James Cotton (2008) - Hall of Fame - Long Beach State University Athletics

James Cotton

Induction:
2008

One of the top basketball players in Long Beach State history, James Cotton made a name for himself and 49er basketball. A two-time first team All-Big West Conference selection (1996-97), Cotton ranks sixth all-time with 1,452 career points. His 18.2 point per game career scoring average ranks third-best in 49er history, his .800 career free throw percentage ranks No. 2 and his 156 made three-pointers ranks tied for No. 3 all-time. Cotton was drafted in the second round (32nd overall pick) of the 1997 NCAA Draft by the Denver Nuggets. He was then traded to Seattle where he played two years with the SuperSonics. Cotton's final NBA stop was in 1999 with the Chicago Bulls. As a junior in 1996-97, Cotton averaged 23.5 points per game. His 634 points that season ranks No. 4 on the school single season chart and his .833 free throw percentge was the second-best in school history. In 1995-96 Cotton averaged 19.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game and led the 49ers to a 17-11 mark and a Big West regular season championships (12-6). His 66 made three-pointers that season ranks No. 8 on the 49er single season chart. As a freshman in 1993-94, Cotton averaged 11.4 points per game and was named the Big West Conference Freshman of the Year. He missed the 1994-95 season due to injury, but returned in 1995-96 as a redshirt sophomore. Cotton, a 2002 graduate with a degree in communications, currently resides in Long Beach and is a successful real estate agent.