All-in and unapologetic: 36ers' bold moves pay off

Friday, May 23, 2025

"You’ve got to go out there, push the envelope, find the resources, and make big splashes like this."

The Adelaide 36ers are going all in on marquee talent in their boldest push for a title in 25 years.

Last season it was Harrell and Davis. Now it’s Bryce Cotton. The 36ers aren’t just dreaming big - they’re delivering.

Adelaide’s powerbrokers have reportedly pulled off the unthinkable, locking in the ‘greatest import of all time’ for the next three seasons.

It was a bold move, but one that deserves huge praise.

“You’ve got to go out there, push the envelope, find the resources, and make big splashes like this,” Derek Rucker said on a special edition of NBL Now.

“Full credit to the front office staff, Matt Weston (GM Basketball Operations), Nick Barbato (CEO) as well, and Grant Kelley (Owner), because the owner has piled a lot of money into this franchise, but not had much return in recent years. And they are going again,” John Casey continued.

>> Bombshell: Cotton's shock NBL return?

Harrell and Davis didn’t deliver a title, but they lit up the City of Churches - every game sold out and a brand that fans simply wanted to watch.

Cotton brings the same qualities, and more.

“If you’re not willing to provide the resources and take a risk and give your fanbase, a very loyal fanbase down in Adelaide I might add, hope and justification for their commitment to your program, then what’s the point?” Rucker added.

“Full credit to Matt Weston as well. Not only did he bring Kendric Davis here last season, and Montrezl Harrell, but now he’s got the big fish in Bryce Cotton,” Casey continued.

“I remember Matt Weston using that quote to me last year when he signed Montrezl Harrell. He didn’t expect Montrezl Harrell would be interested, but he went there saying, ‘You never know unless you ask.’ And as he said then, ‘You make them say no.’”