Bryce Cotton is of the greatest players of all time in the NBL… period.
This week the Perth Wildcats’ point guard became just the seventh player in the league history to win the Most Valuable Player multiple times, placing him amongst elite company, the others being;
- Andrew Gaze
- Leroy Loggins
- Scott Fischer
- Robert Rose
- Chris Anstey
- Kevin Lisch
The humble gentleman Cotton is, paid tribute to his teammates and rivals rather than himself after winning the highest individual award in the NBL as well as NBL First-Team for the third consecutive season.
“It’s an honour to be mentioned in the same breath as these guys. I definitely want to send a special shoutout to my teammates for the love and support they give me every single game, whether it seems like I can’t miss a shot or it’s a game I cannot get one to save my life. It’s been a hell of a year for everybody. Scott Machado, Scotty Hopson and Lamar, you guys played out of this world this year and that’s a testament to this league. This is a celebration for this entire league.”
The best two-way player in the league led the competition offensively with with an average of 22.6 points scored per game, along with his defensive capabilities (1.7 steals per game) in 27 games. He is the first player in NBL history to do so in the same season.
Although it seems like a lifetime, Cotton has only been in Australia’s league for three years. In that time after NBA stints with the Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies, he has made an incredible impact both on and off the court that will be forever cherished by all basketball tragics down under.
Cotton now enters the conversation well and truly, as one of the greatest players to ever play in this league. Andrew Gaze, Brett Mahar, Darryl McDonald, Phil Smyth, Robert Rose, Ricky Grace, Shane Heal… Bryce Cotton, he can be placed in that category.
The attention now for not only the Cotton, but the mighty Perth Wildcats now is directly on their meeting with underdogs Cairns who they face in ‘The Jungle’ on Friday. Despite the efforts of the Tiapans in 2019/20, many expect the Cats to get the job done in the three game series to proceed to the Grand Final series against either Sydney or Melbourne to potentially win an unprecedented 10th championship in their 34rd consecutive finals assault.
Bryce Cotton’s NBL Resume (so far);
- 2x NBL Champion (2017 & 2019)
- 2x NBL Most Valuable Player (2018 & 2020)
- 1x NBL Grand Final MVP (2019)
- 2x Perth Wildcats MVP
- 3x All-NBL First Team (2018, 2019 & 2020)
- 3x NBL Scoring Champion (2017, 2019 & 2020)
Dan is a self-confessed Aussie hoops tragic from Adelaide, South Australia. He is a young sports broadcaster and journalist with a passion for the NBL and Australian Boomers. Also hosts his own sports podcast; Amato's 5th Quarter.
