The Otago Nuggets hope to add a second overseas player but have still been able to name arguably their strongest squad for a decade.
Last year's star players, Antoine Tisby (overseas player) and Mark Dickel, are returning. Former Tall Black BJ Anthony signed last year but an injury kept him sidelined and he has agreed to return.
Breakers swingman Leon Henry has been replaced by former Tall Black Brendon Polyblank, and experienced guard Hayden Allen completes what promises to be a very useful starting five.
The most notable absence from last year is American swingman Akeem Wright. Sam King is also missing from the squad but the franchise is still working with the promising forward about a possible return and on getting the finances together to pave the way for Wright's return.
The Otago Daily Times understands the Nuggets need about $20,000 to secure Wright's services and are halfway towards that target.
''A second import could mean we could make a run at the championship,'' coach Alf Arlidge suggested.
Even without Wright, the Nuggets have built an impressive roster.
''Hayden coming in has been a really good asset to the team. He brings leadership qualities. And obviously we've got Mark there and Brendon has been really good and adds another dimension with his leadership. I think we are working pretty well.''
The Nuggets' outside shooting game has been their Achilles heel in the past two or three seasons but that should not be an area of weakness this season.
''With Hayden and Brendon there, teams will have to think hard about playing a zone defence against us,'' Arlidge said.
''We also have a presence inside with BJ and Tisby. Hayden gives us a lot better defence in the back court and with Mark, James [Ross] and Riki [Buckrell], we have a really good guard line.''
The other talking point is the inclusion of 15-year-old Otago Boys' High School pupil Sam Timmins. The towering youngster is the son of former Otago rugby player Brendon Timmins.
The Nuggets will play a pre-season game against the Southland Sharks in Gore on April 13, with the NBL campaign beginning against the Auckland-based Rangers on April 20 at the Edgar Centre.
With Tisby still playing in the Canadian league and BJ Anthony playing basketball in Germany, the squad will not get a lot of time together before the season begins.
''As a coach, that does not worry me,'' Arlidge said.
''Antoine has been here before and knows all the guys and knows the plays we run. BJ spent a month with us pre-Christmas training with the guys.
''We'll be OK.''
Otago Nuggets
The squad
Antoine Tisby, Mark Dickel, BJ Anthony, Brendon Polyblank, Hayden Allen, Riki Buckrell, James Ross, Matt Trueman, Damon Cleverley, Tim Ingham, Sam Timmins, Luke Aston, Hayden Miller, one to be added. Training partners: Chris Hood, Jack Sterling, Derek Anderson.
