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“Not even close”: Cotton responds to coach’s big NBL MVP call
SEN • February 18th, 2026 2:15 pm
Adelaide 36ers coach Mike Wells says the NBL MVP race is over, with his star guard Bryce Cotton deserving of the award.
Cotton is the favourite to claim his sixth Andrew Gaze award this season, and while he’s been battling with Sydney’s Kendric Davis for the gong during NBL26, Wells is certain his man should get the nod.
Wells’ comments came after Cotton had 42 points in the 92-89 win over New Zealand on Saturday, stating that ‘it’s not even close’ between him and his rivals.
"If it's not over tonight, then tell me what the definition (of MVP) is," Wells said.
"He played 40 minutes, scored 42 points, guarded the other team's best player, did everything.
"Most Valuable Player to his team. This thing is over.
"If you're not voting for Bryce Cotton, who's been the best player in this league since the day he got here, I want to know why.
"I want to see the votes. It's not even close. The MVP race is over today.”
Speaking on SEN SA Breakfast, Cotton refused to buy into the hype heaped on him by Wells despite admitting it does feel good to have his support.
“I’ll leave that up to the voters, man,” Cotton replied.
“That’s above my pay grade. But I mean, it feels good obviously because Mike and I have a pretty good rapport.
“I think that’s important, not for the sake of awards, but when it comes to winning games and stuff like that, it’s good to have a great relationship with the coach.”
Cotton and the 36ers - who currently sit second - will finish first if they win their two remaining regular season games against Perth and New Zealand on Friday and Sunday respectively.
The NBL MVP award will be handed out at next Monday’s Andrew Gaze MVP Awards night.
