NBL stars eye citizenship

The NBL has a long history of American imports coming to play in the competition, loving it and deciding to stay in Australia long-term.

From NBL MVPs such as Leroy Loggins and Derek Rucker to NBL champions Lanard Copeland, Ricky Grace, Cal Bruton, Damon Lowery, Cecil Exum and David Simmons, countless elite athletes have loved the competition and lifestyle that the NBL offers.

In the case of Exum and Simmons, their sons Dante and Ben have gone on to represent different Australian national teams and play in the NBA.

Now there is a new wave following in their footsteps.

Five-time MVP Bryce Cotton, who is currently playing in his 10th NBL season, recently gained his Australian citizenship, while NBL25 champion Tyler Harvey has long expressed interest in staying in Wollongong long-term.

Another two that are looking into becoming Australian citizens are Cairns' Marcus Lee and Melbourne's Milton Doyle.

“Right now it’s just the process of learning what I need to do to actually get it, so just starting the process, talking and figuring out what the next steps are, but I’ve been enjoying it out here,” Doyle said to CODE Sports.

“This is my fourth season here and I’ve been able to bring my family out here every year with me. The kids have been in school here and it’s very easy for us to come over and adapt to life.

“I’m enjoying the basketball here and I’m seeing what can happen, future-wise, with basketball and maybe getting into coaching after. Becoming a citizen would help me out making a plan of what I want to do if I want to stay out here and coach, because I think that’s a big possibility for me.”

It's not just players who are choosing to stay Down Under, with JackJumpers coach Scott Roth recently, according to CODE Sports, attaining his permanent Australian residency.

In doing so, he's following in the footsteps of American NBL coaching greats like Brian Goorjian, Brett Brown and Joey Wright.

It's not Australian citizenships either, with Fox Sports reporting that Breakers star Parker Jackson-Cartwright is interested in becoming a New Zealand citizen.

Breakers President of Basketball Operations Dillon Boucher recently revealed the point guard sees New Zealand as a "home away from home".

“I asked, is that something that he’d be interested in? And he said ‘absolutely. I’d love to explore what that looks like’,” Boucher said to Fox Sports.

“He loves Auckland. He loves New Zealand. He loves being here. The fans love him."

By naturalising, any of the aforementioned players would be classified as a local player under NBL rules, which would significantly increase roster flexibility for their respective teams.

Round 13 of the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season tips off on Wednesday night, when Sydney hosts Adelaide from 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.