Is Bryce Cotton an Australian Citizen?
Bryce Cotton, born on August 11, 1992, is an American professional basketball player who is currently playing for the Perth Wildcats in the National Basketball League (NBL) in Australia. Despite his successful stint in Australia, Cotton is not an Australian citizen.
Background on Bryce Cotton
Bryce Dejean-Jones Cotton was born in Tucson, Arizona, and grew up in the United States. He attended Palo Verde High School, where he displayed exceptional basketball skills, catching the attention of college recruiters. Cotton went on to play college basketball at the Providence College in Rhode Island.
Professional Career
After completing his college career, Bryce Cotton entered the 2014 NBA draft but went undrafted. He later joined the San Antonio Spurs for the NBA Summer League and signed with the Austin Spurs, the San Antonio Spurs' G League affiliate. Despite impressive performances, Cotton did not receive an NBA call-up.
In early 2016, the Perth Wildcats took note of Cotton's talent and offered him a contract. He joined the team for the remainder of the 2015-2016 NBL season and made an immediate impact. Cotton's scoring prowess, quickness, and ability to create shots made him a fan favorite in Perth.
Since joining the Perth Wildcats, Bryce Cotton has achieved remarkable success. He won the NBL Grand Final MVP award in 2017 and 2019, led the league in scoring in the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 seasons, and played a crucial role in the Wildcats' championship victories in 2017, 2019, and 2020.
Australian Citizenship and Basketball
While Bryce Cotton has undoubtedly made a name for himself in Australia, it is important to note that playing professional basketball in a foreign country does not automatically grant citizenship to an individual. Australian citizenship is acquired through a complex process that typically involves meeting certain residency requirements, passing citizenship tests, and fulfilling other criteria as outlined by the Australian government.
Though Cotton continues to excel in Australia and has formed a strong connection with the country and its basketball community, his citizenship status remains tied to his American roots. Being a non-Australian citizen has not hindered his ability to contribute to the Perth Wildcats and become one of the most prominent figures in the NBL.
FAQ
Q: Can Bryce Cotton represent Australia in international competitions?
A: No, Bryce Cotton is not eligible to represent Australia in international competitions as he is not an Australian citizen. International competitions typically require athletes to be citizens of the country they are representing.