Game respects game

A EuroLeague MVP against a five-time NBL MVP, the matchup between Kendrick Nunn and Bryce Cotton is a mouth-watering one and a must-watch storyline at the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament this month.

Nunn has dominated with Panathinaikos since his move from the NBA in 2023, twice being named in the All-EuroLeague First Team, alongside winning a championship and a top scorer trophy.

The former NBA guard, with more than 200 games’ experience across four teams, says he can’t wait for his next challenge, taking on the best of the NBL against the Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers.

That includes perhaps the greatest NBL import of all time, Bryce Cotton.

“I’ve seen him (Cotton), he is a good player, very explosive,” Nunn told Code Sports.

“He has been killing it over there for many years and I’m excited to play against him for sure.”

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The September 21 matchup will be Cotton’s first official game in Adelaide colours.

For the first time ever, the Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers take on Panathinaikos B.C. and KK Partizan across two unmissable nights.

Australian NBA star Dante Exum said he’d be watching the games closely.

“I can’t wait to watch those games,” he said.

“We always talk about the style of basketball and how it’s different, going from the US to Europe, FIBA rules, all of that, but you rarely see Australian teams matched up against top European clubs.

“It’s going to be tough, but Adelaide has put a great roster together. Sydney’s put a great roster together too. I definitely think they’re going to give them trouble.

“Bryce Cotton’s the one I’m most excited about. We always talk about how good he is as an import. This is his chance to test himself against some of the best non-NBA imports in the world.”

Exum, who previously played with KK Partizan, said fans could expect an incredible atmosphere.

“From the moment you run out, even before tip-off, the energy is insane. During warmups, during shootaround, during the game and even an hour after the game they’re still chanting, still singing,” he said.

Two Continents. One Court. No Backing Down.

Get two-for-one tickets this Friday, September 5 only, as part of the Friday Frenzy.

>> CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

See game details below:

Thursday, 18th September @ John Cain Arena:
Panathinaikos BC AKTOR vs KK Partizan

Sunday, 21st September @ Qudos Bank Arena:
KK Partizan vs Sydney Kings
Panathinaikos BC AKTOR vs Adelaide 36ers

Read the full story here >> Crosscourt NBL news: Adelaide 36ers close in on Bryce Cotton citizenship bid