Basketball Otago general manager Markham Brown has put some of the Nuggets' younger players on notice.
The franchise made improvements on its previous winless season with two wins from 16 games and also broke a 33-game losing-streak with a win against Manawatu. But while Brown was satisfied with the development of the side, he also indicated some of the team's younger members would need to keep improving.
"If you look down the bench of a lot of the teams we played against, they had more depth than us," Brown acknowledged.
"But I was really happy with the way they are developing. I do think we have the potential there with those young guys for them to step it up more. I was hoping they would have done it a bit more this year.
"They showed that in patches and that is just what happens with younger guys, until they get that real consistency and maturity. Another year older and we would really want to see them have a big impact."
Tall Black forward Craig Bradshaw's arrival had "a huge impact on the team" and retaining his services was crucial, Brown said.
"He has indicated to us that he is seriously considering coming back, which is a real bonus. He is at the stage where he is all about building a winning team culture over and above personal glory."
Brown said Bradshaw's contribution on court was outstanding but he made just as big an impact with his leadership. His professional approach set a good example for a young side facing a step learning curve.
He also has pulling power.
Sign Bradshaw for another term and it might just be the leverage the Nuggets need.
Jeremy Kench, Kevin Smith, Luke Martin and one or two others all slipped through the recruitment net this season.
Attracting experienced players to the franchise is a challenge the Nuggets must overcome if they want to be more competitive.
Another key to success would be to have a proper pre-season next year, Brown said.
The Nuggets played just one pre-season game against Southland and it showed.
