Otago Nuggets coach Alf Arlidge has spent the last few days mining for talent and some of the region's best talent competed for spots in the squad at an open trial held at the Edgar Centre over the weekend.
Players from Christchurch, Nelson and as far afield as Wellington made the trip south to try their luck, along with the local hopefuls.
Arlidge was pleased with the skills on display, and while most of the 27 triallists were "younger guys trying to crack teams", there were also several names from the past keen to contribute to a new campaign.
Former Nuggets Matt Gillan and Steve Robinson joined the younger brigade and showed they still have what it takes.
Also on court, but in assistant coaching roles, were former Nuggets Andrew Parke and Dean Ruske.
Arlidge was particularly impressed with Gillan, who he described as "a pure shooter".
Gillan was unavailable for the Nuggets in 2008 and the franchise did not field a team in 2009.
But after a two year break, the former Nuggets captain is keen for "one more crack", Arlidge said.
"He brings a lot of experience back for us and, after a couple of years off, he is really keen to play.
"He looks really, really good and was running around diving on loose balls."
Arlidge believes the 29-year-old was used wrongly during his last few years on the squad.
The 1.95m shooting guard often had to play in the forward line, whereas he is much more comfortable shooting from outside.
"He is probably one of the best shooters to have come out of Dunedin, there is no doubt about that.
"You need to set up plays for him where he gets free and he does not have to put the ball on the ground and just shoot it.
"I've seen him sink seven or eight shots in a row in A grade and he can get on a roll.
"But he is not a guy who will take it to the hole.
"He's a spot-up shooter."
Gillan drilled 15 points in one "hot" quarter for the Nuggets in 2006 but became disenfranchised in 2007 and opted not to return in 2008.
Promising point guard James Ross was another who attracted attention with his performance.
Ross played the point for the Nuggets in 2008 and is nippy, skilful player with a bright future.
Arlidge expects to name his final squad during the next few weeks, with the first pre-season games likely to be played in Christchurch against South Island teams in mid-February.
Already confirmed in the Nuggets squad are: Antoine Tisby (import), Matt Trueman, Sam To'omata, James Ross, Thomas Rowe, Riki Buckrell and Hayden Miller.
The OceanaGold-sponsored Nuggets open their National Basketball league campaign on the road against the Auckland Stars on March 4.
Their first home game is on March 13, against the Christchurch Cougars.
