Matthue Cotton, a Voorhees native, is a South Jersey basketball sensation, earning 21 offers from Division I basketball schools such as the University of Miami, Seton Hall, Virginia Tech, and Yale.

Matt began playing basketball when he was four years old in a league two grades up. His father always pushed him to improve his skills, but when Cotton was thirteen, he decided to take it upon himself to get better. He played more frequently and took the games more seriously.

He has played the last three seasons at St. Benedict’s in Newark, New Jersey, but decided to transfer to Eastern for his senior year.

“I wanted to come back home,” said Cotton, “I spent three years away, so I might as well come and enjoy my senior year.”

Cotton is reunited with his former teammates Jesse Barbera, Onye Okoro, and Troy Edwards, who all played together in Voorhees travel basketball.

“He’s one of my best friends,” said Barbera. “It’s just a lot of fun having him back. He brings a lot of energy to the team. He’s going to help us a lot.”

“I already thought we were going to be good this year,” said Okoro, “and having him helps us even more.”

Recounting Cotton’s earlier years, Okoro said, “He was always the most talented on the team. He was fast, he could score, and he could jump.”

Okoro says that Cotton’s best quality now is his hustle and athletic motor, while Edwards believes it’s his shooting ability and humble attitude.

Eastern’s basketball coach, Kevin Crawford, is also looking forward to the season. “We’re excited to have Matt with the program. He’s an excellent player. We’re returning four out of our five starters and we’re adding a Division I athlete to the mix.”

Barbera remarks that Cotton, who always says hello to people in the hallways, is one of the friendliest people he knows, and that his outgoing personality makes him a great teammate.

“I like to think I’m kind of funny,” Cotton said with a laugh, “I like to be a positive spirit on the team. I try to be a leader and set a good example for my teammates.”

If you happen to see Cotton not playing basketball, then he’s probably hanging out with his brother, who he considers to be his best friend. He also loves to listen to music, especially Jhene Aiko. As for television, Cotton’s favorite show is Being Mary Jane.

Cotton verbally committed to Yale University on October 9th, 2017.

“It was the best balance for me,” said Cotton, “I feel like I could really flourish there, not just as a basketball player.” Cotton also says he likes the Yale community and feels he could be himself; he aspires to be an architect someday.

Cotton has big aspirations after playing basketball in college. “Since I was young, I wanted to play [at] the highest level possible,” said Cotton,   “I hope to play overseas or in the NBA.” He has an open court before him, but for now, he has his sights set on making a statement on Eastern’s court.

“I’ve played with most of these guys since fourth grade,” said Cotton, “It will be really fun to play with them again.”