“I love this League”: Sixth MVP seals Cotton's legacy

Adelaide’s Bryce Cotton continues to etch his name further into the NBL history books, after claiming his sixth MVP award on Monday night.

The 36ers' star edged out Sydney’s Kendric Davis by just two votes, in a historically close count.

During his acceptance speech, the 33-year-old explained how he embraces every challenge that comes his way and ‘isn’t taking anything for granted’.

“[This season was just] the same movie, just different year and jersey for me,” Cotton said on Monday.

“I can’t thank my teammates, coaching staff and [people from the club] enough, they’re all amazing, and I really rock with you all.

“You’re the most easygoing group I’ve worked with and talked to during my time in the NBL. I don’t take that for granted.

“[I love this club] and I love this league. It’s one of the best leagues in the world and [I’m truly grateful].”

Cotton in particular highlighted coach Mike Wells, who was a big factor in getting the three-time NBL champion to sign in Adelaide.

“Mike, I know you from our time in Utah, and you were a big reason why I decided to come to Adelaide,” Cotton said.

“As I’ve said before, through thick and thin, whether we're at the highs, we're at the lows, I'm rocking with you all the way through.

“You've shown me nothing but support, and that's what I'm going to do with you.”

The feeling is mutual from second-year coach Wells, who sang the praises of Cotton during Tuesday’s Finals Launch.

“I’m super-proud of Bryce,” Wells said.

“To do what he's done in this league and for Perth, and then to be able to come to a new organisation, with new teammates and a whole new situation, and do what he’s done, it just solidifies his greatness and what he's done in this league.

“Everybody was really pulling for him [to win the MVP], and we wanted this to happen for him.

“[In many ways] the ball starts with Bryce, and it finishes with Bryce, and in between we're all kind of connectors. So, we had a lot of guys pulling in this one direction to try and make this happen.”

The NBL26 Finals tip off on Wednesday, March 4, with the Seeding Qualifier between South East Melbourne and Perth at John Cain Arena from 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.