Friar Basketball
Home / General News / Catching up with Bryce Cotton

Catching up with Bryce Cotton

brycecottonaustinspurs

It was nearly a year ago that Bryce Cotton was on a plane flying back to Providence after an eleven point loss to Marquette. The loss sent the Friars back to the Ocean State with 15-6 record but their NCAA Tournament dreams held strong. Flash forward a year and not much has changed in the dreams department for Cotton.

Playing in the NBA Developmental League for the Austin Spurs, Cotton has thrived in his first season as a professional basketball player. Through 26 games, the PC alum is averaging a hair over 20 points along with 5 assists and 5 rebounds a contest. While playing with the Spurs isn’t fulfilling Cotton’s goal of reaching the NBA, he understands it’s a step towards where he wants to be.

As first reported by RealGM.com, Cotton recently turned down several offers to continue his career overseas in either Turkey, Italy or Belgrade. When asked about that decision, Cotton said, “I felt like that wasn’t what I wanted to do. I am a pretty stubborn guy so when I have my mind set on something I’ll do anything to achieve it.” He later explained that he has really enjoyed his time in the D-League and has learned a lot from Austin assistant coach and former NBA player, Earl Watson.

Putting overseas opportunities in the rear view, Cotton has focused on being the best player he can be with the Austin Spurs. In a recent 102-94 win over the Canton Charge, Cotton scored a career high 40 points on 8 of 12 shooting from deep. Topping his collegiate record of 36 points, Cotton said it felt similar to the North Carolina game in terms of exposure – something vitally important when searching for an open roster spot on an NBA team. “Things just started rolling for me that night,” Cotton said. Explaining that there were a few GM’s and scouts in the building, Cotton continued, “It was a great game and definitely one that I will always remember.”

In terms of what is next for Bryce Cotton, remains to be seen. As Michael De Leon pointed out in a recent CoxHub article, there are a handful of NBA teams who could greatly benefit from a player like Cotton. Respectfully declining to share a comment on the rumors floating around, Cotton made it clear that the NBA is his only goal.

The NBA isn’t the only thing on Cotton’s mind right now though as he said he has kept close tabs on his former college team. “I have only been able to watch a couple of games this season because it seems whenever they play we have a game, but I have definitely been keeping an eye out,” Cotton said with laughter. As far as the guys filling the scoring gap left behind by him, Cotton said he isn’t surprised at all by LaDontae Henton or Kris Dunn’s success. For Henton specifically, Cotton shared, “LaDontae and I had so many 1 on 1 battles, summer after summer and I am so happy that he is getting the recognition that he is getting because he is definitely deserving of it.”

Cotton explained that he is proud of his four years spent at Providence College and values the relationships he made greatly. Listing Coach Cooley, assistant coach Mike Jackson and God Shammgod as three people he has remained close with, Cotton feels he has great support from his Alma Mater. Pointing out that he noticed a Friar Fan in the crowd for his very first professional game, Cotton ended our conversation by saying, “I’m still trying to give PC fans something to cheer about and I just want them to know that their support is always appreciated.”

Cotton will next suit up for the Austin Spurs on Friday against the Idaho Stampede.

Email Craig – craig.belhumeur@friarbasketball.com
On Twitter – @Craig_Belhumeur

 

6 Comments

  1. Mark Kendrick

    January 30, 2015 at 4:28 am

    Going to the game in Austin Saturday so I hope he sticks around a few days

  2. H.a. Arroyo

    January 30, 2015 at 4:31 am

    Keep lighting up the D League Bryce, you’ll get your call up soon!

  3. Phil Liquori

    January 30, 2015 at 9:59 am

    was at the game. uconn has boatwright but we have cartwright great game bentil was be amazing by senior year.. dunn stay healthy.. harris keep it going.

  4. Joshua Michael Corrente

    January 30, 2015 at 10:24 am

    This kid amazes me- I hope he makes the NBA and light it up- Bet he turns into a great clutch shot player-

  5. Alex B Sowa

    January 30, 2015 at 12:31 pm

    Terri Berard Sowa

  6. Terri Berard Sowa

    January 30, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    Yippee for Bryce.

You must be logged in to post a comment Login