Who is the NBL GOAT: Andrew Gaze Or Bryce Cotton?

Dec 12, 2024

3 min read

Andrew Gaze Or Bryce Cotton: Who Is The Greatest Of All Time In The NBL?

The debate over the greatest player in NBL history has long centred around two names: Andrew Gaze and Bryce Cotton. Both have achieved legendary status in their own right, dominating their respective eras and setting records that seem untouchable. However, when it comes to identifying the greatest of all time, the edge undeniably goes to Bryce Cotton. Here’s why:

Andrew Gaze: The Pioneer and Scoring Machine

Andrew Gaze is often referred to as the face of the NBL, particularly in its earlier years. A one-club legend with the Melbourne Tigers, Gaze’s career spanned 22 seasons (1984–2005), during which he cemented himself as one of the league’s most prolific scorers.

Accolades and Impact:

2× NBL Champion (1993, 1997): Gaze was instrumental in both of the Tigers’ championship victories, leading the league in scoring in those seasons.
7-time NBL MVP (1991, 1992, 1994–1998): No one in NBL history has been named MVP as often as Gaze, reflecting his dominance over more than a decade.
NBL Rookie of the Year (1984): Gaze was a dominant force right from the start of his career and it was clear to see how good he was going to be.
All-time Leading Scorer: Gaze’s 18,908 points in 612 games (30.9 points per game) is a record that may never be broken. His scoring ability was unmatched in his era.
15-time All-NBL First Team: Gaze was a consistent star, earning recognition as one of the league’s best players for the majority of his career.
11× NBL All-Star (1988–1997, 2004): Showcasing his contributions and consistency in the league for such a long time.

Legacy:

Gaze played in an era when the NBL was still growing, and while the competition was strong, it lacked the depth and talent of today’s league. While he was unquestionably a pioneer and ambassador for Australian basketball, the overall level of play in his era is widely considered to be less competitive compared to the modern NBL.

Bryce Cotton: The Clutch King and Modern-Day Dominator

Bryce Cotton entered the NBL in 2016 and has since redefined what it means to dominate in a league that has reached unprecedented levels of talent, competition, and global appeal. Cotton’s impact on the Perth Wildcats and the league at large is nothing short of revolutionary.

Accolades and Impact:

3× NBL Champion (2017, 2019, 2020): Cotton’s ability to step up in high-pressure moments has been pivotal in securing three championships for Perth. His clutch performances in playoffs and grand finals have earned him a reputation as one of the greatest big-game players in NBL history.
4× NBL MVP (2018, 2020, 2021, 2024): Cotton has consistently been recognized as the league’s best player, even as the talent pool has deepened.
2× Grand Final MVP (2017, 2020): When the stakes are highest, Cotton delivers. His performances in championship-deciding games are the stuff of legend.
7× NBL Scoring Champion (2017, 2019–2024): Cotton’s ability to score against the toughest defenses in the NBL’s history is unmatched. His career average of 22.7 points per game, including a current season average of 26.4, highlights his consistency and evolution as a scorer.
7× All-NBL First Team (2018–2024): Like Gaze, Cotton has been a perennial selection for the league’s top team, underscoring his sustained excellence.

Legacy:

Cotton’s era is widely regarded as the toughest in NBL history, with a significant influx of world-class talent, including former NBA players, rising stars, and seasoned professionals from top international leagues. Despite this, Cotton has been the best player in the league year after year, proving his ability to dominate against the highest level of competition the NBL has ever seen.

Beyond the numbers, Cotton’s style of play—marked by his incredible shooting, unmatched quickness, and composure under pressure—has set a new standard for excellence. He’s a fan favourite, a nightmare for opposing teams, and the epitome of professionalism.

Why Bryce Cotton is the GOAT

While Andrew Gaze’s accolades are undeniably impressive, the argument for Bryce Cotton as the greatest of all time comes down to context. Cotton has achieved his success in an era of unprecedented parity and competition, where every game is a battle against top-tier talent. The NBL of today is globally recognized as one of the premier basketball leagues, with a level of depth and intensity that simply didn’t exist during Gaze’s era.

Cotton’s ability to dominate in this modern landscape, particularly in the clutch, sets him apart. He’s not just a great player in a strong era—he’s the best player in the league’s toughest era. His combination of individual brilliance, team success, and sustained dominance makes him the undeniable GOAT.

Bryce Cotton isn’t just great—he’s transcendent.