New Ayre to JackJumpers' NBL26 roster

The Tasmania JackJumpers have signed Ben Ayre on a two-year deal. 

Ayre joins the JackJumpers after two seasons with the South East Melbourne Phoenix, where he built a reputation on being a defensive disruptor, and assures he'll continue to develop that at the JackJumpers. 

“I enjoy playing defence, don’t think many guys would say that. But that was one of the key drivers from both sides, the coaches and myself. I pride myself on being a disruptor on the defensive end and I like to play fast and get guys involved” Ayre said.

“ I think what what’s been really evident about the JackJumpers is everyone's trying to help each other. I got great intel from speaking to guys that are in Tassie or have played there, that the main goal every day is to come in and uplift someone else rather than just always being about yourself. I think is something that is rare in professional sport, to think about other people before yourself."

The 29-year-old is currently playing in Germany for EWE Baskets Oldenburg for the remainder of the BBL Germany season.

“We’re excited to welcome Ben to the JackJumpers” Chief Operating Officer, Darren Smith said.

“Ben’s energy and skillset are a perfect fit for our team’s culture, and we believe he will be a real asset both on and off the court. I think the Tassie fans will love his competitive spirit and tenacity, he wears his heart on his sleeve."

Ayre joins Josh Bannan, Nick Marshall, Will Magnay, Sean Macdonald, Anthony Drmic, Majok Deng and Walter Brown as the club's NBL26 contracted players.