Players
Ben Ayre
Ben Ayre
2024 Averages
2.4
PPG
1.4
APG
0.3
RPG
33
FG%
Biography
Had to bang down the door for the opportunities that are now coming his way in the NBL firstly at the Cairns Taipans and as he returns for a second season at the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
Has always been a prodigiously talented guard and has never been lacking in self-confidence, but has had to work remarkably hard to get a chance to show what he was capable of at a professional level.
Having grown up in Melbourne and attending De La Salle College, spent four years at college firstly at Skagit Valley College and then Newman University in Wichita, Kansas, before beginning his long road to the NBL.
His first taste in the league was as a development player at the Adelaide 36ers for the 2019/20 season but it was through his NBL1 South form at the Knox Raiders that he earned another opportunity.
He initially joined the Cairns Taipans just as a training player in the 2021/22 season before being signed as injury replacement player and ending up impressing in the eight matches he played showing no fear up against the league's superstars.
Then had a standout NBL1 North season at the Cairns Marlins before signing on in the NBL with the Taipans where he had a breakout season proving himself a feisty and productive guard.
Was able to then help lead the Sandringham Sabres to an NBL1 South Grand Final in 2023, then played a first NBL season at the Phoenix for 10.7 points, 2.6 assists and 2.0 rebounds across 27 matches.
Backed that up by playing at the Wellington Saints in the NZ NBL in 2024 for 18.9 points and 6.2 assists to be ready for a big impact in NBL25 for South East Melbourne.