2007 Central ABL Men's Champions, the North Adelaide Rockets, has bolstered its on and off-court line-ups in preparation for a title defence.

Significantly, 2007 Woollacott medallist Dusty Rychart will return to the team, on the proviso that opportunities don't open up for him in Europe.

"I'm looking forward to coming back and seeing if we can do again what we did last year" said Rychart. "It's a good way for me to prep for the NBL season and its just a great bunch of guys and a great club, so hope I can help bring the title back."

North coach Justin Schueller is similarly excited about Rychart's return.

"Dusty means a lot to our club, not just his on court performance but what he brings to the club in general. We are excited he will be back with us to try and defend the title."

Also returning to North is former Rocket Luke Mapunda. Like his teammates, Mapunda is also a Central ABL Championship winner, albeit with Woodville in 2005. In his three seasons as a Warrior, Mapunda averaged 7.8, 11.0 and 20.4 points per game, but is returning to the club where he played his junior basketball.

"It's been great to come back and be around my mates again and to come into a good group" said Mapunda. "I just want to fit in and contribute".

Schueller rates Mapunda highly, and believes his impact will be significant.

"We are happy we could get Luke back to the club. He has become one of the best 3 men in the league and will help us greatly."

All other members of North's 2007 program have returned for 2008, with the exception of NZ Breaker's point guard Ryan Kersten, who has signed with Albury-Wodonga in the SEABL.

Off the court, North has lost the services of assistant coaches Paul Robinson and Matt Roberts due to work commitments, but has wound back the clock and swiftly appointed two former club members from previous decades.

Graham Kubank, a former NBL player with the Adelaide 36ers and Townsville Suns, was also a North player in 91 and 92. He returns to senior coaching in an assistant role after head coaching stints with South Adelaide and Sturt, and also assistant jobs with Adelaide's NBL and WNBL teams. In a different twist, Graham also coached Justin for seven years at a senior level.

"Graham taught me a lot about the game as a player and we have maintained a friendship since then. I know he will add great experience and insight to our team" said Schueller.

John Della-Pia is also a former Rocket, having played at North from 1974 - 82. Since returning from Melbourne in 2007, he has coach the club's under 16 and 18 division 1 boys teams, and will also join North's CABL team as an assistant coach.

"John will bring a new-found passion to our group. His enthusiasm and read on the game are definite positives for us" said Schueller.

North open their season away to Eastern on March 15, followed by a rematch of the 2007 Grand Final against Norwood on March 29.