Why Ingles tipped Cotton for NBL stardom

Before he landed in Australia and started dominating the Hungry Jack's NBL, Bryce Cotton was plying his trade in the NBA.

Across two seasons, the now 34-year-old made 23 appearances for Utah, Phoenix and Memphis. It was at the Jazz that the now six-time NBL MVP crossed paths with Australian Boomers legend and Melbourne United recruit, Joe Ingles.

During their short time together, Cotton impressed Ingles so much that he knew he would dominate the NBL after he signed with the Perth Wildcats.

"I knew he could play. I think with us [Utah Jazz], he didn't get a ton of opportunity," Ingles said to NBL Media.

"He was on a non-guaranteed or whatever those deals were.

"He was a smaller guy playing against some pretty big guards over there.

“I still remember someone threw him a lob at practice one day and he caught it one-handed, two-legged; I'll never forget that.

"When he came down here [to the NBL], I was like, he's probably going be one of the best players.

"When he signed here, I knew the NBL was in some trouble."

Ingles was right; Cotton had an immediate impact on the NBL, guiding the Wildcats to the championship in his first season.

On top of that, his League accolades include two Finals MVPs, nine All-NBL First Team nods, nine NBL scoring champion honours and winning the 2021 NBL Cup with Perth.

Cotton, now with Adelaide, will tip off his 11th NBL campaign on Saturday, September 19 when his 36ers play Melbourne at John Cain Arena.