Returning player. Looking for training buds

Good evening gentle folk. I'm coming back to this game after quite a hiatus. I see a lot has changed. Going to be doing a lot of practice to try and narrow down my main handful of champs, as well as work out all of the new kinks. But I hate BOT games. I feel even on hard the BOTs just don't give the same experience as players. Don't use the same strategies, and aren't as smart. Still going to play some to get my groove back on, but I was hoping to find some lovely peoples willing to help beat the rust off my keyboard and get me into the swing of things again?

I included a link to another thread looking for opinions on the new champs, masteries, and such. I'd appreciate any advice. But you can also go there and see the types of Champs I used to play. Unfortunately it seems as though my selections may not be the best anymore. Still, a few of them are apparently good to go. In summary...

Singed - (One of my all time favorites. Love that laugh. Love sending people on express flights right into the team carry haha.) Malzahar - (My original character. First I ever played, still one of the coolest IMO with his Overlord skin) Tahm Kench - (Haven't played but once. Still think he's really enjoyable, would love to give him another shot.) Thresh - (Just awesome. Cool style, cool look. I understand he's still viable too.) Jinx - (Marry me.) Gangplank - (Looks like he's changed a lot. One of my better characters. Hope he hasn't been ruined like they did Sivir.) Heimerdinger - (Love his new ULT. Just a fun character playstyle on top of that.)

There's others I'd like to try out or experiment with. Characters I just think are fun or look cool. But those I will reserve until I've got enough of a grasp of the new mechanics to mess around with.

Anyways. I appreciate any responses. Look forward to seeing what Riot has done with things....hopefully.