Perth Wildcats superstar Bryce Cotton cleared to fly home from New Zealand after being sent to hospital
Perth Wildcats star Bryce Cotton was cleared to fly home from Auckland after the team’s narrow loss to New Zealand despite being sent to hospital during the game.
Cotton reached for his ribs in the opening minute of the match at Spark Arena and then collapsed in pain shortly after when he attempted to set up play. He was immediately taken to the changerooms to be assessed and was then whisked off to hospital.
There were fears the four-time NBL MVP had suffered broken ribs and that could have prevented difficulties with travel back to Western Australia. The Wildcats have to fly home from Auckland through Sydney and won’t back in Perth until later tonight.
But Cotton was given the green light to travel and he will be assessed further when the team gets back to WA.
Camera IconPerth Wildcats star Bryce Cotton. Credit: Will Russell/Getty Images
The Wildcats have a six-day break before their next game against Sydney Kings at RAC Arena and they’ll enter he game with a 2-4 record.
Captain Jesse Wagstaff is confident the team has enough talent to cover for their superstar if he is ruled out for some time.
“With Bryce out there or with Bryce not out there, we are an exceptionally deep team. We’ve got some great talent but getting that talent is half the battle. We’ve got to compete in the right way and use it in the right way,” he said.
Camera IconJesse Wagstaff addresses his team. Credit: Dave Rowland/Getty Images
“We’re an exceptionally deep team. We’ve got talent galore. We’re exceptionally deep. I don’t think that’s an issue. I’m sure JR has got faith in guys off the bench and guys on the floor to perform no matter who is out there.”
Cotton’s injury continues a frustrating season for the Wildcats. Import Dylan Windler and star pair Tai Webster and Keanu Pinder have also missed matches due to injury this season.
#Perth #Wildcats #superstar #Bryce #Cotton #cleared #fly #home #Zealand #hospital