Men's A grade begins today with a cracking match-up between the Saints and the Bombers at the Edgar Centre.
It is a rematch of the last two finals and perhaps even a preview of this season's final, although the Magic will have different ideas and the Falcons will be very competitive in a league which looks like it has flattened out a little.
Varsity A made the playoffs last season, while Varsity B went winless but looks to be a stronger unit this year.
All eyes will be on the Saints, though.
The champion club has won the title 16 times since 1991.
They beat the Bombers 84-72 in the last final.
A lot of the key protagonists are back for the Saints.
Former Otago Nuggets point guard and back-to-back A grade MVP James Ross will lead a guard line which includes Liam Aston with Damon Cleverley in the swing role.
Matt Gillan is back for another season.
The former Nugget has played every position on the basketball court and his utility and outside shooting game make him a tough player to match-up against.
Guard Tom Ingham and forward Finn Delaney are listed in the squad but might not make too many appearances.
Ingham is teaching in Nelson and Delaney, who joined the Saints part way through last season, is with the Breakers development squad and his availability is unclear.
Both will be sorely missed if they do not suit up this season.
The Bombers will look to veteran swingman Steve Robinson, mercurial guard Olly Smith, while American forward Max Jablonski is a smooth mid-range jumper.
Big centre Chris Hepburn will appear for what is believed to be his 21st season in the league.
Magic guard Micah Lepaio is a proven scorer and part of a talented guard line which also features Benoit Hayman.
Hayman is skilful ball handler, good passer, nice shooter and useful defender.
The Magic play Varsity B, which went winless last season but should be more competitive this year.
The Falcons run most of their plays around its two bigs - Matt Bazsika and Chris Hood - or get the ball to Tyler Lapham to drill baskets from the outside. They have Varsity A first up and the students shape as a wildcard.
Exciting forward Sam Colenut and lightening quick point guard Oli Davies should ensure Varsity A is competitive.
Game times have been staggered in the past but Basketball Otago has decided to trial staging all three matches at the same time.
Tip off is at 3.30pm.
