Otago Nuggets coach Alf Arlidge is keen to return for another season but wants assurances from the franchise he will not be left out of pocket.
Arlidge led the Nuggets in their comeback season earlier this year and is happy to forgo a salary again.
But changes to the 2011 National Basketball League, which are expected to include televised Wednesday night games and triple-headers, means Arlidge will have to spend more time away from his day job as the property manager at St Margaret's College.
"I'd definitely like to give it another shot," Arlidge said.
"We're very, very close but we have not finalised anything yet."
Newly appointed Basketball Otago general manager Markham Brown does not assume the reins until later this month, and Arlidge said he would sit down with Brown to discuss the matter then.
"I talked to him last week and we'll catch up. The hard thing is this year we have games on Wednesday nights. We're also going to have double- and triple-headers away, so it will affect guys who are working.
"I'm not wanting a lot out of it. I just want to be compensated for the time I have to have off and stuff like that. I think that is pretty reasonable," he said.
"Duncan Laing did't get paid a lot. But it was his passion, and that is what I'm like - I just want to do it."
The Nuggets struggled to compete in the league this year, losing all 18 of their games.
While Arlidge accepted he made some mistakes during his rookie year, he said the franchise had to do a better job of putting experienced players around what was an inexperienced squad.
"The longer our young guys are playing, the better they'll get. But you can't expect them, when situations get tough, to make the same decisions that guys do who are 29 or 30 years old. They will probably make a better decision. They won't turn the ball over, they won't make silly mistakes.
"All we need is two or three of older guys that have been around this league.
"We're definitely out there trying to [sign players]," Arlidge added.
Captain Sam To'omata is the only big name to confirm he is returning for next year's campaign.
The point guard had a breakthrough season in the league and his signature came as a relief to the franchise.
To'omata had been keen to play for the Southland Sharks but decided to remain put.
