Nicknamed "Tis the biz", the 2.03m centre lived up to his reputation with some outstanding performances last season.
The 29-year-old averaged 22 points (third in the league) and 12.1 rebounds (second in the league) and finished the regular season at the top of the league's player power rankings.
He formed a formidable combination with fellow American Akeem Wright, who was the league's second-leading scorer with 22.4 points a game. While it is unclear whether Wright will return this season, Tisby will have plenty of talent around him, with former Tall Blacks Mark Dickel and BJ Anthony and Tall Black and Breakers swingman Leon Henry the other confirmed players for 2013.
Local Luke Aston has also made a commitment to play for the franchise.
Basketball Otago general manager Markham Brown said he was thrilled Tisby had agreed to return on a one-year deal.
"He is just a massive rock in the middle for us," Brown said.
"He is pretty consistently getting a double-double each night, so he's got a great inside presence. He is someone you can really build the club around.
"It is just fantastic to have someone coming back who wants to be here, and you know what you're getting with him as well."
The Nuggets have a long history of leaving it late to sign players but are well ahead of the game at this stage and have hopes of adding even more talent to the roster.
They are one of many chasing Corey Webster's signature. He is one of the best New Zealand shooting guards in the league and can demand a good salary.
Whether the Nuggets can afford his services remains to be seen. But Webster is close friends with Anthony and Henry and that could help lure him south.
The team struggled from three-point range last season and desperately needs to add a player who can score more consistently from the outside. Webster would certainly fit the bill.
Wright is a superb all-rounder and his performances were first-class. But he is more comfortable driving to the hoop than shooting from distance, and that might count against him if the Nuggets fail to pick up a quality shooting guard.
"It would be wonderful to get Akeem back but we've got to look at his availability and have a look at what else we need in that spot to make sure it complements our squad," Brown said.
Local forward Sam King is expected to return. He made steady progress last season. He needs to work on his fitness but he has a nice touch under the hoop and will only get better with more experience.
Brown said the franchise was keen to keep recent graduates Riki Buckrell and James Ross in the setup and were working with the pair to help them find employment.
The draw has not been finalised yet but the league is expected to start in early April. Last season, Henry was only able to play six games for the Nuggets because of his commitments with the Breakers.
Even if the Breakers reach the playoffs this season, Henry will only miss one or two weeks as opposed to six weeks.
It is a much better situation for the Nuggets. The franchise had its best season since 2003 with six wins from 16 games.
Had Henry and Dickel (injury) been on court more often, the playoffs might have been within reach.
