Cotton to Seek Redshirt Season

Three days after returning from an injury that delayed the start of his sophomore season six weeks, Long Beach State guard James Cotton acknowledged he is still not well enough to play, and will petition the NCAA for a medical redshirt season, his mother said Sunday night.

Cotton--the 1993-94 Big West Conference freshman of the year--made his regular-season debut Thursday night in Long Beach’s 98-78 loss to New Mexico State at The Pyramid. Cotton had been out since Nov. 18 with a severe left ankle sprain he suffered in the 49ers’ final exhibition basketball game. If it is granted as expected, the redshirt season will give Cotton three seasons of eligibility beginning in 1995-96.

Coach Seth Greenberg said: “By continuing with his rehabilitation and rest, James will be more physically able to reach his full potential in his remaining three years.”