That was when the Huskies faced New Zealand NBL pacesetter Wellington Saints inside 24 hours of debuting.

The Saints handed the newcomers a 87-60 welcome.

"We probably have learned a lot from that game and particularly our players understanding the difference in the standard and the level of how you get to become a professional full-time basketballer," Stewart said.

"I think we will be better prepared this week. The thing that hurt us was their physicality and toughness."

The Huskies stuck with the home side to quarter-time before the 10-time NZNBL champions overwhelmed the starstruck 2-2 visitors.

Stewart said success on Saturday night in Hobart will set the standard to maintain for rest of the year before facing a fierce Southland Sharks in a Launceston home game.

"If we can come out with a major upset in the league, it would sort of put everyone else on notice," he said.

"It would also give us some confidence that we can mix it with the best teams in this league. It means a lot this week in a number of areas.

"We just got to make sure that we again don't get overwhelmed by four Olympians and a couple of NBL players."

Import Marcel Jones joins the lineup that Stewart warns will have "a major impact".

His arrival could unleash the Huskies starting Tre Nichols, Craig Moller, Jones, Jalen Billups and Jordan Vanderberg, all 200cms or taller.

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