Can anyone beat Wellington?
That will be the main question heading into this year's NBL season - which starts in Napier tomorrow night.
The Saints begin as two-time defending champions and hold a 24-match winning streak dating back to May 22, 2016.
It will be tough to repeat last year's unbeaten performance, though.
The side has lost MVP Corey Webster, while the Southland Sharks, Hawke's Bay Hawks and Nelson Giants have assembled handy rosters.
There is still plenty of firepower at the Saints. Shea Ili and Jordan Ngatai come off strong seasons with the Breakers, while BJ Anthony and Leon Henry are both proven performers.
Add in its imports, alongside young Kiwi-American forward Shane Temara, and it is hard to imagine this side not doing well.
The Sharks retain a strong core in the likes of Reuben Te Rangi and Alex Pledger and should compete for the title once again.
Forward Tom Vodanovich is a great pick-up, having returned from college in the United States, while Orlando Coleman and Jarrad Weeks should be quality import options.
The Hawks will be the big movers, having significantly strengthened their squad.
They have an impressive backcourt, with the likes of Jarrod Kenny and Ethan Rusbatch likely to be influential.
At Nelson it is the front-line that catches the eye.
Mika Vukona and Tohi Smith-Milner join Finn Delany in what should be a strong team on the boards and at the hoop.
The team also boasts former Otago Nugget Tom Ingham.
The Canterbury Rams have opted for a younger team, although they have what is likely to be one of the league's best imports in Xavier Thames.
They also possess Otago swingman Josh Aitcheson.
Otago guard Richie Rodger had been set to play for the Rams, too, although he appears to have headed further north and turned out for a young Taranaki Mountainairs side at the pre-season blitz.
