Ellie Collins took that to heart since a brief departure from the Tornadoes this year.

The 20-year-old ventured back home to Hobart after building up a very impressive basketball CV in Launceston.

But after one season leading the now defunct Huskies, Collins decided not to sign on with the revitalised Chargers.

Something was just amiss south of Campbell Town last season that was never quite the same again after starting out at the Chargers in 2016.

"I'm excited to be back in the Launceston community - that's something I love about the Tornadoes," Collins said.

"We have one of the best communities in the league, so it'll be really exciting.

"I guess the fans' support that we get is something that you don't get anywhere else."

The numbers this season were similar to two years under Ben Rush, Richard Dickel and Derrick Washington.

She shot little more than 16 points at both sides, but went down from 8.8 rebounds to six and up 4.3 assists from two following the switch.

But after being a part of the 2018 SEABL grand final lineup - Collins starred with 21 points in the loss to Bendigo Braves - there was another factor that drew back the wise head on young shoulders.

The teaching student, who will also resume a university degree in Launceston, is willing to show off her patience.

"I think we have a lot to learn as a team," Collins said.

ELSEWHERE IN SPORT

"We have got quite a young group, but I think we'll have a lot of fun and get some wins."

Collins is set to head up a roster that promises to play possibly eight teen prospects.

All but one of the Tasmanian locals from 2019 have agreed to play next year.

For good reason, coach Sarah Veale calls Collins a "role model" on and off the court.

"So I'm really excited to be working under Sarah and the coaches and hopefully get back into the WNBL again," Collins said after playing last summer out with Perth Lynx.

The power forward, the prolific scorer and the defensive linchpin promises to be one of the biggest additions.

"Certainly it has been very strategic to try and get Ellie to come back to us," Veale said.

"Ellie has been really critical for our planning for 2020."

Veale proposes to use the Torns' rebuilding year that included a 4-16 record to finish second last as a platform for a rise up the NBL1 ladder.

That's why Collins always was in the coach's thoughts.

So much so that negotiations to lure the six-footer went on for eight weeks - before Veale's official tenure.

"Ellie was probably the first person that I called," Veale said. "When we were planning our group, we knew we needed someone who was a big scorer and be a big impact player in defence."

The club expects to name more signings next month.

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