Farewell Announcement: Five-time NBL MVP Reveals Unexpected Next Chapter

Three-time NBL champion Bryce Cotton has confirmed that he will not be returning to the Perth Wildcats after dedicating nine seasons to the club.

The 32-year-old announced his exit on Instagram on Tuesday morning, expressing it was time “to say goodbye” and embark on a new journey with his family.

Cotton reflected on his experience, acknowledging that while his journey wasn’t always as triumphant as he had hoped, he is grateful for the unwavering support he received along the way.

“Perth will forever remain home, but it’s time to bid farewell and discover what other plans God has in store for me and my family,” he shared on Instagram.

“To the Red Army, you’ve embraced me wholeheartedly since the moment I first stepped onto Australian soil until I made my final basket of the season a few weeks ago.

“I initially thought I’d only be here for six weeks, but that quickly turned into achieving milestones no other player has seen in their first nine seasons in league history.

“I faced my share of struggles on the court, but you never turned your back on me and continuously showed sincere support. I can’t express my gratitude enough for that.

“I can only hope you found even a fraction of the joy in watching me play as I experienced performing for you year after year.

“Win or lose, I put everything into my game for you, my teammates, and my coaches. Thank you for accepting both the highs and lows along the way.”

Although the five-time NBL MVP’s next destination remains uncertain, reports link him to a move to the Japanese league.

If he does make the transition, he will be reunited with Trevor Gleeson, the former Wildcats coach now at the helm of the Chiba Jets.

Cotton currently holds a contract with the Mets de Guaynabo in Puerto Rico for the 2025 season.

He concludes his tenure with the Wildcats as an eight-time All-NBL First Team member, a two-time grand final MVP, and holder of eight scoring titles.

His 2024-25 season potentially stands as his finest in the league, boasting an average of 28.1 points per game throughout the regular season and playoffs.

In December, the American guard set a new record for most points scored by a player in the modern era, achieving 59 points against the New Zealand Breakers.

“We cannot express enough gratitude for Bryce’s contributions to our club over the past nine seasons,” stated Wildcats owner Mark Arena.

“His accomplishments with the Wildcats have been truly historic, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in our esteemed history.

“While we are disheartened by Bryce’s decision to step away from the Wildcats… we wish him all the best for the future and hold deep respect for all he has achieved with our team.”