Basketball On The Internet.

THE NBL will launch its 2023-24 season on Thursday, September 28 with the nearest thing to a 'rivalry round,' only Perth's match against Tasmania not qualifying as Mike Kelly opens his South East Melbourne head coaching career against crosstown nemesis Melbourne United.

The season's tip-off contest also will feature Cleveland Cavaliers' NBA draftee and former Perth Wildcat Luke Travers in his United debut and possibly alongside even a Cavs' NBA champion in Matthew Dellavedova. (Stay tuned to that one.)

Throwdown XXI will also feature Jo Lual-Acuil and Ariel Hukporti back in United navy (black?) in what likely will be another in a long line of heated derby clashes.

One of the league's oldest rivalries between Adelaide and Brisbane, dating back to back-to-back Grand Final Series appearances in the mid-80s, continues Round 1.

NBL greats and longtime mates Ken Cole and Brian Kerle (right) were opposed as one of the first enduring rivalries was born.

Brisbane under new coach, South Aussie Justin Schueller, has star former 36er Nathan Sobey and two SA juniors in Isaac White and Sam McDaniel to tackle a different-looking Adelaide team.

Sixers championship player (1986, 1998) Scott Ninnis, additionally a SEABL champion with the inaugural Adelaide Buffalos team, a dual NBL1 Central championship coach at Sturt, with a further NBL1 Central championship to his credit last season at South Adelaide, will join CJ Bruton on the 36ers' bench.

Ninnis previously coached the 36ers for two NBL seasons after assisting Phil Smyth during Adelaide's late-90s golden run.

Keanu Pinder will make his Wildcats debut when they host the JackJumpers in Perth to conclude the Friday double-header.

They fought out two Grand Final Series and have a burgeoning rivalry of their own, which is why New Zealand's season-opener against Cairns has extra meaning for fans of the old adversaries.

And that classic clash will lead into the league's second-oldest rivalry between David and Goliath - a.k.a Illawarra and Sydney, with the champion Kings in hostile territory at Wollongong.

Sunday, October 1 - a new month and new challenges as the 36ers host Melbourne and Perth hits the road to South East Melbourne.

The full season schedule will be out tomorrow. This is how Round 1 shapes up:

Thursday, September 28
Melbourne United v South East Melbourne Phoenix, John Cain Arena, 7:30pm AEST
ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel

Friday, September 29
Brisbane Bullets v Adelaide 36ers, Nissan Arena, 7:30pm AEST
ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel
Perth Wildcats v Tasmania JackJumpers, RAC Arena, 9:30pm AEST
ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel

Saturday, September 30
New Zealand Breakers v Cairns Taipans, Spark Arena, 5:30pm AEST
ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel, Sky Sport in NZ
Illawarra Hawks v Sydney Kings, WIN Entertainment Centre, 8pm AEST
ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel

Sunday, October 1
Adelaide 36ers v Melbourne United, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, 2pm AEDT
ESPN via Kayo Freebies and Foxtel, 10 Peach
South East Melbourne Phoenix v Perth Wildcats, John Cain Arena, 4pm AEDT
ESPN via Kayo Freebies and Foxtel, 10 Peach

KEANU PINDER: Will be in Perth and not part of the NZ-Cairns rivalry this time.