Adelaide's revenge tour begins this Saturday

The Adelaide 36ers were just seconds away from claiming the Hungry Jack's NBL26 championship, before ultimately losing in overtime to Sydney.

The hurt of that heartbreaking defeat has been driving the Sixers ever since, with the majority of the team's core returning to try and go one better this season.

While the club's journey to a fifth title started the night of that loss in Sydney, their official revenge mission tips off this Saturday.

"New year, new season, similar team, but I'm different," 36ers forward Zylan Cheatham said during the club's media availability on Tuesday.

"I'd say our start is a lot different. The whole getting to know each other and getting used to each other process is kind of not really been a thing. It's kind of been like day one. We know what we're expecting. We know what's going on.

"Personally, I just feel good. I feel like I crossed on my Ts and dotted on Is this off-season, putting in a lot of good work, staying true to what I believe, staying true to myself, and now I'm just ready to rock and roll."

Saturday's season-opener will pit Cheatham's Sixers up against a revamped Melbourne United side, headlined by new faces Cole Anthony, Joe Ingles, Luke Travers and Sam Waardenburg at John Cain Arena.

"I don't really get into what it (Melbourne's roster) looks like on paper," Cheatham added.

"At the end of the day, they eat, sleep, breathe just like us. It's about who can put the best five players on the floor that can be as connected as possible and get the job done.

"This isn't our first rodeo. Having an opportunity to play basketball again and hear a whistle and not go against these guys [teammates] every day, that's kind of what I'm most excited about.

"Obviously, they are [Melbourne] what they are on paper. We are what we are on paper, so it's just going to be about executing. It's basketball, anything can happen.

"I like to say the more connected team, the more on page team usually has more success in this League. That's what we're striving to be and hopefully we'll put that out on Saturday night."

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That Round 1 fixture will tip off the American's third in the NBL, which he knows is stronger than ever.

"I'm excited to see everybody's new teams, and some new coaches, and just new faces," he said.

"I'm excited to match up with a lot of people.

"Man, this League is unbelievable this year. Top to bottom, there is no off nights.

"I'm just excited for the challenge of the whole season."

Adelaide's blockbuster with Melbourne tips off at 7.30pm AEST, live on ESPN via Disney+, 9Go! and 9Now.