Perth Wildcats fans are set for an emotional rollercoaster this Sunday when the club's greatest modern-era player, Bryce Cotton, returns to RAC Arena wearing the colours of the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
In a move that shocked the basketball community, the three-time NBL Most Valuable Player and four-time league scoring champion departed the Wildcats in the off-season after a decorated seven-year tenure. His first game back in Perth as a visitor promises to be a poignant moment for the Red Army faithful.
A Legacy That Demands Celebration
Wildcats head coach John Rillie has left no doubt about how he believes the club's supporters should greet their former superstar. Rillie is adamant that Cotton deserves a rousing and heartfelt reception for everything he achieved in the west.
"He should be celebrated," Rillie stated unequivocally. "What he's done for this club, he's one of the best players to ever play in the league and definitely for the Wildcats." The coach emphasised that the occasion should be focused on gratitude, not rivalry, acknowledging the championships and unforgettable moments Cotton delivered.
Cotton's resume in Perth is the stuff of legend. He led the Wildcats to NBL championships in 2017, 2019, and 2020, earning Grand Final MVP honours in the latter two triumphs. His name is etched all over the club's record books, and his clutch performances became the standard at the Jungle.
Facing a Friend, Not Just a Foe
The dynamic adds a fascinating layer to the Wildcats' on-court preparations. Rillie now must devise a game plan to stop the very player who was the focal point of his own offence for the past two seasons. It's a challenge the coach acknowledges is unique.
"It's a little bit different," Rillie admitted, reflecting on the strange feeling of planning to defend his former star. However, he is treating it with the professionalism it demands, focusing on the Phoenix as a collective threat while respecting Cotton's individual brilliance. The Wildcats' defence, which has shown significant improvement, will face its ultimate test.
An Unforgettable Chapter for the Red Army
Sunday's match transcends a regular season fixture. It represents a rare opportunity for a fanbase to properly thank an icon whose departure was swift due to the nature of professional sport. The game is scheduled for a 2:30 pm WST tip-off at RAC Arena on Sunday, May 4th.
While the Wildcats will be fiercely determined to secure the win and continue their push up the NBL ladder, the pre-game and any tribute moment will undoubtedly be charged with emotion. The club is expected to acknowledge Cotton's contribution, ensuring the legacy of his seven spectacular seasons is honoured.
For Bryce Cotton, it will be a surreal experience running onto the familiar parquet as an opponent. For the Red Army, it's a chance to show that true greatness is never forgotten, even when it temporarily wears a different jersey. The echoes of "MVP!" chants that once roared for him may well ring out again, this time in celebration of a glorious past as both teams battle for a critical future victory.
