Cotton: "Australia truly means the world to me"

Five-time MVP and three-time NBL champion Bryce Cotton has officially been granted Australian citizenship.

Cotton said Australia "means the world" to him, labelling ita "blessed moment" for him and his family.

His successful citizenship bid was made possible with the help of lawyer Ricky Bustos, who was recommended by fellow American-born athlete Mason Cox, a 2023 AFL premiership player with the Collingwood Magpies.

“Special shoutout to Mason Cox who put us in touch with Ricky Bustos. My family and I are forever grateful for Ricky’s tireless efforts and approach to my citizenship case,” Cotton said in a statement via Instagram.

“So glad my family and Ricky decided to take a different approach to what the previous efforts had been."

After signing a three-year deal with Adelaide in the off-season, Cotton is now eligible to represent the Australian national team, and the 36ers retain a vacant import spot they can choose to utilise during the Hungry Jack's NBL26 Season. 

"Australia truly means the world to me," Cotton said. 

"I have felt Aussie all along, but now it feels official. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oi, oi, oi."

Widely regarded as one of the league's greatest ever imports, Cotton boasts eight All-NBL First Team selections and two Championship Series MVP honours.