Why Bryce is number one

Derek Rucker says Bryce Cotton is firmly established as one of the all-time greats in the Hungry Jack’s NBL, and now has the chance to enhance his legacy by guiding Adelaide to its first Championship since 2002.

Cotton shocked the basketball world with a stunning off-season switch from Perth, where he captured five MVP Awards, to the 36ers.

At 33, Rucker believes the three-time champion remains the standout player in the league.

“Bryce has made possibly the biggest move in NBL history,” Rucker said, after ranking Cotton number one in his much talked about Top 15.

“He in my mind is the second or third greatest player ever to play in the NBL.

“I thought he had his best season as a pro last year with the Perth Wildcats.”

Rucker said Cotton enters this season with added motivation, determined to prove himself again despite his brilliance last year.

“When you’re looking for motivation, any slide misstep by the media, or someone discounting your talent, or not getting the respect, or the offer you wanted, it can trigger a disproportionate response from this brilliant player,” he said.

“This guy is motivated. Imagine he can lead the Adelaide 36ers, a franchise that has not reached the promised land since 2002 … it has been a long time since they’ve won a Championship.

“If he can get them back there, that adds so much more to his legacy.

“If he can reel off one, two championships and some more MVPs with the Adelaide 36ers, man, what does it do for his legacy?

“If Adelaide make the post-season this year or make the top two, you can just ring Bryce Cotton up for his MVP Award. That’s how great he is.

“Some people are going to be like, ‘oh it’s boring Bryce is number one’, no it’s not boring because we just had the greatest free agent move in NBL history and we get to see how it pans out in NBL26.”

Rucker ranked Cotton at number one, ahead of Kendric Davis at two, Montrezl Harrell, Parker Jackson-Cartwright at four, and Jack McVeigh at five.