Nicholas was a key part of the club’s Eastern Conference title this season, with his commitment even more important after the departure of Cory Dixon to NBA D League side, Erie Bay Hawks.

Nicholas is the third key player of the championship-winning side to re-commit for season 2016, with Deba George and Clay McMath also on board.

Bandits coach Brad Chalmers feels Nicholas will be even better in his second season on the Border.

The US star looks set to arrive in February for pre-season training.

“Donte is one of my favourite players I have ever coached or played with, simply because he brings it every night,” Chalmers said.

“He is a beast on both ends of the floor and I think untapped in terms of his ceiling as a player.

“I love his work ethic and his no nonsense approach to competing and focusing completely on winning.

“When you play against Te, you know you have been in a ball game and I love having him by my side and leading our group and I just know in 2016 we will see an even better player than in 2015 which is scary.”

Nicholas led the league in total steals – he had 73 – while he made 99 total free throws and made the SEABL Team of the Year with Dixon and George.

As well as Dixon’s departure, point guard Daniel Sepokas has signed with Queensland Basketball League side Port City Power. 

But Jack Duck returns to the club after a short stint with the Geelong Supercats, while guard Sawyer Dearborn will also return to the Bandits after a year in the US.

Meanwhile, the Lady Bandits have signed former WNBL and Australian junior representative Molly Lewis.

Lewis started her WNBL career with the AIS as a teenager and went on to play for Sydney Uni Flames, Canberra Capitals and Adelaide.

Lewis, who represented Australia in the under-19 world championships in Slovakia, also had a stint in the SEABL with the Launceston Tornadoes.

Lewis, who has relocated to the Border, most recently played with Sturt Sabres in the South Australian state league.

“This will be the first time Molly has stepped onto a basketball court playing in an elite competition for almost two years,” Lady Bandits coach Jim Wilson said.

“Her on-court leadership will be a great asset to the team, especially for the younger development players.”

Lewis, who stands 183-centimetres, is a versatile player, who can play anywhere from shooting guard to power forward.

The Lady Bandits will be hoping to keep their losses to a minimum.

Alex Trezise has relocated to Geelong with her partner, star footballer Justin Carey, who’s signed with St Albans.