Melbourne United guard Shea Ili explains the challenges of playing on Perth Wildcats star Bryce Cotton

Dual NBL Defensive Player of the Year Shea Ili has declared it will take more than him to stop Bryce Cotton when Melbourne United host the Perth Wildcats in the opening game of the semifinal series in Victoria on Thursday night. The battle between Ili and Cotton will play a huge role in determining which team wins. Cotton has been quiet in his games against United this season with five points in the first game and 14 points in the most recent clash. Ili is always given the task of guarding Cotton but the United guard averages only 25 minutes on court per game. Cotton has spent just 86 seconds on the bench from the Wildcats’ last three matches. Ili says he will be relying on his teammates to keep Cotton quiet when he goes to the bench for a rest. “It’s not just one man guarding Bryce. It’s a team effort,” Ili told The West Australian. “You’ve got to be fit and that’s why we have a few boys that can guard him. We are always interchanging and putting different guys on him so we’re always fresh. He always plays for 40 minutes. He has a rest here or there but he’s good to go at any moment. “Everyone has to be locked in when they’re guarding him, knowing what the scout is and where we are sending him. I think everyone does a great job of that.” While Cotton has been restricted against United this season, he had scores of 36 and 24 points against them during the 2023-24 campaign. The five-time NBL MVP took his game to another level this season with six 40-point games, including a historic 59-point performance. Ili said the best way to stop Cotton from dominating was to stop him from touching the ball. “We’re trying to not let him catch the ball. Once he catches the ball he’s pretty dangerous,” he explained. “It’s basically just trying to deny him the ball every time they come down the floor. Every time he gets it, it is a scary thing. Every shot he puts up looks like it’s going in. “He’s the MVP of the league so you’ve always got to get up for these games. He’s always going to bring his best effort so you’ve got to make sure you are locked and loaded to go against him. The coaches put a great scout out against every team. We’ve got to go out there and execute.”

Melbourne United guard Shea Ili explains the challenges of playing on Perth Wildcats star Bryce Cotton

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