Cotton: "There's no beef"

Bryce Cotton has revealed he’s had conversations with former coach John Rillie since his controversial departure from the Perth Wildcats.

Cotton opened up about his exit from the club on the EasyDay podcast on Tuesday, revealing he felt the Wildcats had effectively rushed him into making a decision on his future, despite his request to explore the Free Agency market.

The 32-year-old went on to sign a three-year deal with the Adelaide 36ers late last week, in a bombshell move.

“He (Rillie) understands how things go. He played in this league as well. He knows basketball is a business, and business decisions happen,” Cotton said.

“I’m happy that there’s no beef between me and JR. It’s all love. We spoke after the decision with Adelaide was made, and everything’s all good.”

Cotton said he had great respect for his former coach, despite reports of a strained relationship between the pair in recent years.

“Special shoutout to JR … even though we weren’t able to come up with a Championship, I’m happy we were able to get to a point where we could really gel as a team. He also helped be a part of my best season so far in the NBL – it’s quite a historic season.

“Another reason why I’m always going to have nothing but love for JR is because I’m a reciprocative person … JR hasn’t ever done nothing but try to show love and be who he is.

“When I was in that crazy seven-game slump to start the season where I was playing crazy, JR had said with the team:

‘Don’t worry about what you’re going through at the moment. I know the player you are, and I believe in you. We need you.’

“He said, ‘I’m either going to the mountaintop with Bryce Cotton or I’m gonna be buried in the dirt with Bryce Cotton.’ He let me know he was rocking with me no matter what. That always meant the world to me.”