Bryce Cotton is now a six-time MVP after claiming the NBL26 award following one of the tightest races in league history, edging out Kendric Davis by just two votes.
Cotton delivered another all-time campaign – this time with the Adelaide 36ers – averaging 25.7 points, 7.6 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game, while shooting 43.7 per cent from the field and 38 per cent from three-point range.
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After moving from the Perth Wildcats to Adelaide in the off-season, Cotton helped lead the 36ers to a second-place finish on the ladder with a 23-10 record.
Speaking with Jack Heverin following the announcement, Cotton was full of gratitude for his teammates, coaches, new organisation and his family and friends.
“Honestly, it’s amazing, man. Like, I never take any of these awards for granted,” Cotton said.
“We play in one of the best leagues in the world outside the NBA. And going to a new team, a new environment, it’s something I needed.
“My coaching staff, to the front office, GK, Matt Weston, Nick, like, everybody’s amazing. And then my teammates, like, they know how quiet I am, but once I get comfortable, you know, I open up a little bit.
“And, you know, we’ve been vibing ever since,” Cotton said.
With his sixth MVP, Cotton now moves within one of the consensus NBL GOAT Andrew Gaze, who finished his career with seven MVP trophies. His legacy continues to grow season by season, and when asked whether he reflects on it, Cotton was candid.
“I mean, I do. In the off-seasons, I think about it a lot,” Cotton said.
“I think for me, when I was coming out of high school, I graduated with no scholarships from a D1 or D2. I didn’t know if I was going to go to college.
“And Providence offered a scholarship, you know, five days before school started and I got a big faith in God.”
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“And it was kind of ironic for me because Providence, by definition, means God’s care of his creatures. So I felt like that was God letting me know to stay on the path of my journey,” Cotton said.
“So as much as I think the coaches and all that, without God, none of this would have been possible.”
This time last year in NBL25, Cotton was still a Perth Wildcat preparing to explore his options in free agency. He was coming off a career-best season and there was strong belief he could depart the NBL for overseas opportunities.
Instead, Cotton remained in the league, joined the Wildcats’ fiercest rivals in the Adelaide 36ers and has now added another MVP to his resume. Reflecting on the challenging off-season, he was honest.
“I mean, it was crazy because, you know, for the first time in probably six or seven years, I was a free agent. I had never been a free agent before coming off of my best season at the time,” Cotton said.
“And in my life, I wanted to take the time to basically sort out my options. And with a little bit of help from my old team, I was able to take all the time I needed.
“And luckily, Adelaide came through and I have no complaints at all,” Cotton said.
It may have been a subtle dig to his former club, but it was also a strong endorsement of his new home in Adelaide. What cannot be questioned is Cotton’s longevity and dominance since arriving in Australia.
He has now completed ten regular seasons in the NBL and claimed six MVP trophies in that span. For Cotton, the message remains simple.
“Same movie, different year. I just got on a different jersey.”
While the accolades continue to mount, Cotton made it clear that relationships matter most – both within the club and at home.
“Yeah, I just I just want to reiterate again. Like I said, my coaching staff and my teammates, like I really rock with y’all heavy,” Cotton said.
Bryce Cotton takes sixth NBL MVP award | 01:11
“As I told y’all before, this is the most I’ve ever talked to any of my teammates in a year in the NBL. So like that goes to show a long way how much I rock with y’all.
“Mike (Wells), I know you from Utah. You were a big reason why I decided to come to Adelaide,” Cotton said.
“And then for my mom and a couple people back home in Tucson, I know y’all watching this stream.
“Y’all set alarms to wake up at 2am and 3am to watch my games, whether it’s a good game, bad game, we blow a team out or we get blown out. Y’all show me so much love,” Cotton said.
“And then to my wife, Rach, man, you allow me to do everything and do what I need to do every day, taking care of my body.
“You take care of our little one and, you know, I just get to be the cool dad. So I appreciate you for everything that you do. And I don’t take it for granted,” Cotton said.
Cotton closed by thanking the entire league and basketball community that has supported him throughout his journey.
“And then just going back to you guys. I love this league, man.”
“I love it. It’s one of the best leagues in the world, like I said and I don’t take it for granted. And I know a lot of us is getting ready for playoffs,” Cotton said.
“And I always say this when I end it. But for real, let’s enjoy the night.”
The gap to Andrew Gaze’s seven MVP trophies once seemed untouchable. Now, one man is firmly on a mission – and closing it fast.
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