Perth Wildcats owner Mark Arena is set to orchestrate a heartfelt farewell for the club's legendary guard, Bryce Cotton, during this Sunday's final home game of the season. Arena will personally lead a standing ovation from the RAC Arena crowd following a special video tribute dedicated to the three-time NBL MVP.
A Fitting Tribute for a Club Legend
The emotional send-off is planned for the Wildcats' clash against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday, April 7. This match marks the team's last appearance at RAC Arena for the 2023-24 NBL season and is poised to be an especially poignant event for Cotton, whose future with the franchise remains uncertain as he enters free agency.
Mark Arena confirmed the plans, emphasising his desire for the entire stadium to rise as one in appreciation of Cotton's immense contributions. The tribute video will play on the arena's big screens, chronicling Cotton's iconic moments since joining the Wildcats in 2017. His tenure has been defined by clutch performances, scoring titles, and his pivotal role in securing the 2020 NBL championship for Perth.
An Uncertain Future Amidst Celebrations
While Sunday will be a celebration, it is shadowed by the very real possibility that this could be Cotton's last game in a Wildcats uniform on home court. His contract concludes at the end of this season, making him one of the most high-profile free agents in the league. The club and its fervent fan base, known as the "Red Army," are acutely aware that this tribute may double as a goodbye.
Arena has been vocal about his hope to re-sign the superstar, but the financial realities of the NBL's salary cap present a significant challenge. Cotton's market value is exceedingly high, and other clubs are expected to present lucrative offers. This situation adds a layer of raw emotion to the planned ovation, transforming it from a simple season-ender into a potential farewell to a beloved icon.
The Legacy of Bryce Cotton
Bryce Cotton's impact on the Perth Wildcats and Australian basketball cannot be overstated. Arriving mid-season in 2017, he swiftly revolutionised the team's offence with his explosive scoring ability and ice-cold composure in pressure situations. His accolades speak for themselves:
- Three-time NBL Most Valuable Player (MVP)
- Four-time NBL Scoring Champion
- Key figure in the Wildcats' 2020 championship victory
- Multiple All-NBL First Team selections
Beyond the statistics, Cotton earned a reputation as a big-game player, consistently delivering when the Wildcats needed him most. His dedication and professionalism have made him a fan favourite and a respected figure throughout the league.
Sunday's event at RAC Arena is more than just a basketball game; it is a communal expression of gratitude. Under Mark Arena's direction, the standing ovation will serve as a powerful, unified thank you from the organisation and its supporters to a man who has given his all for the jersey. Whether it's a see-you-later or a final goodbye, the moment promises to be an unforgettable highlight of the NBL season.
