The Sydney Kings tip-off their new NBL season campaign this Saturday at home against the Cairns Taipans and Springwood native Angus Brandt will make sure he is in the thick of the action.
"Definitely - being a centre means as one of the bigger guys in the team you need to be physical and have a powerful presence out there," Brandt told the Gazette last week.
"I take pride in doing that and I love being aggressive on court."
After a successful US College basketball stint with the Oregon State Beavers, the towering 208cm tall 25-year-old enjoyed a dream debut NBL season with the Kings last year, averaging 7.4 points per game and four rebounds in 21 appearances and was named NBL Rookie of the Year.
On the down side, he missed five weeks of the season due to injury and the Kings, after a solid start, finished in seventh place.
"On reflection, being Rookie of the Year was a personal goal I'd set myself early on, so it was a real honour to get it and something I can take with me into this season," Brandt said.
"And it was really good to be part of the [Australian] Boomers in the three-game series against China. I'm looking forward to improving and becoming a better and more consistent player each year."
Brandt said the Kings' preseason was good overall, despite being knocked out early in the Loggins-Bruton Cup.
"We got off to a good start and then had a few losses, but it's all about preparing to play our best basketball from game one of the new season.
"With only a few days left to go, we'll be looking at what we did well and what areas we need to focus on.
"The first goal for us is to make the NBL finals and always aim to win every game we play.
"We have belief in our team that we have a real shot, we have a really talented playing group led by players like (Tom) Garlepp and (Josh) Childress, we've developed good chemistry and combinations and we have great coaching staff.
"All that's going for us, but it's about making it happen on the court."
The Kings' home stadium during the first half of the season will remain the Qantas Credit Union Arena (Sydney Entertainment Centre) until December 27, when the 'Kingdome' shifts to the State Sports Centre at Sydney Olympic Park.
"That should make it a bit closer for Blue Mountains Kings fans to come to our games," said the former Blaxland High?School student.
"I hope many do come and watch us play this season, as the players really appreciate fans' support."