Please, no more talk of rebuilding.
It has been the Otago Nuggets' catch phrase since the late 1990s and it gets increasing weary with each passing year.
The franchise is well versed in the poor cousin routine - focusing on the riches of others instead of what it needs to do to be more competitive.
It is time the organisation backed itself and got on with the job of putting a competitive roster together. The Nuggets actually have some great building blocks.
The franchise has a small but loyal fan base who will show for games, no matter how many losses the team strings together.
Major naming sponsor Oceana Gold is enthusiastic, committed and happy to write some of the cheques, and the Nuggets had a useful starting five in Lance Allred, Craig Bradshaw, Mark Morrison, Sam To'omata and Scott O'Gallagher.
The Nuggets' record of two wins from 16 games was an improvement on the previous winless season but well short of what the team was capable of achieving.
With an ounce more belief, the Nuggets might have converted some of its close calls into three or four more wins, particularly the earlier losses to the Southland Sharks and the Auckland Pirates.
The Nuggets have their flaws - a lack of depth and a decent pre-season certainly did not do the team any favours - but American import O'Gallagher was struck by how easily some of his team-mates accepted defeat, suggesting it was deeply ingrained in the culture and had to change if the team was going to become more competitive.
Not everybody in the line-up was content to drift. Marquee signing Craig Bradshaw battled hard every time he pulled on the singlet and, while he has lost some athleticism, the Tall Black forward made up for it with his leadership and professionalism. Retaining his services next year should be the first priority.
His signature will give the franchise credibility and some leverage when it comes to recruiting. He also brings an edge to the team which has been noticeably absence. He does not lie down when the going gets tough in the fourth quarter and he expects to win each time he suits up.
His partner in the paint, American centre Lance Allred, was an outstanding ambassador off the court and an honest worker on it. He was carrying an injury earlier on but kept it to himself and soldiered on.
It was probably midway through the season before the 2.11m tall 30-year-old slammed down a dunk, and he was more methodical and precise than exciting and dynamic. But you knew what you would get from the big guy each time he stepped on to the hardwood: guts, not glory.
His effort in helping the Nuggets break a 33-game losing streak in the league with a 74-67 win against the Manawatu Jets was unquestionably the best individual performance all season. He won the battle for the hearts and minds of the fans and is making the right noises about returning next season.
O'Gallagher did not have the same impact as his countryman.
With the Nuggets looking to attack through Bradshaw and Allred, the team really needed a point guard who could set up plays and provide the service.
That game did not suit O'Gallagher's style. He played more like a small forward and his ability to cut to the hoop and get to the free throw line was certainly valuable, and courageous too, but also not the right fit for the team.
In saying that, O'Gallagher had some fine nights. His haul of 27 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three steals against the Pirates in Dunedin was a memorable performance.
Swingman Mark Morrison moved south when the Christchurch Cougars pulled out of the league following the February earthquake. He arrived with the reputation of being a solid journeyman but took some time to settle. A gifted athlete, Morrison did not find his best form until deep in the season and, arguably, did not attack the rim often enough.
Captain Sam To'omata had a disappointing campaign. He was one of the standout players for the Nuggets last season but appeared to lose confidence in his outside game and had trouble adjusting to his role in the side.
Outside the so-called "fab five", the Nuggets really struggled. The bench was easily the worst in the league.
Some of the players we have been told would be good in "two or three years" have been in the side for two or three years. Tom Rowe, Sam King and Riki Buckrell were all Junior Tall Blacks but are a long way off making an impact in the league.
Rowe, arguably, has the most potential but his biggest issue is with his confidence.
King has a nice touch but needs to get a lot fitter and Buckrell has gone backwards.
He has always had a touch of class about him but it was not glimpsed this season.
James Ross adds spark when he comes off the bench. He was probably the best of the back-up players.
To get the best out of the bench and to bridge the gap between being reasonably competitive and winning more consistently, the Nuggets need to add one or two, preferably two, experienced players. A proven scorer should be at the top of the list, with the Nuggets struggling to make a mark from the outside.
It is a cruel twist, but the belief will come with more wins, and the wins will come once the team starts believing.
