Bryce Cotton goes to the hoop. Photo: Getty
Camera IconBryce Cotton goes to the hoop. Photo: Getty Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Perth Wildcats re-sign NBL MVP Bryce Cotton

Justin BianchiniWanneroo Times

THE Perth Wildcats have re-signed 2018 NBL MVP Bryce Cotton for the next three seasons.

The new contract will see the 2017 NBL Champion and grand final MVP remain in Perth until the end of the 2020-21 season, giving him the opportunity to build a Wildcats legacy on the scale of club greats including Ricky Grace, James Crawford and Shawn Redhage.

Cotton, who recently finished his season with Italian team Basket Brescia Leonessa, said he was thrilled to make a long-term commitment to the club he won his first professional championship with.

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“I feel like this was a great move for me; it wasn’t really a hard decision,” he said.

“I love playing for Perth. It’s a great organisation.

“To have some stability and to know where I’ll be for these next few years, it’s a lot of peace of mind that I get to have.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing how we can piece these new parts together.”

Wildcats head coach Trevor Gleeson said the signing gave the team a strong foundation for next season.

“It’s pretty big to have the MVP back for, not only this year, but the next three years,” Gleeson said.

“He’s a quality player and a quality person.

“I’m really excited to get this group on the floor. We’re going to be younger, we’re going to be quicker; I’m looking forward to it.”

In Cotton’s first 46 games for the Wildcats, he has become an NBL Champion (2017), a grand final MVP (2017) and the NBL’s Most Valuable Player (2018). He recently added the Gordon Ellis Medal as Perth Wildcats MVP to his growing collection of accolades.

Since joining the club, Cotton has averaged 21 points per game and connected on 135 three-pointers at over 40 per cent.

He has tallied over 30 points in three out of seven finals, including his record-breaking 45-point effort in the 2017 grand final.

The 25-year-old also averages 3.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.

Cotton is set to arrive in Perth in August.

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