A strong Otago University side is set to begin its quest for national supremacy.
The team will be among the title contenders at the national tertiary championships in Auckland which begins today and ends on Sunday.
Made up of players who attend the university - not just those who play for the University club team - there is plenty of talent on its roster.
Swingman Josh Aitcheson brings NBL experience to the side and will act one of its main threats, alongside Mid City Magic clubmate Darcy Knox.
Matt Bardsley, this season's most valuable player in Dunedin club basketball, will also add a threat with his aggression and footwork around the hoop.
Otago is in a pool with Lincoln, AUT and Massey.
It needs to finish in the top two of those to progress to the semifinals.
The women's competition will run at the same time, although Otago does not have a team at that.
