Bryce Cotton granted Australian citizenship

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Five-time MVP Bryce Cotton has been granted Australian citizenship after years of failed attempts.

"The Adelaide 36ers would like to congratulate Bryce Cotton and his family on the wonderful news that he has been granted Australian citizenship," the 36ers said yesterday.

"We know how much this means to Bryce, who has called Australia home since 2017.

"While we were pleased to support his application in any way we could, the credit belongs to Bryce, his wife Rachel and their lawyer Ricky Bustos, who have worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality.

"Bryce has already given so much to Australian basketball, and we’re excited to see him continue his journey - both on the court and in life - as an Australian."

Cotton will now be categorised as a "local" player, meaning the 36ers can sign another import with speculation former Sydney Kings champion and Grand Final MVP Derrick Walton Jr a potential candidate.

Adelaide held discussions with Walton Jr last season before he eventually signed with South East Melbourne Phoenix.

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, 2025 at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena when his 36ers take on Panathinaikos and reigning EuroLeague MVP Kendrick Nunn.

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.