Import Greg Mays and forward Clay McMath won't be at the club next season, while Donte Nicholas indicated earlier this year that he wouldn't be returning to the Border in 2017.

Nicholas will be joining former Bandits teammate Cory Dixon at British Basketball League side Plymouth Raiders.

Mays was one of the Bandits’ statistical leaders in 2016, leading the scoring at 21.7 points per game, as well as averaging 7.4 rebounds.

McMath lifted his output in 2016 compared to last year, averaging 12.2 points and 6.7 boards.

The former Townsville Crocs forward will pursue a career opportunity in Adelaide.

“All of those guys provided their services manfully this season, particularly Donte and Clay over the past two years,” coach Brad Chalmers said.

“We wish them all the best as they take the next step in their lives and careers.”

Most of the Bandits’ local contingent will remain next season, with emerging tall Darcy Harding leading the way alongside Jack Duck, Sawyer Dearborn, Jessy Wilson and Josh Morgan.

The club will open discussions with Deba George in the coming weeks, while Chalmers indicated Ben Kearins was lower on the recruiting pecking order.

As he looks to build the 2017 roster over the off-season, Chalmers was keen to address two specific needs – a strong point guard and a powerful inside presence.

“We need some more shooting, particularly from three-point range,” he said.

“We need a really good point guard who can run the team on the floor, get guys shots, manage the group and be a conduit between myself and the rest of the team.

“Rebounding is another thing we need, we'll look for at least one big to be a strong low-post presence.

“This season we lacked someone who we could just get the ball to on the block and trust to score, that was the difference between someone like Greg and someone like Cory (Dixon).”

The Bandits followed up their conference title-winning season last year with an 11-13 record, enough to see them scrape into the finals ahead of the Sandringham Sabres.

They defied their record to bank a stirring semi-final win on the road over perennial finals contenders Geelong.

But they hit a brick wall in the preliminary final, outclassed by the impressive Hobart Chargers to the tune of 31-points.