A Warrnambool-raised coach aiming to become a six-time NBL champion next season has received a welcome boost to his roster.
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Perth Wildcats mentor Trevor Gleeson on Tuesday welcomed Bryce Cotton's decision to sign a new three-year deal with the defending champion.
Cotton, a two-time league most-valuable-player, opted out of his contract last month after the NBL cut its salary cap in half due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But the American import, who explored overseas options, recommitted to Perth on a long-term deal. Cotton arrived on Australian shores in 2017 and has played in three championships in his four seasons as a Wildcat.
Gleeson said Cotton could "raise his family here in Perth and have a great organisation have your back for the next three years".
"It started with (owner) Jack (Bendat). Jack sent Bryce an email just to thank him and left that communication open," he said.
"And once that communication was open, I kind of jumped in there, and saw where it was and if I could help out. I was looking at the big picture of where we want to be in three years and Bryce is a big part of that."
Gleeson said Cotton could follow an esteemed line of long-term Wildcats, such as Damian Martin, Shawn Redhage and Ricky Grace.
"He makes his teammates better and when you have a guy like that on your team it's a little bit easier to coach."
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