Derek Rucker
July 23, 2020
James Cotton
- Nationality: USA
- Date of Birth: 14/12/75
- Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California (USA)
- Position: G/F
- Height (CM): 196
- Weight (KG): 100
- Junior Assoc: None
- College: Long Beach State (1993–1997)
- NBL DEBUT: 2/02/01
- AGE AT DEBUT: 25
- LAST NBL GAME: 2/03/01
- AGE AT LAST GAME: 25
- NBL History: West Sydney 2001
- Championships: 0
- None
BIO: James Cotton was born in Los Angeles, California, and began his basketball journey at Artesia High School in Lakewood before transferring to St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower. Cotton played as a shooting guard and later attended Long Beach State, where he redshirted his freshman year.
FAMILY: Schea Cotton, the younger brother of James Cotton, was a highly touted high school basketball phenom who was once considered one of the top prospects in the country but never made it to the NBA, instead playing professionally overseas and in various U.S. leagues.
NBL EXPERIENCE
James Cotton made his NBL debut with the West Sydney Razorbacks at 25 years of age. He scored six points in his first game.
James Cotton joined the West Sydney Razorbacks midway through the 2000/01 season as a replacement for Jason Singleton, who had been released after 12 games. Cotton, a former NBA player, was signed in February in an attempt to bolster the Razorbacks’ roster, but his impact was minimal. He appeared in only three games, averaging 4.3 points, 1.0 rebound, 0.7 assists, and 0.7 steals per game before being released prior to the season’s conclusion.
The Razorbacks had entered the season with optimism after making their first playoff appearance the previous year. They relocated from Liverpool’s Whitlam Centre to the 5,006-seat State Sports Centre in Homebush Bay and retained the core of their squad, led by captain Derek Rucker, John Rillie, Simon Dwight, Cheikh Ya Ya Dia, and Bruce Bolden. The addition of Scott McGregor (via Sydney) provided extra depth at forward, while Bolden’s naturalisation allowed the team to sign a second import, Jason Singleton.
West Sydney began the season with an impressive 115-97 win over Wollongong, displaying their offensive firepower. However, inconsistency quickly set in as they dropped their next three games, losing to Victoria (93-110), Adelaide (94-114), and Townsville (96-112). The team’s inconsistency was evident in key losses, a brief resurgence came with a 114-92 victory over Brisbane in round 10 and a dominant 121-93 win over Melbourne in round 15, but these flashes of potential were not enough to turn the season around.
Derek Rucker (19.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.6 assists) and John Rillie (19.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists) would provide the team’s main firepower, while Simon Dwight (16.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks) anchored the defense, once again leading the league in blocked shots. Cheikh Ya Ya Dia (15.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks) added toughness inside, and Bruce Bolden (12.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists) provided veteran leadership from the bench.
With their struggles continuing, Singleton (12.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists) was released, prompting the signing of Cotton. However, his contribution was limited, and the team failed to find the consistency needed to compete for a playoff spot. Crucial late-season losses to Perth (75-110), Melbourne (101-125), and Sydney (101-122) sealed their fate.
West Sydney finished the season in eighth place with a 9-19 record, missing the playoffs after back-to-back postseason appearances.
The 2000/01 season marked Sydney’s return to the NBL playoffs for the first time since 1996, with a roster built around experienced veterans and emerging stars.
Shane Heal (24.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists across 31 games) led the Kings’ offense, continuing his role as the team’s primary scorer and facilitator. Matthew Nielsen (20.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists across 30 games) emerged as one of the league’s top big men, providing a dominant presence inside.
Other key contributors included Ben Melmeth (16.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists), Frank Drmic (14.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists), and import James Smith (11.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists), who added athleticism and defensive versatility to the squad.
Sydney underwent several roster changes throughout the season as they struggled to solidify their second import spot. Ernest Nzigamasabo (0 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.3 assists across 6 games) saw limited playing time before being released, with the team looking to strengthen their backcourt and reduce Heal’s playmaking burden.
The Kings initially signed Lamont Strothers as a replacement, but he suffered an injury before playing a game. He was then replaced by Dedric Willoughby, who was released after just one game due to a knee injury. Eventually, Sydney secured Randolph Childress (14.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists), who played out the remainder of the season and provided much-needed scoring and playmaking depth.
Despite their import struggles, the Kings remained competitive throughout the season, finishing in fifth place with a 17-11 record.
Sydney’s playoff return after a five-year absence was short-lived, as they were eliminated in the first round by the Townsville Crocodiles, bringing their postseason run to an early end.
James Cotton played one season in the NBL. He averaged 4.3 points, 1 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in 3 NBL games.
NBL TOTAL STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-01 | 25 | West Sydney | 9-19 (8) | 3 | 32.0 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 3 | 9 | 33% | 0 | 3 | 0% | 7 | 10 | 70% | 47% | 0% | 7 | Totals | 3 | 32 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 3 | 9 | 33.3% | 0 | 3 | 0.0% | 7 | 10 | 70.0% | 49% | 33% | 7 |
NBL PER GAME STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-01 | 25 | West Sydney | 9-19 (8) | 3 | 10.7 | 4.3 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 3.7 | 1.0 | 3.0 | 33% | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0% | 2.3 | 3.3 | 70% | 47% | 0% | 7 | Total | 3 | 10.7 | 4.3 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 3.7 | 1.0 | 3.0 | 33.3% | 0.1 | 0.0% | 1.0 | 70.0% | 49% | 33% | 7 |
CAREER HIGHS
| POINTS | REBOUNDS | ASSISTS | STEALS | BLOCKS | TURNOVERS | TRIPLE DOUBLES | 7 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|---|
NBA EXPERIENCE
James Cotton was drafted by the Denver Nuggets with pick #32 in the 1997 NBA Draft.
James Cottons NBA career was brief, spanning two seasons with the Seattle SuperSonics. Selected with the 32nd overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets, his draft rights were immediately traded to the SuperSonics in exchange for Bobby Jackson. Cotton saw limited action in Seattle, appearing in just 19 games over two seasons, where he averaged 2.6 points and 0.8 rebounds in 4.8 minutes per game. His best performance saw him score a career-high 10 points in a single game.
On August 12, 1999, Cotton was traded along with Hersey Hawkins to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Brent Barry. However, he was waived by the Bulls before the start of the 1999-2000 season, effectively ending his NBA career.
Cotton played 19 games in the NBA. He averaged 2.6 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0 assists per game over his NBA career.
NBA TRANSACTIONS:
- June 25, 1997: Drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the 2nd round (32nd pick) of the 1997 NBA Draft.
-
June 25, 1997: Traded by the Denver Nuggets with a 1998 2nd round draft pick (Rashard Lewis was later selected) to the Seattle SuperSonics for Bobby Jackson.
-
August 12, 1999: Traded by the Seattle SuperSonics with Hersey Hawkins to the Chicago Bulls for Brent Barry.
| Season | Team | PTS | AST | STL | BLK | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 44% | 45% | 67% | 0% | ||||||
| 2 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 | ||||||
| Total | 3 | 9 | 33.3% | 0 | 3 | 0.0% |
NBA TOTAL STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | TEAM | POS | GP | GS | MINS | PTS | TRB | AST | ORB | DRB | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998-99 | 23 | Seattle | SG | 10 | 0 | 59 | 25 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 18 | 0 | 3 | 13 | 18 | 48% | 33% | |||
| 1997-98 | 22 | Seattle | SG | 9 | 0 | 33 | 24 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 21 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 48% | 38% | Total | 19 | 0 | 92 | 49 | 16 | 0 | 4 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 9 | 9 | 14 | 39 | 36% | 0 | 7 | 0% | 21 | 27 | 78% |
NBA PER GAME STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | TEAM | POS | GP | GS | MINS | PTS | TRB | AST | ORB | DRB | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998-99 | 23 | Seattle | SG | 10 | 0 | 5.9 | 2.5 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 1.8 | 33% | 0.0 | 0.3 | 1.3 | 1.8 | 48% | 33% | ||
| 1997-98 | 22 | Seattle | SG | 9 | 0 | 3.7 | 2.7 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.9 | 2.3 | 38% | 0.0 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 48% | 38% | Total | 19 | 0 | 4.8 | 2.6 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 2.1 | 36% | 0.4 | 0% | 1.1 | 1.4 | 78% |
COLLEGE
James Cotton’s journey at Long Beach State was unique from the start, as he made the rare decision to redshirt his freshman year in 1993-94—a move that set him up for long-term success. At just 17 years old, he was one of the youngest senior basketball players in the country when he committed to Long Beach State. Understanding the physical and mental development required to compete at the college level, Cotton and his family believed that taking a redshirt year would provide him with additional time to mature, both as a player and a student. His decision was supported by head coach Seth Greenberg, who saw the move as an opportunity to mold Cotton into a long-term asset for the program. This extra year of preparation proved invaluable, allowing Cotton to emerge as one of the most dominant players in school history.
James Cotton cemented his legacy as one of the top players in Long Beach State history, leaving an indelible mark on the 49ers basketball program. A two-time First Team All-Big West Conference selection (1996, 1997), Cotton finished his collegiate career ranked sixth all-time in scoring with 1,452 points. His career scoring average of 18.2 points per game remains the third-highest in school history, while his .800 career free throw percentage ranks second. Additionally, his 156 made three-pointers place him tied for third on Long Beach State’s all-time list.
Cotton made an immediate impact as a freshman in the 1993-94 season, averaging 11.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. His performance earned him Big West Conference Freshman of the Year honors, setting the stage for a promising collegiate career. However, his momentum was halted the following season as he was sidelined due to injury, missing the entire 1994-95 campaign.
Returning as a redshirt sophomore in 1995-96, Cotton played a crucial role in leading Long Beach State to a 17-11 overall record and a Big West regular-season championship (12-6). He averaged 19.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 43.3% from the field and 39.8% from three-point range. His 66 made three-pointers that season ranked eighth on the school’s single-season list. Cotton’s contributions helped solidify the 49ers as one of the top teams in the conference.
His best individual season came as a junior in 1996-97, when he elevated his scoring to 23.5 points per game, the highest of his college career. He also contributed 5.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 43.9% from the field. His 634 points that season ranked fourth on Long Beach State’s single-season scoring list. Cotton also improved at the free-throw line, posting an .833 percentage, which was the second-best in school history. His dominant performances secured him a second straight First Team All-Big West selection, solidifying his place as one of the premier scorers in program history.
By the end of his college career, Cotton had played in 80 games, averaging 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game over four seasons. His shooting efficiency (.442 field goal percentage, .369 three-point percentage, and .800 free throw percentage) showcased his well-rounded offensive skill set.
LIFE AFTER BASKETBALL
Worked as a real estate agent after retiring from basketball.
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