Mid City Magic remains team others have to beat

Josh Aitcheson

That is the job facing the five other contenders as Dunedin men's club basketball begins at the Edgar Centre today.

Those are all worthy contenders too, as the league looks to be at its most even in many years.

However, the Magic remains the favourite as it chases its third consecutive title.

In past season, the team's guards, intelligence and ability to execute have been its strengths.

It retains one of the league's best guards in Darcy Knox, although it will be its length which bothers opponents this year.

Forward Josh Aitcheson is arguably the most influential player in the league, threatening both from the outside and at the hoop.

A significantly bolstered front line, which includes Nathan Hanna and Aaron Roydhouse, will also make it tough inside.

Its opponent on opening day will be last year's beaten finalist, the City Rise Bombers.

They return the majority of last year's line-up, while adding some size to their front line in Stan Muru and James Collins.

Matt Bardsley was last year's league most valuable player, his aggression and footwork tough to stop going to the hoop.

Olly Smith is also among the league's elite from the perimeter, while Steve Robinson remains a strong veteran presence.

The St Kilda Saints have lost guard Liam Aston, but retain the league's top player of the past decade in James Ross.

That alone makes them dangerous, while Jamie MacDonald, Connor Coll and Tyler Lapham are handy pieces among other pick-ups.

Lapham is the only loss for the Andy Bay Falcons, who have gained sharp shooter Logan Dicker from Varsity and young point guard Josh Stoddard.

The Magic Lions - Mid City's second team - have had a strong off-season. They could be the strongest they have been since joining the league in 2017, notably through the presence of Tai Porima-Flavell and Adam van Heezik.

Varsity represents a wildcard and has the talent to be a major contender.

Former Magic trio Micah Lepaio, Jivarne Joseph and Isaac Smiler have transferred to spearhead a completely new-look team.