{"id":354086,"date":"2025-12-17T14:50:09","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T14:50:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/354086\/"},"modified":"2025-12-17T14:50:09","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T14:50:09","slug":"nbl-stars-eye-citizenship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/354086\/","title":{"rendered":"NBL stars eye citizenship"},"content":{"rendered":"

The NBL has a long history of American imports coming to play in the competition, loving it and deciding to stay in Australia long-term.<\/p>\n

From NBL MVPs such as Leroy Loggins and Derek Rucker to NBL champions Lanard Copeland, Ricky Grace, Cal Bruton, Damon Lowery, Cecil Exum and David Simmons, countless elite athletes have loved the competition and lifestyle that the NBL offers.<\/p>\n

In the case of Exum and Simmons, their sons Dante and Ben have gone on to represent different Australian national teams and play in the NBA.<\/p>\n

Now there is a new wave following in their footsteps.<\/p>\n

Five-time MVP Bryce Cotton, who is currently playing in his 10th NBL season, recently gained his Australian citizenship, while NBL25 champion Tyler Harvey has long expressed interest in staying in Wollongong long-term.<\/p>\n

Another two that are looking into becoming Australian citizens are Cairns’ Marcus Lee and Melbourne’s Milton Doyle.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight now it\u2019s just the process of learning what I need to do to actually get it, so just starting the process, talking and figuring out what the next steps are, but I\u2019ve been enjoying it out here,\u201d Doyle said to CODE Sports<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is my fourth season here and I\u2019ve been able to bring my family out here every year with me. The kids have been in school here and it\u2019s very easy for us to come over and adapt to life.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m enjoying the basketball here and I\u2019m seeing what can happen, future-wise, with basketball and maybe getting into coaching after. Becoming a citizen would help me out making a plan of what I want to do if I want to stay out here and coach, because I think that\u2019s a big possibility for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

It’s not just players who are choosing to stay Down Under, with JackJumpers coach Scott Roth recently, according to CODE Sports<\/a>, attaining his permanent Australian residency.<\/p>\n

In doing so, he’s following in the footsteps of American NBL coaching greats like Brian Goorjian, Brett Brown and Joey Wright.<\/p>\n

It’s not Australian citizenships either, with Fox Sports<\/a> reporting that Breakers star Parker Jackson-Cartwright is interested in becoming a New Zealand citizen.<\/p>\n

Breakers President of Basketball Operations Dillon Boucher recently revealed the point guard sees New Zealand as a “home away from home”.<\/p>\n

\u201cI asked, is that something that he\u2019d be interested in? And he said \u2018absolutely. I\u2019d love to explore what that looks like\u2019,\u201d Boucher said to Fox Sports<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe loves Auckland. He loves New Zealand. He loves being here. The fans love him.”<\/p>\n

By naturalising, any of the aforementioned players would be classified as a local player under NBL rules, which would significantly increase roster flexibility for their respective teams.<\/p>\n

Round 13 of the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 season tips off on Wednesday night, when Sydney hosts Adelaide from 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.<\/p>\n

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