena, Perth overcame a 14-point halftime deficit to win game two 96-89, with Windler (27 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks), Cotton (18 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Doolittle (17 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists) driving the comeback. Goulding (15 points), Matthew Dellavedova (13 points, 8 rebounds, and 12 assists) and Clark (13 points) led Melbourne as Perth forced a deciding third game.

Game three returned to John Cain Arena, where Doolittle (37 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals), Pinder (15 points and 5 rebounds) and Windler (13 points and 7 rebounds) helped Perth trade the lead with Melbourne throughout the night, while Clark (38 points) and White (15 points and 9 rebounds) led United. After three offensive rebounds, Wagstaff (3 points and 4 rebounds) made a three-pointer with 2.9 seconds remaining to tie the scores, but Robert Loe (2 points and 2 rebounds) inbounded to Dellavedova (10 points, 4 rebounds, and 11 assists), who found Goulding (30 points and 4 rebounds) before Henshall (9 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) was called for a foul with 0.8 seconds remaining. Goulding made the first free throw and deliberately missed the second as Melbourne won 113-112 and took the series 2-1, with Cotton (33 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) playing all 40 minutes.

ADELAIDE 36ERS
2025/26
After finishing sixth with a 13-15 record, defeating Sydney 95-88 in the Play-In Qualifier and then losing 85-75 to South East Melbourne, Adelaide entered Mike Wells’ second season without Kendric Davis (to Sydney), Sunday Dech (to Perth), Lat Mayen (to Perth), Nick Marshall (to Tasmania) and Jason Cadee (retired), while Dejan Vasiljevic, Isaac Humphries, Keanu Rasmussen and Ben Griscti returned from the previous season’s group.

Wells added Bryce Cotton (via Perth), Flynn Cameron (via Melbourne), Isaac White (via Brisbane), Michael Harris (via Perth), Matt Kenyon (via South East Melbourne), Zylan Cheatham (via Nagoya) and Nick Rakocevic (via Puerto Rico) as Adelaide rebuilt the roster around a deeper and more experienced rotation.

The 36ers signed Cotton to a three-year deal after his nine-season stint with Perth ended, completing one of the biggest free-agency moves in NBL history. The switch reunited him with Wells, who had worked with Cotton during his 2015 stint with the Utah Jazz, and he was appointed co-captain alongside Humphries and Vasiljevic.

Adelaide opened the season at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on September 28, where Cotton (39 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) made 14 of 23 field goals and six of nine three-pointers in an 87-80 win over Brisbane, with Humphries (13 points and 6 rebounds) and Cheatham (8 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) providing support, while Casey Prather (20 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) led the Bullets.

Cotton (25.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.6 steals across 41 games) led Adelaide in scoring and playmaking during his first season with the club, combining his usual scoring output with a greater role creating for teammates while helping the 36ers remain near the top of the ladder throughout the season.

His best game came in Cairns on October 18, where Cotton (53 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) made 16 of 29 field goals, five three-pointers and all 16 of his free throws as Adelaide defeated the Taipans 91-86. Cameron (14 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist) and Humphries (8 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) provided support, while Andrew Andrews (23 points, 2 rebounds, and 7 assists) led Cairns as Cotton broke Darryl Pearce’s Adelaide single-game record of 48 points, which had stood since 1988.

Cotton delivered another game-winner against New Zealand on January 23, finishing with 33 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, and 1 steal before making a step-back three-pointer with one second remaining in overtime to give Adelaide a 112-110 road win. Jenkins (24 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Cameron (17 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) helped the 36ers end a two-game losing streak and remain clear in top spot, while Izaiah Brockington (24 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) led the Breakers.

On February 14, Cotton (42 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) played all 40 minutes and made seven three-pointers as Adelaide overturned a fourth-quarter deficit to defeat New Zealand 92-89 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, with Vasiljevic (19 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist) and Cheatham (12 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) helping the 36ers outscore the Breakers 33-18 in the final period, while Parker Jackson-Cartwright (25 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists) led New Zealand as Adelaide returned to the top of the ladder at 23-9.

Troy Brown Jnr (4.6 points and 4.5 rebounds across 13 games; via Puerto Rico) joined as Adelaide’s third import in November before leaving in January for personal reasons, with John Jenkins (9.7 points across 18 games) signed as an injury replacement and later filling the vacant import position.

Cotton led the NBL in scoring and assists before winning his sixth Andrew Gaze Trophy and third consecutive league MVP award with 96 votes, finishing ahead of Davis (25.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists across 40 games; 94 votes). He moved within one of Andrew Gaze’s record seven MVP awards, earned All-NBL First Team selection and also received the Champion Fans’ MVP and Three-Pointer of the Year awards, with his overtime winner against New Zealand selected as the season’s best three-pointer.

Humphries (12.6 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks across 42 games), Cheatham (12 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists across 42 games), Cameron (11.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 42 games), Vasiljevic (10.7 points across 42 games) and Rakocevic (8.8 points and 6.5 rebounds across 39 games) formed the remainder of Adelaide’s main rotation. Cheatham earned All-NBL Second Team selection and Adelaide’s Defensive Award, Cameron won the NBL and club Most Improved awards, Humphries received the Coaches Award and Rakocevic claimed the Chairman’s Award, while Cotton also received the Mark Davis club MVP and Members’ Choice awards.

Cotton missed Adelaide’s final regular-season game with back soreness as Perth defeated the 36ers 86-74 at RAC Arena on February 20. Rakocevic (18 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 blocks) and Cheatham (11 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 assist) led Adelaide, while Elijah Pepper (22 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists) was Perth’s best as the 36ers finished second with a 23-10 record.

Cotton returned for the inaugural Ignite Cup Final on the Gold Coast two days later and finished with 34 points, 3 rebounds, and 9 assists, while Rakocevic (21 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists) also starred, but Jackson-Cartwright (29 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) led New Zealand to a 111-107 win and was named Ignite Cup MVP.

Adelaide opened the semifinals at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre with a 104-97 win over South East Melbourne, taking control of the series behind Cotton (42 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists), Vasiljevic (17 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 1 steal) and Rakocevic (14 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 block), while Nathan Sobey (23 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) and Angus Glover (14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) led the Phoenix.

Game two moved to John Cain Arena, where Cotton (29 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) and Rakocevic (18 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) led Adelaide, but Sobey (41 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) made eight three-pointers and John Brown III (12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) helped South East Melbourne win 101-92 and force a deciding game.

Game three returned to Adelaide, where Cotton (38 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists), Vasiljevic (27 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Rakocevic (14 points, 12 rebounds, and 1 block) led the 36ers to a 108-96 win, while Ian Clark (32 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) and Sobey (17 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal) led the Phoenix as Adelaide advanced to its first Championship Series in eight years.

The Championship Series opened at Qudos Bank Arena, where Cotton (10 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals), White (11 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist) and Humphries (10 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist) led Adelaide, but Davis (25 points, 1 rebound, 7 assists, and 1 steal) and Tim Soares (22 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) carried Sydney to a 112-68 win.

Game two moved to Adelaide, where Cotton (28 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) scored 15 points in the fourth quarter before going the length of the court and making a left-handed lay-up over Torrey Craig as time expired to give the 36ers a 91-89 win and end Sydney’s 14-game winning streak. Cameron (17 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) and Jenkins (14 points) also contributed, while Davis (20 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Xavier Cooks (18 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) led the Kings as Adelaide levelled the series.

Game three returned to Sydney, where Cotton (15 points, 3 rebounds, 12 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block), Jenkins (22 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists) and Cheatham (17 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) led Adelaide, but Davis (34 points, 2 rebounds, and 15 assists) controlled the game without committing a turnover and Cooks (18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks) helped Sydney win 106-93.

Game four moved back to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, where Cheatham (23 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals), Cotton (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 12 assists) and Vasiljevic (19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) led the 36ers, while Davis (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 10 assists) and Jaylin Galloway (20 points and 1 assist) kept Sydney close. Cotton made two free throws with one minute remaining to put Adelaide ahead 92-90 before Craig split his foul shots with 2.8 seconds left, leaving Cotton’s free throws as the winning points in a 92-91 victory that forced a deciding game.

Game five was played at Qudos Bank Arena, where Soares (20 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals) grabbed the offensive rebound and made the tying putback with 4.6 seconds remaining before Cotton drove for a potential championship-winning lay-up at the end of regulation but could not convert. Sydney outscored Adelaide 18-6 in overtime and won 113-101 in front of 18,589 fans, with Davis (35 points, 1 rebound, 14 assists, and 1 steal) named Championship Series MVP and Cooks (19 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) also starring, while Cotton (35 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block), Cheatham (15 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) and Rakocevic (11 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 assists) led Adelaide as Sydney claimed the series 3-2.

Cotton received Australian citizenship at a ceremony in Adelaide in September 2025, making him a local player in the NBL.Bryce Cotton currently plays for the Adelaide 36ers and has played 294 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 23.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists since entering the league in 2016.

CURRENT CONTRACT:

Adelaide 36ers – 3 Year Deal (2025-28)

CAREER RANKINGS:
– 25th in total points
– 21st in total assists
– 39th in total steals

HIGHLIGHTS: