Cotton became an Australian citizen in September 2025 after a lengthy process that included a June 2023 ruling that had made him ineligible for Australian citizenship because of a 30-minute period in 2021 during which he had landed in Melbourne whilst a Distinguished Talent Visa application was still being processed.
He had first sought citizenship application in 2019 as part of a bid to be eligible for Australia at the 2022 Tokyo Olympics.
“Because I was in the country of Australia without a visa for that time, that’s what they’re using as the delay. That is what explained to us,” Cotton said at the time.
“Me getting permanent residency screwed everything because I was detained and in this country without a visa for 30 minutes.
“I’m in a hole because of 30 minutes which is ridiculous … I don’t understand why they’re making sure they’re keeping me from having citizenship. It doesn’t make any sense.”
In January 2024, the then-Perth Wildcats player said he had “no desire” to ever represent Australia due to his immense frustrations with the drawn out citizenship process, even if and when he was to obtain citizenship.
Cotton finally won Australian citizenship in September 2025 and has since had a change of mind, being successfully headhunted by head coach Adam Caporn and assistant coach Dean Vickerman, the latter of whom led Melbourne United up until the end of 2025/26.
He will make his debut at the RAC Arena in Perth, a venue at which he plyed his trade for the Wildcats for nearly a decade, when Australia takes on Guam in the Asia qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA World Cup.
“Representing the Australian men’s national basketball team for the first time is something I don’t take lightly. Coming from where I come from, this opportunity means a lot to me and my family,” Cotton said in a Basketball Australia statement on Thursday.
“Australia has embraced me from day one, and I’m grateful for the chance to wear the green and gold alongside a great group of guys. I’m excited, motivated, and ready to give everything I have for the country.”
Basketball Australia executive Jason Smith said he’s “excited to see what Bryce looks like as part of the Boomers program”.
“We feel like he’s a great cultural fit and obviously he has a dynamic playmaking ability which has been on display with his performances at the elite level over the last decade.
“We think he’ll suit the physicality of the international format and the July window in Perth will give us a solid look at how he integrates to the FIBA game.”
Boomers’ upcoming World Cup qualifiers:
Australia v Guam, Friday July 3, 8:30pm AEST
Australia v Philippines, Monday July 6, 8:30pm AEST
