Professional Career
Cota was not drafted by the NBA after graduating from North Carolina. His lack of height (6' 0") and jump shot were cited as a major impediments to success as a pro. Instead, he was drafted by the Gary Steelheads of the minor league Continental Basketball Association, where he spent the 2000-2001 season. That season Cota proved his doubters wrong, leading the league in 3-point shooting with a 48.5% mark.
After that season, Cota left the CBA and began what would become a very successful basketball career in Europe. He signed with the Belgian pro team Telindus BC Oostende for the 2001-2002 season. They went on to win the 2001-2002 Belgian National Championship. Cota joined Žalgiris Kaunas, a Lithuanian team, for the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 seasons, during which he consecutively led the Euroleague in assists. Cota's team won the Lithuanian National Championship both season. Cota also played in the 2004 Lithuanian All-Star Game.
Cota joined Dynamo Saint Petersburg, a member of the Russian Basketball Super League that competes as a member of FIBA Europe, in 2004-2005. It was the club's first year of existence. The Dynamo went undefeated in the FIBA Europe League that season and won the championship. Cota played in the 2005 FIBA Europe League All-Star Game.
After his stint in St. Petersburg, Cota returned to Lithuania and Žalgiris Kaunas to start the 2005-2006 season, but moved to Spain to play for FC Barcelona before the season ended.
Despite his success overseas, Cota continued to work toward the goal of playing in the NBA. Over the years, he has played on the NBA Summer League squads of the Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers, and Washington Wizards.
Cota also competed internationally as a member of the Panama national basketball team (his parents were from Panama and he enjoys dual citizenship status). In this capacity, he has been to the 2006 FIBA World Championship tournament.
Cota signed with Israeli side Hapoel Jerusalem for the 2006-7 season. On January 2008 he became a player of Atlas Stal Ostrów Wielkopolski playing in Polish Dominet Bank Ekstraliga. Now, he is looking for a new club.
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