Adelaide 36ers
Coach: Joey Wright
Key player: Nathan Sobey (guard)
The rundown: Could not get it done last year after being surprise minor premiers. Import Jerome Randle is a big loss, but a handy core remains spearheaded by Australian NBA Summer League duo Nathan Sobey and Mitch Creek.
Prediction: Fourth
Brisbane Bullets
Coach: Andrej Lemanis
Key player: Daniel Kickert (forward)
The rundown: Now into the second year of its return, Brisbane has a handy top-end and has added some firepower to its backcourt. Kickert and Tom Jervis will be key up front, while Stephen Holt and Travis Trice are both threats off the dribble.
Prediction: Fifth.
Cairns Taipans
Coach: Aaron Fearne
Key player: Cam Gliddon (guard)
The rundown: Lost a bit from last year, but they do bring back a group of solid Australians. Nathan Jawai may move slowly, but is tough to stop inside, while guard Mitch McCarron will look to take a step after a good rookie season. They need output from Cam Gliddon though, who spent the off-season playing in Europe.
Prediction: Seventh.
Illawarra Hawks
Coach: Rob Beveridge
Key player: Rotnei Clarke (guard)
The rundown: Rotnei Clarke is always one of the league’s better players, while Australian big man AJ Ogilvy is a force inside. However, if the Hawks are to genuinely contend they will need others to step up. Beveridge is a proven coach who knows how to get the best out of his players, so do not write them off.
Prediction: Eighth
Melbourne United
Coach: Dean Vickerman
Key player: Casey Prather (forward)
The rundown: After squandering the last two seasons, can Melbourne finally get it together this year? Once again it has a talent-laden roster, with Prather, Casper Ware and Josh Boone all studs, even by import standards. It has depth too, with a swag of Australians that can do damage both from the perimeter and inside.
Prediction: Champion
Perth Wildcats
Coach: Trevor Gleeson
Key player: Bryce Cotton (guard)
The rundown: Defending champions and perennial contenders, it is hard not to see the Wildcats there at the business end again. Prather is a big loss, but plenty of talent remains and defensively this side will be as tough as ever.
Prediction: Runner-up
Sydney Kings
Coach: Andrew Gaze
Key player: Perry Ellis (forward)
The rundown: May have the goods this year, with a mix of quality youth and experience. Perry Ellis and Travis Leslie are top import signings and will combine with several of the league’s best Australians.
Prediction: Third.
