It has strong teams in both men's and women's under-23 national championships, which begin today.
In the women's section it boasts the young core of the Gold Rush and should contend for the title.
Forward Zoe Richards and guard Nicole Ruske provide it with a Tall Ferns duo that will be tough to handle.
Both have sisters that provide quality in Brittany Richards and Aleisha Ruske, while Olivia O'Neill also adds a key threat to the back court.
They will play a full round-robin with the other six teams, before the finals on Saturday.
Waikato - boasting sisters Charlisse and Krystal Leger-Walker - looks to be its toughest opponent, while Canterbury is also strong.
The men's draw follows a more conventional pool system and Otago will have to make the top two to advance to the quarterfinals.
It possesses a big line-up, with plenty of quality in its forward and big spots.
Tai Porima-Flavell's length and skill on the perimeter has made him one of the standouts in club basketball this year.
Connor Coll, Aaron Roydhouse and Nathan Hanna all provide strong inside presences.
In the guards, Joe Aihe is a classy all-round player, boosting the team after arriving for university from Wellington.
Its toughest pool opponent will be Harbour, which has a teenage Tall Black point guard in Kruz Perrott-Hunt.
