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BRYCE Cotton, naturalised and as the Most Valuable Player in the NBL our current best Aussie playing domestically, finally will suit up as a Boomer when the national team takes on Guam and the Philippines in July's FIBA World Cup qualifying window, the matches ironically in Perth.

As a Wildcat import from January, 2017, the club tried repeatedly and ultimately unsuccessfully to secure his naturalisation. But once he joined the 36ers ahead of the NBL's 2025-26 season, Adelaide secured those papers and now the 33-year-old six-time league MVP will finally wear the colours of his adopted nation.

“Representing the Australian men’s national basketball team for the first time is something I don’t take lightly. Coming from where I come from, this opportunity means a lot to me and my family,” Cotton said.

“Australia has embraced me from day one, and I’m grateful for the chance to wear the green and gold alongside a great group of guys. I’m excited, motivated, and ready to give everything I have for the country.”

Born in Tucson, Arizona, Cotton has been an absolute revelation since arriving in Australia, steering Perth to three championships and claiming two Larry Sengstock Medals in that process, guiding Adelaide to the championship series in his first season as a 36er, winning nine scoring titles with nine NBL First Team selections.

Clearly the GOTE (Greatest Of This Era), he now comfortably ranks alongside Andrew Gaze and Leroy Loggins in the NBL's "Holy Trinity".

He will line up at his former home, Perth's RAC Arena, on July 3 against Guam and on July 6 against Philippines.

Japan-bound former Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman is associate head coach of the Boomers and was part of the announcement of Cotton's ascension into the national program.

Considering the strengths Australia enjoys in its backcourt when our NBA players are available, whether Cotton can retain his spot in the team for the 2027 FIBA World Cup will be challenging.

But what joy for the program to have so many options.

In other related news, regular Boomers team manager Junior Viranatuleo has been appointed Team Operations and Logistics Manager of the Perth Wildcats, further strengthening the club's basketball operations ahead of NBL27.