The National Basketball League's chief executive has revealed a five-time MVP's boyhood hero worship was a driving force behind one of the competition's biggest off-court coups.
Cotton's Childhood Hero Takes Centre Stage
NBL CEO David Stevenson confirmed that Bryce Cotton's well-documented admiration for NBA icon Allen Iverson played a crucial role in the league's successful pitch to bring 'The Answer' to Western Australia. Iverson, an 11-time NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer, arrives in Perth this Wednesday for the four-day HoopsFest basketball extravaganza at RAC Arena.
"It was very important for us," Stevenson told The West Australian. "A big part of it was the Bryce connection but there was a bigger part around the NBL and WNBL too." He added that the league was keen to facilitate a meeting between Cotton and the player he modelled his game on, citing their similar stature and Cotton's transformative impact on the NBL.
Starstruck Cotton and a Packed HoopsFest Schedule
The news has left Cotton, now with the Adelaide 36ers, genuinely starstruck. "I didn't believe it at first," Cotton admitted. "I wanted to wait a few more weeks to be sure he was actually coming."
Allen Iverson's schedule will see him attend games on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at RAC Arena, plus an appearance at Culture Kings on Saturday afternoon. He departs Perth on Saturday night for a tour of eastern states capitals, meaning he will miss Cotton's Adelaide 36ers facing the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday.
The event itself is bookended by major clashes. The WNBL's Perth Lynx and Bendigo Spirit battle for top spot on Thursday, while Sunday closes with the 36ers-Phoenix match. The Perth Wildcats chase a fourth straight win in a Friday night blockbuster against the Illawarra Hawks.
Strategic Star Power for the NBL
Stevenson explained the strategic thinking behind recruiting NBA legends like Iverson and last season's headliner, Carmelo Anthony. "The strategic reason for having NBA legends is to tap into those fans who are NBA fans and connect them to the NBL," he stated.
He emphasised Iverson's unique cultural impact, aiming to create a star experience for fans who grew up watching him or now discover his highlights online. "I don't think there's been anyone who has had the same cultural impact on the sport as Allen Iverson," Stevenson said, noting the excitement from the league's team about his visit.
With all ten NBL and eight WNBL teams competing over four days, HoopsFest promises to be a landmark event for Australian basketball, significantly amplified by the arrival of one of the game's most iconic figures.
