History in the making: Gaze reveals MVP, championship tips

When the exciting Hungry Jack's NBL27 Season tips off, Adelaide 36ers superstar Bryce Cotton will be aiming to win his third straight MVP.

To date, the 34-year-old has six MVPs to his name, including arguably his best season statistically in NBL26. During that campaign, his first in Adelaide, Cotton averaged 26.1 points per game (second-highest figure) and posted career highs in assists (7.7) and steals (1.6).

That number of MVPs has the three-time champion just one behind the man the trophy is named after, Andrew Gaze.

Now, with less than one month until the 2026-27 season, Gaze has made the bold prediction on who will take out the League's highest individual honour this campaign.

"You've got to go with the man that's won six, Bryce Cotton," Gaze said to NBL Media.

"[He's] in spectacular form, [coming off] possibly his best ever season last season with the Adelaide 36ers.

"So there's no reason why he can't continue that form."

While many, including Chris Anstey, have pegged Cotton's biggest rival to be Sydney's Kendric Davis, Gaze is intrigued by another American guard.

"Cole Anthony is a superstar," he said.

"Anyone that's averaged 16 points a game in an NBA season, you know, can play basketball.

"It's going to be an interesting watch."

The other interesting watch and topic that Gaze weighed in on was the NBL27 champion.

"What Melbourne United have done, I think they're going to be strong," he said.

"The Sydney Kings are the defending champions, and there's no reason why they haven't put themselves in a really good position to repeat.

"The Perth Wildcats are hungry, have the resources, and a tremendous fan base, but I think the favourites this season are the Adelaide 36ers."

The 2026-27 season tips off at John Cain Arena on Saturday, September 19 when Melbourne hosts Adelaide.