Cotton Lauds New-Look Perth

Perth star Bryce Cotton is crediting a more “well-rounded” roster for his team’s hot run of pre-season form, with the Wildcats cruising to a 2-0 record in this pre-season’s Hungry Jack's NBL Blitz.

Cotton was a man on a mission in his side’s opening 18-point win over Cairns, and torched the Taipans with a remarkable 36-point shooting performance.

With his shot struggling in his side’s 17-point win over the Phoenix, Cotton turned provider and finished the game with six rebounds and five assists.

“I definitely think we have weapons for basically every style of play we need,” Cotton told SEN. “We have a couple of guys who can score, put the ball on the floor, play-make, we’ve got good defenders, and then we have really great energy guys.

“I think overall the roster is a lot more well-rounded [than last season] but it’s a really small sample size. So far, so good - it is exciting to see so far.

“It’s good to get out there and put the strategies and systems we’re trying to put in place, see it in practice versus other teams instead of doing it against ourselves.

“We have so many weapons that can do different things. It’s really exciting to know we have a team that does its best to utilise each other’s strengths. When we’re all rolling and being stars in our roles it’s so fun to see.”

The Blitz not only offers fans a first look at some of the league’s newest star players, but it allows teams to tinker with lineups and offer opportunities to depth players.

Brady Manek and Corey Shervill have been two of the top performers for the Wildcats’ opening two games, despite the former’s struggles from the field against the Taipans.

After hitting just two of his ten shots against Cairns, Manek rebounded to put together an impressive 13-point performance against the Phoenix.

Shervill, on the other hand, has seen 20 minutes of court time across the games as he looks to return from injury.

“I think he’s settling in just fine,” Cotton said of Manek.

“That’s what the pre-season is for, especially for him being his first year out of school, [he’s] got to get familiar with the league, how the games are refereed and just the overall style of play. I think he’s adjusting just fine and I think he’ll be great.

“I’m super happy for him (Shervill) to be able to be back on the floor. I know for him having injury after injury can be very, very frustrating.

“He’s a guy that’s patient and he’s been putting in his work daily, he backs himself and he believes in himself and I see the work he puts in all the time. Hopefully he can continue to capitalise on whatever opportunities he gets.”