Melbourne United's star guard Cedric Jackson admits it will be an emotional return to Auckland to face his former NBL team, the New Zealand Breakers.
Jackson was integral to the Breakers' recent run of success - playing four seasons between 2011 and 2016 that reaped three titles as well as runner-up last season behind Perth.
During that time the 30-year-old American became a crowd favourite at Vector Arena, and returning to play his first match in United colours on Friday night, Jackson is unsure of what reception to expect.
Forward Tai Wesley has also crossed the ditch to join title favourites Melbourne, while the Breakers have lured former New Zealand great Kirk Penney home to join stalwarts Mika Vukona and Tom Abercrombie.
"I know pretty much everyone on the team and the fans - the chemistry I have with them," Jackson said.
"Tai and I were talking about it and we hope it's going to be a great one (reception) because we love the fans and business is business."
Jackson said he hoped that he would be put under some extra scrutiny as it would open the way for some of the other "weapons" in the United frontline to fire.
Melbourne have Olympians Chris Goulding and Dave Andersen - who last played in the NBL in 1999 - on their books, as well as exciting young centre Majok Majok.
"We have a lot of weapons so if they try to take things away from me that opens up for a lot of other players so it's going to be fun," he said.
