Mercury basketball writer Mitch Cohen gives you his five players to watch this season.

Josh Childress (Sydney Kings) – NBL rivals will know what Childress is bringing to the table this time around, but that won’t stop the NBA’s 6^th overall draft pick in 2004 single handedly putting teams to the sword. Fellow import Marcus Thornton should also create some excitement.

Nathan Jawai (Perth Wildcats) -  The Boomers big-man was enormous in his debut season with Cairns Taipans and after eight years playing overseas, he is back to torment teams inside. Fingers crossed he can stay injury free.

Stephen Holt (Melbourne United) - Former NBA forward Hakim Warrick might come with a higher profile, but if the Blitz was anything to go by then there is no doubt Holt has the ability to set the NBL alight. The import guard looks to be a massive perimeter threat alongside Chris Goulding. 

Cedric Jackson (New Zealand Breakers) - For the Breakers to defend their title, this man needs to be on song. A former NBL MVP and three-time championship winner, Jackson's resume speaks for itself.

Daniel Johnson (Adelaide 36ers) – On a young Adelaide roster, Johnson is sure to stand tallest. The league is packed with strong men inside, but Johnson remains up there with the best of them.

Other notable mentions – Jermaine Beal (Wildcats), Brian Conklin (Crocodiles), Cameron Gliddon (Taipans)