Rare Ayre: JackJumpers confirm guard's NBL27 return

Guard Ben Ayre will officially be back in Tasmania next season, after the JackJumpers activated his NBL27 option.

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In doing so, Ayre joins Josh Bannan, Majok Deng, Sean Macdonald, Nick Marshall, Kobe Williamson and Archie Woodhill (development player) on Scott Roth’s side for the next campaign.

“We have the best local group in the league, and I’m so keen to play hoops with this group again,” Ayre said.

“Last year we had a lot of new faces on the team, and we’ve laid really strong foundations.

“This year, we have great continuity and I think this will bring a lot more success for us.”

Ayre went from strength to strength since joining the JackJumpers last season, notching his 100th NBL game and joining the Boomers for the first time.

General Manager of Basketball Operations Darren Smith said the 30-year-old was vital to the JackJumpers’ success.

“Ben’s style of play and his character personify the JackJumpers ethos of grit and grind,” Smith said.

“Everyone from the coaches to his teammates, to our fans are drawn to him, his competitive spirit is magnetic.

“He’s a vital piece of our rotation, his experience and work ethic will definitely help us win.”

The NBL27 Free Agency period opens at 9am AEST on Friday, April 17.