CANTERBURY RAMS
2024: Champions.
Key players: Tohi Milner-Smith and American forward CJ Penha jun join the campaign. Max Darling, Walter Brown and Taylor Britt are back for another stint.
The oil: Quality. Quality. Quality.
Prediction: Back-to-back-to-back.
AUCKLAND TUATARA
2024: Beaten finalists.
Key players: Rob Loe. Tom Vodanovich. Dan Fotu. There is a lot to like about that front court. Illawarra Hawks guard Will Hickey is a quality scorer.
The oil: Have lost the last three finals. That has to hurt. Some of the key players are back again. Will they get the same result?
Prediction: Deja vu?
FRANKLIN BULLS
2024: Beaten semifinalists.
Key players: German Till Gloger is charged with guarding the interior and the Bulls have secured the services of the Cameron brothers, Flynn and Tobais.
The oil: Undergone a lot of change and the loss of Sam Timmins and Dom Kelman-Poto could present some troubles in the paint.
Prediction: Decent side but level-pegging with a large bunch of teams stuck in the middle.
TARANAKI AIRS
2024: Beaten semifinalists.
Key players: Carlin Davison is a developing scorer and versatile defender. Imports Owen Foxwell and Armon Fletcher bring some attacking clout.
The oil: With just one returning starter this season, coach Sam Mackinnon is basically starting from scratch. Took the Rams to double overtime in the semifinal but do not have the same firepower this season.
Prediction: Fighting for the final playoff berth.
WELLINGTON SAINTS
2024: Beaten quarterfinalists.
Key players: Hyrum Harris, Izayah Le'afa and Shea Ili make a formidable New Zealand trio. They will be backed up by imports Nick Marshall and Nick Muszynski.
The oil: Have not made the grand final since 2021 and have gone with just two imports. They may need to sign another to boast their presence down low.
Prediction: Should make the playoffs but the title could be out of reach.
NELSON GIANTS
2024: Beaten quarterfinalists.
Key players: American power forward Brice Johnson has clocked 21 games in the NBA and has fashioned an extensive professional record. He is probably good for a double-double most nights if he can get his body right.
Prediction: In the battle for a playoff berth.
HAWKE’S BAY HAWKS
2024: Seventh.
Key players: American Darnell Cowart is the only recognised big on the roster so he will carry a heavy load. Former Giants import Dan Grida has shifted camps and he brings energy at both ends of the court. Guard Jackson Ball is another key player to watch. He sank the Nuggets with a buzzer-beater on the final hooter at the preseason tournament on the West Coast.
The oil: Have had a major clean-out and that rebuild could show some rewards this season. The roster looks deeper than last season.
Prediction: In the mix for the final few playoff spots.
TAURANGA WHAI
2024: Eighth.
Key players: A lot will hang on in the input of imports Sean Bairstow and Chris Jones. But forward Carter Hopoi is getting some good press and Kruz Perrott-Hunt is a talent.
The oil: The Whai made their NBL debut last season and were competitive without being overly threatening. Had a revolving roster. They will need more stability this season.
Prediction: Lower reaches of the competition standings.
SOUTHLAND SHARKS
2024: 10th
Key players: There has been lots of player turnover but Caleb Asberry has returned and he brings athleticism, pace and game nous. Sam Timmins will join the team late and he will have a positive impact.
The oil: They have a tough early draw and will need to stay in touch and build for a big finish when Timmins arrives. A lack of depth shapes as an issue.
Prediction: No teeth. Ninth or 10th.
MANAWATŪ JETS
2024: Last.
Key players: Corey Webster is a proven match-winner and perhaps Tai Webster will also join the campaign. Their father, Tony Webster, is coaching the side this season and they should be much more competitive.
The oil: Posted just one win last year but have made sweeping changes and could be in the playoff mix this season. Depth could be an issue, though.
Prediction: Seventh or eighth.
INDIAN PANTHERS
2024: Not in the league.
Key players: American-born guard Alex Robinson jun brings energy and vision and former Nuggets guard Miles Pearce will coach the team. He was all heart as a player and will bring that passion to the campaign.
The oil: It is an odd fit having an Indian team compete in the NBL. Will they even make it through the season?
Prediction: Dead last.
• The Otago Nuggets finished ninth last season. We will preview their prospects in depth on Friday.
