Off-Season Player Wrap: Ben Reaches Rare Ayre with Another Stand-out Performance

See below for how our Phoenix-rostered players are faring locally and internationally.

Ben Ayre – Wellington Saints (NZNBL)

35PTS, 2REBS, 7ASTS, 1STL vs Manawatu Jets
11PTS, 8ASTS vs Taranaki Airs

The point guard continued his stand-out season in New Zealand as the Wellington Saints went 2-0 across the weekend.

In game one, the Saints claimed a much-needed 34-point win over the Manawatu Jets, as Ayre continued his domination across the Tasman posting 35 points and seven assists.

Ayre was rewarded with yet another MVP of the week, making it four from 14 games.

In the next bout, Ayre came up against Phoenix assistant coach, Sam Mackinnon’s Taranaki Airs as they pocketed another win, 96-85.

Ayre backed up his performance with 11 points and eight assists. The two wins shoot the Saints to third on the ladder with four rounds remaining in the regular season.

Matt Kenyon – North Gold Coast Seahawks (NBL1 North)
18PTS, 18REBS, 4ASTS vs Gold Coast Rollers

The Seahawks bounced back to have a one-point win over the Gold Coast Rollers on the weekend, 87-86. The Rollers had a final term fightback, but Kenyon’s team just held on to get their fifth win for the season.

Kenyon continues his double-double dominance claiming 18 points and 18 rebounds in the win, this the 6th time the guard has achieved the feat.

(Photo Credit: Paul Shaw | P2DK Photography)

Nathan Sobey – Ipswich Force (NBL1 North)
33PTS, 3REBS, 4ASTS vs Mackay Meteors

Ipswich unfortunately fell to Mackay Meteors on the weekend, 89-110. Despite the loss, Sobey continued his high-scoring form, leading his side with 33 points.

(Photo Credit: Megan Low)

Kody Stattmann – Cairns Marlins (NBL1 North)
35PTS, 16REBS, 2ATS, 3STLS vs Rockhampton Rockets

The Cairns Marlins bounced back with a 90-82 victory over the Rockhampton Rockets on Friday night. Stattmann lit up the North with a massive double-double of 35 points and 16 rebounds in the eight-point win.

Reuben Te Rangi – Auckland Tuatara (NZNBL)
17PTS, 2REBS, 1ASTS vs Canterbury Rams

It was a preview of the finals with a top-of-the-table clash in the New Zealand league as Auckland took on the Canterbury Rams. The Rams upset Auckland’s 10-game winning streak and claimed first position in their 86-83 win over Tuatara.

Even in the loss, Te Rangi still had a standout game with 17 points.

AND ONE! 🤯

A wild end to a wild quarter! Te Rangi drills the triple, and will go to the line for a FOUR-POINT PLAY! 😤#SalsNBL #RatedE @skysportnz pic.twitter.com/bX7OqRvDBw

— Sal’s NBL (@nznbl) June 9, 2024

Stay tuned via Phoenix socials to keep updated with players' performances during the off-season.

For a list of the latest roster updates, see below.

Under Contract 
Ben Ayre  
Mitch Creek  
Luke Fennell
Owen Foxwell 
Angus Glover
Jordan Hunter 
Matt Kenyon 
Nathan Sobey  
Derrick Walton Jr

Free Agents 
Gary Browne  
Craig Moller  
Abdel Nader  
Anzac Rissetto  
Luke Rosendale  
Kody Stattmann  
Reuben Te Rangi  
Alan Williams  
Rhys Vague

Off-Season Moves 
Gorjok Gak (Tasmania)
Austin Rapp (Portland Pilots)

CLICK HERE to sign up to be part of the Phoenix Family for the upcoming NBL25 season.