Bryce Cotton Wins 6th NBL MVP Award, Edges Kendric Davis in Tight Race | 2026 NBL Awards
Bryce Cotton has secured the NBL’s Most Valuable Player award for a record-breaking sixth time, further cementing his legacy as one of the league’s all-time greats. The Adelaide 36ers guard received 96 votes, narrowly edging out Sydney Kings’ Kendric Davis who finished with 94, in the closest MVP race in recent memory. Just a single vote separating the two finalists would have resulted in a tie, a scenario that has only occurred twice in NBL history.
Cotton’s victory, announced February 23, 2026, marks the third consecutive year he has claimed the Andrew Gaze Trophy. His six MVP awards place him only one behind the legendary Andrew Gaze, who holds the record with seven.
The 32-year-aged American’s move to the Adelaide 36ers from the Perth Wildcats in the off-season proved pivotal, as he led his new team to a 23-10 record and second place on the NBL ladder, securing a semi-final berth. He topped the league in scoring with an average of 25.7 points per game, and also led in assists with 7.6 per game – a career high. Cotton also recorded a career-best 1.8 steals and 3.6 rebounds per game.
“Not even close, the MVP race is over,” a commentator stated during NBL coverage, reflecting the widespread expectation of Cotton’s win.
Although Cotton and Davis dominated the MVP conversation, the All-NBL First Team selections highlighted the league’s top performers. Joining Cotton and Davis were South East Melbourne Phoenix stars Nathan Sobey and John Brown III, alongside Perth Wildcats’ Kristian Doolittle. The All-NBL Second Team featured Jack McVeigh (Cairns Taipans), Parker Jackson-Cartwright (New Zealand Breakers), Xavier Cooks (Sydney Kings), Bryce Hamilton (Tasmania JackJumpers), and Zylan Cheatham (Adelaide 36ers).
Surprisingly, three-time NBA champion JaVale McGee was omitted from both All-NBL teams despite a statistically productive season with the Sydney Hawks and being named his club’s MVP.
Sydney Kings coach Brian Goorjian was awarded the Lindsay Gaze Coach of the Year trophy for a seventh time, 34 years after claiming his first. Goorjian guided the Kings to the top of the NBL ladder.
Other award recipients included Flynn Cameron of the Adelaide 36ers, named Most Improved Player, and Sam Mennenga of the New Zealand Breakers, who secured the Step One Next Generation Award. Angus Glover (South East Melbourne Phoenix) was recognized as the Sixth Man of the Year, while John Brown III (South East Melbourne Phoenix) claimed the Damian Martin Defensive Player of the Year award.
Cotton’s recent attainment of Australian citizenship has fueled speculation about his potential eligibility to represent the Boomers at the 2027 FIBA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. No official announcement regarding his international future has been made.
Nic Barbato, General Manager of the Adelaide 36ers, was named Executive of the Year, and Michael Aylen was recognized as the Referee of the Year. Malith Machar of Melbourne United received the Gametime by Kmart Award, and Bryce Cotton was also voted Champion Fans’ MVP. Sam Mennenga (NZ Breakers) took the Tangerine Dunk of the Year award, and Bryce Cotton (Adelaide 36ers) won the Three Pointer of the Year award.