Cotton crowned NBL MVP

Perth Wildcats star Bryce Cotton is the NBL's most valuable player (MVP) for season 2019-20.

He becomes the first Wildcats player in NBL history to win the award twice, having also claimed the honour in 2018.

Cotton was awarded the Andrew Gaze MVP trophy after polling 88 votes, eight votes clear of Cairns Taipans point guard Scott Machado and 15 points ahead of Brisbane Bullets small forward Lamar Patterson.

Cotton averaged 22 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists in NBL20, helping Perth secure second spot on the table and set up a tilt at back to back titles next month.

"I definitely want to send a special shout out to my team mates, the love and support they give me every single game, whether it seems like I can't miss a shot or a game where I can't make one to save my life." Cotton said upon accepting the award.

"It's been a hell of a year for everybody. This is a celebration for the entire league."

Cotton was also named in the NBL20 All-Star First Team, along with team mate Nick Kay, Machado, Patterson and Jae'Sean Tate (Sydney Kings).

Taipans coach Mike Kelly was awarded the Lindsay Gaze Trophy for Coach of the year, while Brisbane pair Jason Cadee (Best sixth man) and Will Magnay (Most improved) were also recognised.

American import and teenage sensation LaMelo Ball won rookie of the year despite missing the second half of the season due to injury for the Illawarra Hawks, DJ Newbill (Cairns Taipans) the Defensive Player of the Year.

The NBL20 finals series commences Friday 28th February, Perth hosting Cairns and Sydney hosting Melbourne in the best of three semi-final series.

IMAGE: Perth Now.