True Blue Bryce? Cotton closer to citizenship

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Five-time MVP Bryce Cotton is closing in on Australian citizenship after years of failed attempts and one of the country’s greatest players says a Boomers call up should be next, report Mick Randall and Matt Logue of Code Sports.

Crosscourt can reveal Adelaide 36ers officials are confident of receiving approval for Cotton to become an Aussie at some point in NBL26.

It’s believed the guard’s bid to become naturalised is heading in the right direction for the paperwork be given the green light.

If Cotton does secure citizenship, he would qualify as a local player, which would allow the 36ers to sign another import.

In the event that happens, former Sydney Kings champion and grand final MVP Derrick Walton Jr would be a name to watch, despite him rumored to be signing in Israel.

Read the full article at Code Sports Basketball

Adelaide has previously held discussions with the Michigan native, particularly last season when he eventually signed with South East Melbourne.

A Walton Jr-Cotton back-court would be one of the best combinations in the NBL.

Boomers legend Andrew Gaze would love to see Cotton – the NBL’s modern day little master – given a shot in the green and gold if he becomes naturalised.

“Bryce has paid his dues and if he can maintain his form then I think if you are the Australian coach you need as many candidates for the Boomers as you possibly can,” Gaze said about 33-year-old Cotton.

“I was a very strong advocate for trying to get Bryce through previously and that certainly wouldn’t change now.”

Cotton’s first step in proving he is Boomers ready will come on September 21 at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena when his 36ers take on Panathinaikos and reigning EuroLeague MVP Kendrick Nunn.

The former NBA backup guard has dominated since joining the EuroLeague in 2023 and can’t wait for his matchup against the NBL’s five-time MVP.

“I’ve seen him (Cotton), he is a good player – very explosive,” Nunn said.

“He has been killing it over there for many years and I’m excited to play against him for sure.”

Cotton first applied for Australian citizenship in 2019, but has encountered numerous delays.

In 2021, the star guard was officially detained in Melbourne while paperwork for a Distinguished Talent Visa was being processed.

That 30 minutes where he was technically without a visa was determined as Cotton being in the country illegally and he received a four-year ban from applying until 2025.