Basketball Otago general manager Markham Brown said his heart went out to the basketball community in Christchurch when he heard the Cougars had been forced to withdraw from the National Basketball League because of the earthquake.
The Nuggets had a year out of the league in 2009 so Brown understands only too well the impact it has on the community.
But the reality is, those players who had expected to suit up for the Christchurch-based franchise this season will be looking for another side to play for.
"It is very sad news for the Cougars and for the league," Brown said.
"I hope they can take a year out and get themselves sorted, a bit like the Nuggets did. But, obviously, there will be some players become available.
"We are trying to be pretty sensitive about it as far as not trying to step on any toes. But they have confirmed they are out so we will definitely have a look at their roster."
At the top of the wish list is talented guard Jeremy Kench. The Nuggets missed out on signing experienced point guard Luke Martin and are still looking for an athlete to run the point.
Kench is the type of player who can run the floor and turn a match with his speed and ability to score.
"We have been looking for a guard so Jeremy Kench is one we would definitely want. The coach has had a chat to him and he is still considering what he is doing at the moment.
"A lot of the players are still sorting out their personal life first and then looking to see what they can do then."
The other player the Nuggets hope they will see in blue and gold this season is American Kevin Smith. A naturalised New Zealander, Smith played for Waikato in 2007 and Hawkes Bay in 2008.
He is a mobile 1.93m swingman who averaged 19 points and eight rebounds in two seasons in the league.
"We were talking to him earlier but he ended up signing with the Cougars. Basically, there is still room in the budget to fit some more players in. We're leaving it to the coach to decide which players he wants then we will do our best to find the money."
Brown said he would like to have the team roster completed by the end of next week. The Nuggets open their campaign against Auckland on April 13.
NBL chairman Sam Rossiter-Stead said they would be working with the Cougars to ensure there was a Canterbury team in the league in 2012.
"Many people have worked tirelessly over the last 2 years to ensure that Christchurch was represented in the Bartercard NBL, and to see the team withdraw is extremely sad," he told NZPA.
