The NZ Breakers are looking to keep their strong start to the season going by making it four wins in a row on Thursday.
New head coach Mody Maor has stamped his mark on the team, turning their frail defence from last season into a strength so far this year.
And after three years away from home and disappointing results on the court, the mood in the camp is changing.
His team sits third on the ladder with three wins on the trot for the first time in three seasons.
"I feel a little bit of relief," Maor said. "But really what I feel is the first steps of a plan coming into fruition."
Stepping up to the head coach role and assembling a new roster is no easy feat.
But the Breakers appear to be on the up, built on a solid defence, playing an exciting, explosive style of basketball. It appears Maor's plan is coming together nicely.
"We recruited people who we felt could buy into this philosophy, "Maor said. "'I'm not surprised they are doing it this way. It's who they are, and they deserve credit for it."
One of those making an impact is American import Jarell Brantley.
As one of their best defensive assets, he knows that's the key to winning games.
"Offensively a lot of stuff will come, we have a lot of talent," he said. "You don't know who's going to score the ball, who's going to make the read, the play.
"But defensively, our versatility, how we get under guys consistently - that's what I look forward to."
Off the court, the mood has lifted too.
As a veteran of the side, Rob Loe, who has hit his own good form this season, knows the struggles of the past few seasons, so appreciates the good times more than most.
"Credit to Mody for putting the team together and building that culture, the guys are loving being a part of it," he said.
They will look to reach new heights and go four in a row against South East Melbourne tomorrow.
