Emboldened by the financial crisis that threatened to rip his team apart and leave them jobless three weeks from Christmas, Sydney Spirit captain Jason Smith has declared his players ready to beat any challenge thrown at them.
After accepting the National Basketball League's rescue package, which will keep the club afloat for the remainder of the season, Spirit are now determined to put the drama and uncertainty behind them and reach the playoffs.
Currently sixth at the midway point of the season, they meet the Crocodiles in Townsville on Saturday night a week after beating former league leaders South Dragons amid emotional scenes at Homebush.
"This process has really galvanised us as a group. It's hardened us," Smith said.
"We've gotten that much tighter and we'll harness that energy while we can."
"I'm actually exited about the weekend and the majority of the guys will be in the same boat."
"I welcome the challenge against the Crocs in Townsville and any team from that point."
Coach Rob Beveridge added: "The togetherness of our group is something special."
"They've made huge sacrifices and we've made a commitment to each other – and also to basketball in Sydney."
"We're going to go out and give it our best shot at representing this city."
Smith and Beveridge have been at the forefront of talks with the NBL over the club's future since elusive owner Greg Evans' shock decision to place Spirit into administration late last month.
With the financial assistance of rival team owners, Sydney's only basketball franchise will see out the season on reduced wages while the NBL waits for Evans to answer a default notice served on him.
Smith, who went through the collapse of the Sydney Kings, admitted to feeling the strain.
"It's been an extremely frustrating and tiring time," he said.
"I had my first night's sleep (on Tuesday) where I got more than four or five hours. I woke up with a smile on my face."
"To be able to keep a team in Sydney throughout the remainder of the season is pivotal in regards to the sport's future."
"We're extremely happy to agree to the package and to get back on the court and play basketball."
"There are lots of smiles around training today and we're seeing some real passion knowing that the season will be carried out."
Spirit's disappearance from Australia's biggest sporting market would have been catastrophic for the NBL ahead of its planned competition revamp in 2009/10.
"Sydney is a critical component (of the new league) so I think it was important to keep the flag flying," NBL interim chief executive Scott Derwin said.