Top 10 takeaways from day one of NBL Blitz

• The Perth Wildcats started the tournament with an 84-78 win over Melbourne United
• Adelaide were clinical in a 104-83 win against the Illawarra Hawks
• NBL is back, baby! How to watch the Blitz TODAY

1. The Adelaide 36ers are already fun

Missing the likes of Bryce Cotton, Montrezl Harrell, Isaac Humphries, Michael Harris and Matt Kenyon didn't matter, the 36ers already showed they're going to be a fun team to watch. Making 15-from-44 from the three-point line, of course led by recruit Isaac White with five triples, then you add in Dejan Vasiljevic, Flynn Cameron and even Tom Kubank who hit four from beyond the arc - the 36ers will be a problem from the perimeter. And you can't forget about the high-flying Zylan Cheatham who didn't take long to put together his first highlight for Adelaide with an alley-oop from Cameron.

2. NBL refs get no warm up

Think coaches and players are going to take it lightly on the officials during a pre-season tournament? Think again! We saw warnings, extended chats between refs and players or coaches and a technical foul. Now, different to the regular season, it was backed up with some laughter, but still, the refs are well and truly on their toes.

3. Is there a more fitting way for Harry Froling to return to the NBL?

After several years away from the NBL, Froling received a loud ovation from the Canberra crowd as he stepped onto the court in the first quarter for the Illawarra Hawks. Knowing Froling's exceptional skill on the offensive end, was there a more fitting way for him to mark the occasion than a fadeaway jumper from the post? Under two minutes into his return, that's exactly what he did. Showed some extremely positive signs in his first game back, dishing out three assists as well in Illawarra's loss.

4. The Canberra public is showing out!

Not only was the AIS Arena almost full on day one of the Blitz with 3667 fans turning out, which was a Wednesday night by the way - the tournament is basically a sell-out the rest of the way. On top of that, the crowd was loud and created a great atmosphere, showing they are definitely keen on more NBL basketball in the nation's capital.

5. Justin Tatum is a man of the people

Have we had another coach in NBL history where fans are constantly stopping them on the sidelines to take photos and sign autographs? I can't remember one. But that was the championship coach on opening night of the Blitz, having only returned to Australia last week, it's clear the Hawks mentor is a fan favourite across the NBL.

6. Wagstaff's still got it

The 39-year-old Wildcats skipper may be further towards the end of his career than the start but he is still coming up with highlight plays that make the NBL's social media. Including this crazy shot in the fourth quarter of their win over Melbourne United? How did he do it? I don't think even the veteran knew as he laughed while running back on defence.

7. Isaac White looks at home in Adelaide

The Sturt Sabres product looked at home in a 36ers uniform as he prepares for his first year with the club after making the move from Brisbane. Hitting fadeaway threes, staring down the Hawks bench and smiling with his teammates, White was having fun. And he should, he'll be a big part of the 36ers roster this season. But also, who wouldn't enjoy a 20-point in 26 minutes performance?

8. Finn Diesel showing signs

We all want to see Finn Delany find the form that made him one of the top players in the NBL at the New Zealand Breakers before he departed for Europe. It's early but his Blitz opener looked good. In 24 minutes, Delany had 12 points, eight rebounds and two assists and was one of only a few United players in the positive in the plus-minus category. A huge part of Melbourne's plans this year!

9. Continuity is big for the Wildcats

Yes they may have lost arguably the greatest player to ever play in the NBL, but the Wildcats have retained a bunch of key pieces, including imports Kristian Doolittle and Dylan Windler as well as Ben Henshall, Wagstaff, Elijah Pepper, David Okwera and others. That continuity can be a big advantage for Perth when you add in the likes of JLA and Perth were clicking in the first game at the Blitz, beating United who still featured all three imports as well as Delany.

10. AC's stepping up to the plate!

There has been much made of the league's desire for overseas coaches in recent years, which is why it was so good to see so many deserving local assistants get their chance to shine at the Blitz. We saw Rhys Carter lead Melbourne against Perth and Joel Khalu take the reins for the Illawarra Hawks. Love seeing this from NBL teams and let's hope we see it a little more throughout the tournament.