10
Feb
NBL25 Awards
Bryce Cotton's drive for five makes history
Bryce Cotton wins historic fifth Andrew Gaze MVP Trophy
- Bryce Cotton wins fifth NBL MVP award, only Andrew Gaze has more
- Cotton's scoring average of 28.6 points per game sets new career high
- Illawarra Hawks coach Justin Tatum wins Lindsay Gaze Trophy for Coach of the Year
Perth Wildcats superstar Bryce Cotton's fifth NBL MVP award cements his status as one of the league's all-time greats, with his scoring prowess reaching new heights in NBL25.
The Rise of a Basketball Legend: Bryce Cotton's Dominance in the NBL
In the annals of Australian basketball history, few names shine as brightly as Bryce Cotton. The Perth Wildcats superstar has etched his name into the record books once again, clinching his fifth Andrew Gaze Trophy as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2024-25 season. This remarkable achievement places Cotton in rarefied air, second only to the legendary Andrew Gaze himself in the number of MVP awards won.
A Career Defined by Excellence
Cotton's journey to basketball immortality has been nothing short of spectacular. His MVP wins in 2018, 2020, 2021, 2024, and now 2025 showcase a level of consistency and dominance rarely seen in professional sports. What makes this feat even more impressive is that it marks the second time in Cotton's illustrious career that he has won consecutive MVP awards, a distinction shared only with Andrew Gaze.
Breaking Down the Numbers
The 2024/25 season saw Cotton elevate his game to unprecedented heights. Averaging a career-high 28.6 points per game. Perhaps most impressively, Cotton achieved something not seen since Andrew Gaze in 1993 — scoring 40 or more points six times throughout the campaign.
In the final tally, Cotton amassed an impressive 119 votes, comfortably outpacing his nearest competitors, Adelaide's Kendric Davis (82 votes) and South East Melbourne's Matt Hurt (65 votes). This wide margin of victory underscores the sheer dominance Cotton displayed throughout the season.
Inspiring the Next Generation
As a five-time MVP, Cotton serves as an inspiration to young basketball players across Australia and beyond. His work ethic, skill development, and ability to perform under pressure provide a blueprint for aspiring athletes looking to make their mark in the sport.
The Perth Wildcats: A Dynasty Continues
With Bryce Cotton at the helm, the Perth Wildcats continue to assert their dominance in the NBL. As they embark on their quest for an unprecedented 11th championship, starting with a Play-In against the Phoenix, the team's success remains inextricably linked to Cotton's brilliance on the court.
Fan Favourite and Team Leader
Cotton's impact extends beyond his on-court performances. His popularity among fans is evident in his fourth Fans' MVP award. This connection with the fanbase, coupled with his leadership role within the team, makes Cotton an invaluable asset to the Wildcats organisation both on and off the court.
The 2024/25 NBL Season: A Year of Outstanding Performances
While Cotton's achievements rightfully take centre stage, the 2024-25 NBL season was marked by numerous outstanding performances and milestones across the league.
Coaching Excellence: Justin Tatum's Rise with the Illawarra Hawks
One of the season's most compelling stories was the emergence of Justin Tatum as a force in NBL coaching. Leading the Illawarra Hawks to their first-ever top-of-the-ladder finish, Tatum was rewarded with the Lindsay Gaze Trophy for Coach of the Year. His ability to instil belief in his players and guide the Hawks to new heights sets the stage for an exciting championship run.
All-NBL Teams: Recognising the League's Best
The announcement of the All-NBL First and Second Teams highlights the depth of talent in the league. Alongside MVP finalists Cotton, Davis, and Hurt, the First Team features Illawarra Hawks' dynamic duo of Tyler Harvey and Trey Kell III. The Second Team boasts a lineup of established stars and emerging talents, including Melbourne's Chris Goulding, Adelaide's Montrezl Harrell, and Sydney's Xavier Cooks.
Individual Accolades: Celebrating Excellence Across the Board
The 2024/25 season saw numerous players and officials recognized for their contributions to the league:
- Kouat Noi (Sydney Kings) — Best Sixth Man
- Alex Toohey (Sydney Kings) — Next Generation Award
- Tyler Robertson (Sydney Kings) — Three-Pointer of the Year
- Tyrell Harrison (Brisbane Bullets) — Most Improved Player
- Shea Ili (Melbourne United) — Damian Martin Trophy for Best Defensive Player
- Vaughan Mayberry — Referee of the Year (fourth consecutive win)
- Majok Deng (Tasmania JackJumpers) — Gametime by Kmart award for community efforts
The Next Chapter
As Bryce Cotton and the Perth Wildcats set their sights on another championship, the stage is set for an thrilling conclusion to NBL25.
With emerging talents challenging established stars and coaches such as Justin Tatum bringing fresh strategies to the fore, Australian basketball fans have much to look forward to in the years to come.
Bryce Cotton's historic fifth MVP award not only cements his legacy as one of the NBL's greatest players but also serves as a testament to the league's growing stature in world basketball. As the NBL continues to evolve and attract top talent, performances like Cotton's will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of Australian basketball stars to reach for greatness.
Andrew Gaze Trophy for Most Valuable Player
- Bryce Cotton (Perth Wildcats) — 119 votes
- Kendric Davis (Adelaide 36ers) — 82 votes
- Matt Hurt (South East Melbourne Phoenix) — 65 votes
Lindsay Gaze Trophy for Coach of the Year
- Justin Tatum (Illawarra Hawks) — 78 votes
- Josh King (South East Melbourne Phoenix) — 39 votes
- Dean Vickerman (Melbourne United) — 29 votes
Most Improved Player
- Tyrell Harrison (Brisbane Bullets) — 37 votes
- Owen Foxwell (South East Melbourne Phoenix) — 32 votes
- Ben Henshall (Perth Wildcats) — 30 votes
Best Sixth Man
- Kouat Noi (Sydney Kings) — 69 votes
- Ian Clark (Melbourne United) — 39 votes
- Will Hickey (Illawarra Hawks) — 37 votes
Damian Martin Trophy for the Best Defensive Player
- Shea Ili (Melbourne United) — 63 votes
- Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (Illawarra Hawks) — 34 votes
- Will Magnay (Tasmania JackJumpers) — 26 votes
Next Generation Award presented by Champion
- Alex Toohey (Sydney Kings) — 46 votes
- Ben Henshall (Perth Wildcats) — 40 votes
- Taran Armstrong (Cairns Taipans) — 38 votes
All-NBL First Team
- Bryce Cotton (Perth Wildcats) — 54 votes
- Kendric Davis (Adelaide 36ers) — 52 votes
- Matt Hurt (South East Melbourne Phoenix) — 53 votes
- Trey Kell III (Illawarra Hawks) — 47 votes
- Tyler Harvey (Illawarra Hawks) —38 votes
All-NBL Second Team
- Casey Prather (Brisbane Bullets) — 37 votes
- Chris Goulding (Melbourne United) — 36 votes
- Montrezl Harrell (Adelaide 36ers) — 28 votes
- Sam Froling (Illawarra Hawks) — 19 votes
- Xavier Cooks (Sydney Kings) — 26 votes
Referee of the Year
Vaughan Mayberry
Gametime by Kmart Award
Majok Deng (Tasmania JackJumpers)
Executive of the Year
Malcolm Watts (Brisbane Bullets CEO)
Fans’ MVP
Bryce Cotton (Perth Wildcats)
Three-Pointer of the Year
Tyler Robertson (Sydney Kings)
