Phoenix Signs Ben Ayre for Two Years

South East Melbourne Phoenix has signed 184cm local point guard, Ben Ayre for two years.

Originating from Melbourne, the hard-working 27-year-old guard returns home following a breakout year with the Cairns Taipans in NBL23.

“I made the decision to sign with South East because of the vision Mike (Kelly) has for this ball club and the opportunity I have to grow with this group,” said Ayre.

“Representing my hometown is something special and I look forward to giving my all every night for this crowd.”

(Ben Ayre joins the Phoenix for the next two years.)

After starting out as a training player at Cairns, Ayre was elevated to the Taipans’ main roster towards the end of the NBL22 season, and in just his sixth appearance for the club, played his best game against Melbourne United, recording a double-double, scoring 20 points, 10 assists, four rebounds, and three steals.

Following a successful off-season campaign with the Taipans’ NBL1 affiliate club the Cairns Marlins, where Ayre averaged 23.9 points, 3.76 rebounds, and 4.05 assists, he was rewarded with a contract at the Taipans for the NBL23 season.

Coming off the bench, the energetic guard averaged 5.8 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists for the Taipans.

“My time in Cairns taught me a lot about creating a winning culture, grasping opportunities, and showing up for your teammates every night. I look forward to building on and adding to what the Phoenix have already created,” said Ayre.

(Ayre has spent the last couple of seasons at Cairns Taipans.)

His determination and ability to play hard for the ball, were some of the reasons head coach Mike Kelly and CEO Tommy Greer wanted Ayre to help form part of the backcourt at the Phoenix for NBL24.

“Ben Ayre is a talented aggressive player that plays with his heart on his sleeve and impacts winning. We are excited to bring in another tough-minded team-first player that competes,” said Kelly.

“After a breakout season in Cairns last year, we are really happy to bring Ben back to Melbourne. He is a gritty guard who never takes a backwards step and his competitiveness and ability to score the ball will be a great addition to the roster,” said Greer.

Ayre began his professional career at the Adelaide 36ers as a development player in 2019, following a two-year stint at Skagit Valley College, where he earned second-team All-NWAC North Region 2016-17, and two years at Newman University where he was named second-team All-Heartland Conference as a senior.

Ayre also played abroad in Lithuania in 2020.

(Ayre is back in Melbourne and is currently playing with the Sandringham Sabres in NBL1 South in the off-season.)

Ayre joins rostered players Mitch Creek, Owen Foxwell, Gorjok Gak, Matt Kenyon, Reuben Te Rangi, Rhys Vague, Alan Williams, and development player Anzac Rissetto for the Phoenix in NBL24.

Stay tuned via the Phoenix website and socials for updates on player signings throughout the Free Agency period.

Phoenix Media (02/05/23)