Sharing the stage: Gaze’s Cotton prediction

03 Aug 2026

Andrew Gaze believes Bryce Cotton could soon have his name added to the NBL MVP trophy as he closes in on a record-equalling seventh award.

By

NBL.com.au

It’s the NBL’s most prestigious individual honour, and Andrew Gaze believes it’s only a matter of time before Bryce Cotton’s name joins his on the MVP trophy.

Gaze remains the only player in League history to win seven MVP awards, but Cotton is closing in after claiming his sixth during the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Season.

Following the announcement that the Andrew Gaze MVP Awards will head to Canberra for NBL27, Gaze acknowledged he'd love to one day share the honour with the three-time champion.

“It may only be a matter of time before I have to share that thing with the great Bryce Cotton, who has won six MVP titles. He’s got one more to equal me,” Gaze said on Monday from Canberra.

“This might be the last time I have exclusive rights to the Andrew Gaze name, so that could be a bit of nostalgia there as well,” he joked.

The awards are part of a major period of basketball in the nation’s capital, with a new-look Ignite Cup Finals Series also heading to Canberra in February, 2027.

Four teams will compete for a share of a $550,000 prize pool, bringing the tournament’s second edition to a city steeped in basketball history.

“Some absolute superstars have played here and it’s a great hub for basketball,” Gaze said.

“It brings back some spectacular memories. I remember first coming into the NBL and playing in the ‘Palace’, it was the mecca of venues in the country and it was always a great thrill to come.

“The stands were always filled and tremendous excitement surrounded the Canberra Cannons.”

Gaze believes the significant prize money will again bring out the best in the competing teams.

“It’s (the Ignite Cup) a fantastic concept that brings excitement to the game. Last year one of the best games of the season was the Ignite Cup Final, when the Adelaide 36ers came up just short against the New Zealand Breakers,” he added.

“Nothing motivates players more to win a cup, to win a championship, but also cold, hard cash. When that hard cash was on the line, that brought out the very best in the players.

“It’s going to be a fun tournament and hopefully people here can engage in the NBL.”