A pair of familiar foes will get things going, as Copleston travel to JMA Reading Rockets in both leagues, with all four teams looking to get off to a fast start in 2024/25.
In the WEABL, Copleston are defending South Conference champions, enjoying a spotless 10-0 record a year ago, before losing in the playoff final to City of London Academy.
JMA also made the playoffs after success in their play-in game against The Sheffield College, and will look to build on that in 2024/25.
In the EABL, Copleston were 2-10 a year ago, and some distance away from the Rockets, who snagged the #4 seed and a playoff berth. As with all things Academy, a lot can change year-to-year as players progress, graduate, and new faces begin their own journeys.
Last season's EABL top scorer Isaac Round has now graduated, meaning his 23.7PPG will need to be replaced from somewhere else across the JMA roster.
That could be from captain and brother Ethan Round, Isaac Spurrier, George Clarke or Amari Maitland, who are all returning from a year ago.
New 6'6" guard Timothy Rafiu is part of the current talent pathway and is sure to be an exciting player to watch for Copleston this season, alongside Charlie Smythe and Harry Laws, who are both back for more.
Departing Femi Edu (13.9PPG, 8.2RPG) and Sam Wood (12.6PPG, EABL 2nd highest 12.2RPG) will both be tough to replace though, especially on the glass.
JMA's Round said: "The team has bonded really well so far, so I'm looking forward to the upcoming season. We are all ready to get started, and we hope to come out strong and continue our success throughout the season."
Copleston's Laws said: "We are looking to build on what we have learnt over the last few seasons and hope to give a good account of ourselves in the EABL."
Three big names have now progressed from the Copleston roster in the form of Liv Forster, Yazmin Edwards and Christabel Osarobo. Whilst the trio represent quite the level of talent to lose, it does present opportunities for new players to come into the mix for the Suffolk programme.
One of those additions is Manchester's Maisie Keyes, who, alongside Holly Ensoll, represents the key new faces for Coach Drane's side.
The return of Louisa Gibbins, DeAnna Carrington and Cerys Leach will also help in the search for another South conference title.
JMA are sure to rest plenty on the shoulders of Millie Day and Tania Dhillon this season, especially with Elia Ando and Charlotte Devereux moving on for 2024/25.
With one of the smaller squads in the WEABL at just eight players, Coach Haynes will no doubt need to get the most out of each and every one if the Rockets are to make a return to the post-season.
JMA's Day said: "I'm excited for another year gaining confidence and experience in the WEABL competition, as I have been challenged with more of a leadership role.
"I'm looking forward to helping our younger players through the tough but amazing opportunity of being JMA athletes."
Copleston's Gibbins said: "Last year was such a fantastic year and a great experience for us as a team and I hope that we are able to achieve similar things with this new group this season."
The bulk of the Academy season is set to begin next week, with four EABL games and three more WEABL games.
We'll have more on all those contests, including who's in and who's out for all the teams competing, next week.
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