Rucker: Fourth ring to put Bryce in GOAT company

Derek Rucker says a fourth title would elevate Bryce Cotton into the same conversation as Andrew Gaze as the NBL’s greatest ever player.

Already a six-time MVP and three-time champion, Cotton now stands on the brink of history, with the chance to end Adelaide’s 24-year championship drought on Sunday against the Sydney Kings.

Rucker believes overturning a 44-point Game 1 defeat to lead Adelaide to the title would rank among the defining feats of Cotton’s career and place him in rare company.

“It raises him up another 20 per cent in my estimation,” the former NBL MVP said on SEN.

“With all due respect to Drew (Gaze), he's right there [in the same company].

“And you know, Bryce is aware. Bryce is aware of the history.”

Gaze remains the benchmark of the NBL, having claimed seven MVP awards and named in an extraordinary 15 All-NBL First Teams, but Cotton’s resume continues to build.

Rucker admitted he never thought a player would reach Gaze’s seven MVPs, but believes Cotton is now a genuine chance.

“I’ve seen Andrew behave with such humility around Bryce,” Rucker said of the bond the two stars share.

“A couple of games ago, I think it was game three of the South East Melbourne Series, Bryce came over, said hello to us after the game celebrating. And Bryce and Andrew had a moment and I backed away, because I know that it's rare.

“Andrew said some very kind things and you know, that's why you're (Gaze) so beloved and people are able to really relate to you.”

Gaze, meanwhile, has enormous respect for Cotton and the impact he has had on the League across the past decade.

“I don’t know if I can elevate him higher, win or lose, because I have him on such a high level anyway … it does, of course it makes a difference,” he said.

“He's been a wonderful ambassador for our game.”

Cotton will have his chance to win a fourth Championship when Adelaide takes on Sydney at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday from 2:30pm AEST, live on ESPN and 10.

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