Well, Wildcats fans, this one stings. After nine incredible seasons, five-time NBL MVP, three-time champion, eight-time NBL Scoring Champ and seven-time Gordon Ellis Medal winner Bryce Cotton has made the tough call to leave Perth to chase new opportunities.
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Wildcats owner Mark Arena says while the club is disappointed to lose such an exceptional talent, they understand the global reach of basketball and the opportunities that come with it.
Bryce Cotton with his 5th Andrew Gaze Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the 2024/25 NBL Season on February 10, 2025.
“We cannot thank Bryce enough for what he’s done for our club over the past nine seasons,” Arena said. “His achievements at the Wildcats have been nothing short of historic, and he will go down as one of the greatest players in our proud history. While we’re obviously disappointed that Bryce isn’t continuing his career with us – and we know our fans will feel the same – we wish him the absolute best and have the utmost respect for what he’s achieved here.”
Cotton first arrived in Perth in the back half of the 2016-17 season and immediately made his mark, leading the Wildcats to a championship and taking home the first of two Grand Final MVP awards. Across 258 games, he’s averaged 23.1 points per game and cemented himself as one of the greatest to ever don the red. His impact on the club, both on and off the court, has been immense, and his presence will be sorely missed.
Despite Cotton’s departure, Arena is confident in the depth and direction of the current squad. “Star players carry an incredible amount of mystique around them, but basketball is a team sport,” he said. “We’ve locked in some high-quality re-signings with Kristian Doolittle on a three-year deal, skipper Jesse Wagstaff returning for an astonishing 17th season, and we’re looking forward to building out our roster in the coming weeks.”
The Wildcats will now turn their focus to shaping the team’s future, with free agency set to open on Friday, April 4.
While a new chapter begins, one thing is certain – Bryce Cotton’s legacy in Perth basketball will never fade.
