EXPERIENCE
Mark ''Sparky'' Dickel will lead a team which has an abundance of experience and, in basketball, that counts when it matters the most - down the stretch when the game is on the line.
When the Nuggets need to score, Dickel, whose passing game has lost none of its zip in the past 20 years, could go inside to big American Antoine Tisby or former Tall Black BJ Anthony.
Tall Blacks shooting guard Hayden Allen will be waiting to hit the outside shot and former Tall Black Brendon Polyblank is another proven scorer who will be wanting the ball in his hands as well.
SIXTH MAN
Did we mention Akeem Wright? The American swingman always found a way to contribute for the Nuggets last season and finished in the top five for points (22.4), rebounds (9.3), steals (2.2) and blocks (1.2).
He may end up starting from the bench from time to time. And if he does, the franchise will have the best sixth man in the league.
Polyblank may also perform the role. He is a vastly experienced player and could really lift the bench as a unit. Bench scoring has been an Achilles heel for the Nuggets. It should not be a problem this year.
DRAW
The Nuggets get to play the Super City Rangers - the new team with its largely unknown cast - twice in the first three rounds, and six of their first eight games are at home.
It is a perfect opportunity to steal a march on the opposition with a strong start to the competition. The second half of the season will be a lot tougher, though.
YOU - YES, YOU
When the team dropped out of the league in 2009 for financial reasons, the community rallied and got the team back up and running.
A small but loyal fan base continued to show up each week no matter how many losses the franchise amassed in a row.
The Nuggets would have been consigned to a footnote in the history of the NBL had it not been for your support. Now the franchise owes the public a winning season, and it has the team to do it.
Otago Nuggets
How they look
2012: Seventh.
Coach: Alf Arlidge.
Squad: Antoine Tisby, BJ Anthony, Akeem Wright, Hayden Allen, Mark Dickel, Brendon Polyblank, Riki Buckrell, James Ross, Matt Trueman, Luke Aston, Damon Cleverley, Tom Ingham, Hayden Miller, Sam Timmins.
