Adelaide have declared that they are a better team than last year's minor premiership-winning outfit ahead of Saturday's NBL rematch with Melbourne.
Despite the loss of league MVP Jerome Randle in the off-season, the 36ers are top of the table after a 26-point road win over Cairns on Thursday.
Coach Joey Wright said there is no question this season's outfit are already better than the team that crashed out in last season's semi-finals.
"Definitely we are a better team, definitely," he said.
"This time last year we were screaming about defence but this year we are not doing that," Wright said.
The 36ers are flying high despite being down an import after the injury debacle with Ronald Roberts.
However, they have replenished their stocks with the signing of Alan Wiggins Jr just prior to Thursday's win over the Taipans.
Wright said the forward will play against United on Saturday.
"He's a tweener, he's 6'7' plays a little on the inside, a little on the outside; he's a veteran we will use him how we need him, we will use him as a utility," Wright said.
He'll join a squad looking for revenge against title favourites Melbourne, who defeated the 36ers by two points in the season opener.
Taipans coach Aaron Fearne said Adelaide's run-and-gun game plan will give other clubs pause all season.
"They are such a high level of athleticism and quickness; they come at you put it in the bucket but they'll run it down your throat, I could see it in their eyes," Fearne said.
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