THE Newcastle Hunters will raise the 2018 championship banner at Broadmeadow Stadium on Saturday night before beginning their Waratah Basketball League men's title defence against Norths .
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The tense 73-67 win over the Bears in last season's decider earned the Hunters a first title since 2000.
But Hunters import Sharif Watson, who contributed 15 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocked shots in the final, believes a new-look outfit is well equipped to handle the pressure that comes with being champions.
"We definitely have a target on our back," said Watson, who has returned for a second season. "I think we do naturally because of our fans and our atmosphere. People just don't like Newcastle."
The championship was a fitting swansong for retiring captain Josh Morgan and coach Darren Nichols, while league MVP Austin Thornton is now shooting hoops in Russia.
Lonnie Funderburke, a 201cm forward, has replaced Thornton and Watson said everyone on the roster would have to lift if they are to repeat last season's run.
"Losing a player like Austin, somebody who could score the ball so well, is tough to replace for any team," Watson said. "Josh Morgan was a great veteran guard. Everybody is going to have to step up including myself. I am going to have to do more, outside and inside, this season. We have a very young team. Young guys love the game and are always at the gym working on things. They will progress. How they start the season, won't be how they end it. They will definitely get better."
As well as the starters, Miles Cherry (Lafayette) and Jacob Foy (Hawaii Pacific University) will not be on deck until the end of the US College season in May.
Their absence presents and an opportunity for fellow young guns Alex Clinton, Steve Davis and Jakob Dorricott to play bigger roles.
