Cotton Challenge a "Blessing": Sykes

South East Melbourne Phoenix are hosting the reigning champions Perth Wildcats in two huge games next week at the State Basketball Centre, much to the delight of Phoenix point guard Keifer Sykes.

Sykes, who ranks second in the league in assists and fourth in steals, has been on record in recent weeks saying he feeds off the challenge of competing with fellow stars and no challenge is bigger down under than Perth star Bryce Cotton.

Cotton and Sykes have history playing together in America before Bryce’s move to Perth and if their matchups earlier this season in Perth are anything to go by then fans in the Heartland are in for a treat.

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The Wildcats superstar got the better of his counterpart in the first game, dropping 27 points and securing the win before the new Phoenix fan-favourite recorded 19 points, eight assists and hit the game winner in the second bout.

There’s plenty of respect between the pair but it’s guaranteed to be a fiery duel next Thursday and Sunday.

“It’s been a blessing for me to play the best person here,” Sykes told 1116 SEN. “How else are you going to get better than playing with the best? The fact that I get to play him four times is only going to make me and the team so much stronger and I’m inviting that.

(Sykes and Cotton are two of the most exciting players in the NBL)

“We’re 1-1, I won a game and he won a game, so it’s just more motivation. The bigger the stage, the bigger the stakes, the more motivation, the more you have to prove. The fact that I’ve had these opportunities so early is just special to me.

“We just want to work hard, make the most of it and get wins.

“We want to get people out to these games. We know the crowds are limited due to covid but with our Bryce Cotton matchups and our Hawks matchup, who are undefeated, it’s going to be a great three-game stretch for us.”

It’s been a gripping opening three rounds across the NBL, with upsets and thrilling finishes in front of live crowds the envy of the basketball world through January and February.

Sykes brings a wealth of knowledge of leagues across the globe and is loving the competitive and even nature of the league.

“NBL is beautiful, all these teams are expecting to win,” he said.

“There are no nights off, all of these teams are really good, strong teams. That’s not the case in other countries, usually the better teams with the bigger budgets are the stronger teams by far and the teams that win most of the championships.

“Here’s pretty balanced and that’s what makes it fun for a competitor like me. That’s why I wanted to come to this league and test myself against all these good teams and all these good players. It’s definitely one of the more competitive leagues in the world.”

The 2-3 Phoenix host The Hawks on Sunday at the State Basketball Centre (SOLD OUT) before Perth come to town for games on Thursday, February 11 and Sunday, February 14 (TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE).

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Phoenix Media (05/02/2021)