He's still not a fan of Vegemite and hasn't got the Australian lingo down pat just yet, but Perth Wildcats star Bryce Cotton says he feels like he's already winning after moving a giant step closer to becoming a Boomer.
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Cotton finally received his Distinguished Talent Visa earlier this week and, if all goes to plan, he will soon become a naturalised Australian.
Hopes are high the process will be finalised in time for Cotton to represent Australia at this year's Olympic Games, which are scheduled to start in July.
Cotton is one of the best players to have ever featured in the NBL, but the American-born guard is no guarantee to earn selection for the Olympics given the Boomers can only take one naturalised player.
It means Cotton could be pitted in a selection faceoff with Sydney-raised Philadelphia 76ers guard Matisse Thybulle, who was recently included in Australia's 24-man Olympic squad.
Cotton says he isn't focusing on that potential selection battle just yet.
Instead, he's keen to finalise the visa process and focus on helping the Wildcats secure a third consecutive NBL Championship.
"It's no point worrying myself to death about all these 'what if' scenarios," Cotton said.
"Whether this whole thing ends up with me being on the Boomers, it's a blessing.
"I'm just so grateful this is even a conversation. That's a huge accomplishment for me, for a country to even consider me to represent them in a place I'm not even from. I feel like I'm winning either way regardless."
Cotton has never been a fan of Vegemite, but will becoming an Australian change that?
"That's never going to happen. I'm never going to become a fan of Vegemite," he said with a laugh.
Cotton overcame illness to score 30 points in Tuesday's 113-106 win over the Sydney Kings in the NBL Cup.
When asked why he was crook, Cotton replied: "Crook, is that another word for sick? It must be some Aussie lingo."
Cotton is now feeling better and he looms as a key player in Friday night's clash with Cairns.
Another key will be Wildcats big man John Mooney, who sank 30 points against the Kings, including 3-of-4 from long range.
Cotton heaped praise on Mooney, saying the American's ability to shoot the three had given the Wildcats an extra weapon.
Australian Associated Press
