Coming from the Manawatu Jets are Brook Ruscoe and Jordan Ngatai, who's also a development player for the Breakers.
From just up the road with the Taranaki Mountainairs are Quintin Bailey, Beaudin Giddy and Lachlan Fenwick.
Both the Choppers and the Junior Tall Blacks are in Pool 2 together, making Saturday's 12pm match on Court 1 a crucial game, which could go a long way to deciding the placings for the semifinals on Labour Day Monday - played at the same time on opposing courts.
Last year, the Choppers lost to the Junior Tall Blacks in pool play, but were comfortable in their remaining games and made the final, after watching Auckland team Blitz pull an amazing upset by beating the national youth team in the semifinals.
However, Blitz were exhausted from their effort and the Choppers were efficient in the final, running out 65-45 winners.
The Blitz crew are split into both Black and Yellow squads this year, one in each pool.
NZ Maori (Toa) are likely semifinalists but cannot expect to have it all their own way in the larger Pool 1, facing Blitz Yellow, Rack City from Hawke's Bay, and the Kaia team - the invitational squad including Sid Adams, Japan's Jun Iwasa and other international players.
After Monday's semifinals at 12pm, the Men's Premier title will be decided at 3pm.
While 30 teams were expected there is a final posted tally of 28 for the tournament, with the Men's A having 14 teams in two divisions.
Defending champions OBC from Palmerston North will take on the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), three squads from Wellington, and the local team Mickeys in Pool 1.
In Pool 2, last year's runners-up Horze Lyf from Auckland will be contenders again, while Wanganui are represented here by Pasifica Flight.
There are three teams in the smaller women's A grade this year - local team Free Ballers, the Tigers from Taranaki and NZDF.
The men's A final will be at 2pm on Monday, after the women's A at 1pm.
It will be wall-to-wall action all weekend, with 36 games being played on Saturday across three courts, and another 36 matches on Sunday.
As well as on-court, there are the off court festivities, such as The Art of Flight II exhibition of the largest collection of Air Jordan sneakers in Australasia.
The shoes will be available for viewing at the Edith Gallery of the Whanganui School of Design on the UCOL Campus, from 10am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday.
It will be hosted by enthusiast Daniel Tupara and the Sole Merchants team.
There will also be the after-parties at Stella Bar & Restaurant on Saturday and Sunday night.
This includes the 90s All Star Weekend theme, with performances from MC's JB the War Villian, Donny Nesian and DJ HBoogie from Nesian Mystik, while Sunday features 'The Playoffs' with hip-hop star King Kapisi and DJ Watties.
