Montrezl & Bryce: “It’s going to be something special”

Bryce Cotton and Montrezl Harrell — the dynamic duo is a marketer’s dream, but how far can that star power carry Adelaide in NBL26?

It’s been over two decades since the 36ers won a title, and they’re pulling out all the stops to get back there.

“For me, to be able to pair with him is going to be something special,” Harrell said of playing alongside the five-time NBL MVP, Cotton. 

“I am extremely excited. Bryce is a competitive guy. He has been known in this NBL league for many years. He has won three championships and five MVPs. His résumé speaks for itself.

“It was a big surprise to see him sign with the club in Adelaide. But things happen, and we are going to utilise him to the best of our ability.

“Everybody knows who Bryce is and what he brings to the game and to the NBL.”

Harrell boasts a mighty résumé of his own and was one of the most dominant big men in the league in NBL25.

He says it was an easy decision to return for a second year.

"It was not a hard sell,” Harrell added.

“Where I am in my life and in my career is a little different for me. I have said before, even when I was once down there, my plan is definitely to get back in the NBA. But at the end of the day, it is about being somewhere where you want to play, enjoy the game, and still make a great living.

“They (the club) came and presented the offer, and I knew it was a place I actually wanted to go back to. When I am in a place, I am all in, and that is what we did in Adelaide.”

The 36ers couldn’t quite get it done last year. To be fair, the glimpses of brilliance as a team were too few and far between. It didn't come without its share of controversy too. 

But with a year of heading coaching under Mike Wells’ belt, Harrell’s experience in the league, and a cast of very handy new additions — led by Cotton and Flynn Cameron — could this be their year?

"Everybody kind of felt the same way around the organisation, as far as how we ended the season last year. Guys felt that we short-changed ourselves and definitely left a golden opportunity to do something special,” Harrell added.

"It is definitely going to be a different feel this year because we get to start and build camaraderie as a team and as a group from day one.

“It is going to be a great time, and it will be amazing to see the camaraderie we can build.”

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