Bryce Cotton wins fourth MVP at NBL Awards, leading Perth Wildcats. Highlights include Shea Ili’s defensive accolade, Dean Vickerman’s coaching triumph, and emerging talents in basketball.

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Bryce Cotton

In a glittering ceremony celebrating the pinnacle of basketball excellence, Bryce Cotton emerged as the night’s standout, clinching the 2023-24 Most Valuable Player award at the National Basketball League’s (NBL) annual awards.

This victory etched Cotton’s name in history as he secured his fourth Andrew Gaze Trophy, an accolade that underscores the player’s indomitable spirit and unmatched prowess on the court.

A Historic Win

Cotton’s latest triumph places him second in the all-time rankings, trailing only behind the legendary Gaze, who has clinched the trophy seven times.

With an impressive season average of 23.1 points and 4.3 assists per game, Cotton led the Wildcats to a commendable second-place finish, showcasing his vital role in the team’s success.

His previous MVP wins in 2018, 2020, and 2021 highlight a career punctuated by excellence and relentless pursuit of greatness.

The MVP Race

Entering Monday evening’s event as the favourite, Cotton lived up to the expectations by securing 118 votes, outpacing his competitors Chris Goulding (53 votes) and Parker Jackson-Cartwright (50 votes).

This trio, alongside Anthony Lamb and Gary Clark, dominated the All-NBL First Team selection, underscoring their significant contributions to the league.

Spotlight on Defense and Coaching

On the awards night, he also highlighted other remarkable talents within the league.

Shea Ili, celebrated for his tenacious perimeter defence, bagged his first Best Defensive Player award.

Ili’s defensive acumen was instrumental in Melbourne United’s status as the league’s top defensive team.

Dean Vickerman was named Coach of the Year in the coaching realm, marking his third accolade thanks to Melbourne United’s stellar performance throughout the season.

Under Vickerman’s guidance, United boasted the league’s top defence and a formidable offence.

Emerging Stars and Honorable Mentions

Ian Clark’s role as the Best Sixth Man highlighted the depth of talent in the league with his impressive off-the-bench performances for Melbourne United.

Meanwhile, Sean Macdonald’s recognition as the Most Improved Player underscored the dynamic nature of the league’s talent pool, showcasing significant growth from the previous season.

Sam Froling’s win of the Next Generation Award signals the rise of new talent, promising an exciting future for the league.

The All-NBL Second Team, featuring a mix of seasoned players and rising stars, further emphasized the diverse talent across teams.

Celebrating Excellence

The 2024 NBL Awards celebrated individual brilliance and highlighted the collaborative spirit and competitive excellence that define the league.

As these athletes and coaches set new benchmarks, they inspire the next generation of players and contribute to the ever-evolving narrative of basketball in the NBL.