Who is number one?

It was one of the more controversial talking points of the off-season – Derek Rucker naming Xavier Cooks as his number one player in the league, leaving Bryce Cotton resigned to the number two spot.

Of course, everyone is bound to have different opinions when it comes to rating two of the more dominant players the NBL has seen in recent times, but one thing’s for sure, Cotton will be out to prove he deserves that mantle.

Friday night in Perth and Cooks and Cotton will be key to their team’s chances, in what looms as an absolute blockbuster at RAC Arena.

The red-hot title favourites, the Sydney Kings, against the team out to spoil the party, a team with so much history of success, the Perth Wildcats.

“I love what this rivalry is and every sport needs it,” NBL commentator and former King Brad Rosen said on NBL Now. 

“Thank you for putting Bryce Cotton in number two, Derek. What are you thinking mate?,” he joked.

“As if he needs any more motivation.”

Cotton started NBL25 like a man possessed; 26 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and an incredible 8-from-13 from three against the the Phoenix.

Cooks grabbed 13 rebounds to go with 19 points, in an ultra-impressive NBL return.

So who claims the early bragging rights on Friday?

Well, one player who’ll be key to answering that question is Bul Kuol. He's one of the best defenders in the league and one of the biggest signings of the off-season at the star-studded Kings.

“Of course you’re going to put him (Kuol) on Bryce,” Rosen continued. 

“The only thing Bul’s got to be careful of is that foul trouble and it’s so obviously talked about.

“I do like what Derek (Rucker) said ... if he gets fouled out, the loss of him is not as much as it was when he was in Cairns, because they needed his scoring punch.

“I agree with what Derek’s saying, but on the other hand, you don’t want him out of the game. 

“Show your hands, get it on the chest, no fouls, let’s stay in the game, because we need you. You’re that good on that defensive end. Plus 39 for him last week, I’m not a big plus-minus guy, but when you see that, wow.”

That matchup will go a long way towards deciding a potential classic, with a must-watch Wildcats/Kings clash live on ESPN via Kayo from 9.30pm on Friday night.

John Rillie has labelled the Kings the “rightful title favourites”, but can his team send an almighty early statement to the competition that this is their year?