The race for the National Basketball League (NBL) Most Valuable Player award is exceptionally close this season, with Bryce Cotton and Kendric Davis presenting a compelling statistical argument for their claims. Both players have delivered outstanding individual performances, making the final decision a complex one. The numbers suggest a neck-and-neck battle, prompting a detailed look at their season-long contributions and late-season surges.
Statistical Showdown: A Season of High Performance
The available statistics for the NBL 2026 season illustrate the intense competition between Bryce Cotton and Kendric Davis. Both players have been instrumental for their respective teams, consistently putting up high numbers across various categories.
Bryce Cotton:
32 Games Played (GP)
37.9 Minutes Per Game (MPG)
25.7 Points Per Game (PPG)
3.6 Rebounds Per Game (RPG)
7.6 Assists Per Game (APG)
1.8 Steals Per Game (SPG)
2.8 Turnovers Per Game (TOV)
43.8% Field Goal Percentage (FG)
Kendric Davis:
32 Games Played (GP)
31.7 Minutes Per Game (MPG)
24.2 Points Per Game (PPG)
4.0 Rebounds Per Game (RPG)
6.7 Assists Per Game (APG)
1.1 Steals Per Game (SPG)
1.8 Turnovers Per Game (TOV)
46.5% Field Goal Percentage (FG)
Read More: Seton Hall's NCAA Tournament Chances Getting Smaller
The season-long stats reveal a remarkable parity between the two contenders, with Cotton holding a slight edge in points and assists, while Davis leads in rebounds and field goal percentage.
Early vs. Late Season Performance: Shifting Momentum?
An examination of performance in different segments of the season offers further insight into the MVP debate. The data suggests that while Cotton maintained a high level of play throughout, Davis has shown remarkable improvement and impact in the latter stages.
Rounds 1-11:
| Player | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | TOV | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryce Cotton | 16 | 36.5 | 26.3 | 3.1 | 7.3 | 2.2 | 2.6 | 45.3% |
| Kendric Davis | 14 | 31.7 | 22.1 | 4.1 | 4.9 | 0.9 | 1.6 | 41.7% |
Rounds 12-22:
| Player | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | TOV | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryce Cotton | 16 | 39.3 | 25.1 | 4.1 | 7.9 | 1.4 | 3.1 | 42.4% |
| Kendric Davis | 18 | 31.7 | 25.9 | 3.9 | 8.1 | 1.2 | 2.0 | 50.3% |
Davis's statistics in rounds 12-22 show a significant increase in scoring and efficiency (50.3% FG), potentially indicating a stronger finish to the season. Cotton, meanwhile, saw an increase in minutes and assists but a slight dip in shooting efficiency.
Workload and Impact: Minutes Matter
A key differentiator in the comparison is the difference in minutes played per game. Davis has achieved his impressive numbers while playing significantly fewer minutes than Cotton.
Read More: Kansas State Fires Basketball Coach Jerome Tang
Davis averages 6.2 fewer minutes per game than Cotton.
This efficiency metric raises the question of Davis's potential impact if his playing time were to be equalized with Cotton's.
The disparity in playing time highlights the impressive per-minute production of Kendric Davis, suggesting a highly efficient and impactful player.
Historical Context: Past MVP Races
The history of NBL MVP voting provides a precedent for close contests and highlights the impact of dominant performances.
In a previous season, Bryce Cotton secured a decisive victory in MVP voting:
Bryce Cotton: 118 votes
Chris Goulding: 53 votes
Parker Jackson-Cartwright: 50 votes
In another instance, Cotton again prevailed over Davis:
Bryce Cotton: 119 votes
Kendric Davis: 82 votes
Matt Hurt: 65 votes
These past results demonstrate Cotton's established reputation and previous success in MVP deliberations, even when faced with strong challengers like Davis.
Expert Analysis and Considerations
While the statistics present a compelling quantitative argument, MVP awards often incorporate qualitative factors and voter perceptions. The "nail-biter" nature of this season's race suggests that intangibles and narrative may play a crucial role in the final decision. The sustained excellence of Bryce Cotton in the league is contrasted with the rapid ascent and undeniable impact of Kendric Davis in just his second NBL season.
Read More: NBA All-Star Weekend 2026 More Fun and Competitive
The differing narratives—established dominance versus a meteoric rise—are likely to influence voter sentiment, making the outcome difficult to predict based solely on numbers.
Conclusion: A Decision Hinges on Voter Priorities
The NBL MVP award this season appears to be a tight contest between Bryce Cotton and Kendric Davis. Both players have delivered statistically remarkable seasons, demonstrating elite offensive prowess and significant team impact.
Bryce Cotton has maintained his status as a top player in the league, with consistent scoring and playmaking, further solidifying his legacy.
Kendric Davis has shown substantial growth and efficiency, particularly in the latter half of the season, proving his capability to compete at the highest level.
The final decision will likely depend on how voters weigh Cotton's proven track record and consistent high-level play against Davis's efficiency and explosive late-season performance. The numbers alone do not provide a definitive answer, leaving the outcome as a true nail-biter.
Sources Used:
Fox Sports Australia: Provided detailed season statistics, segmented performance data, and historical MVP voting results for Bryce Cotton and Kendric Davis.
