Paps has recommitted to the job for another year and is excited to see the border outfit into a new era as they enter the inaugural NBL1 East competition.

Having already been exposed to NBL1 South, the Bandits head into the mix as one of the more experienced clubs.

"I think NBL1 East is going to bring some exciting times for the club going forward," Paps said.

"It brings a new set of challenges and we'll have to deal with more travel, but I think it makes it more exciting.

"For a lot of the Albury juniors, they'll be playing some of the clubs they've grown up playing against."

A strong emphasis was placed on developing the club's young talent this season, something Paps believes will help them in the long run.

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"I think this year we made a pretty solid foundation with a lot of the local juniors," he said.

"The players all have great attitudes.

"I think bringing a few experienced players into the mix, whether that be imports or from the WNBL, that should help grow the program."

The Bandits are set to meet teams from the likes of Canberra, Sydney, Illawarra and Newcastle both at home and on the road.

They announced this week the appointment of Haydn Kirkwood as the men's coach, following the departure of long-time leader Brad Chalmers.

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