Phoenix Add Energetic Point Guard

The South East Melbourne Phoenix are now just three players away from finalising their NBL24 roster after signing former Cairns Taipan Ben Ayre on a two-year deal.

Ayre played two games as a development player for the Adelaide 36ers in NBL20 before exploding onto the scene with Cairns as an injury replacement player in NBL22.

He was one of just three players to record a 20-point, 10 assist game in NBL22 – alongside import pair Bryce Cotton and Jaylen Adams.

His choice to sign with the Phoenix represents a homecoming for the guard, who was born in Victoria.

Cairns elected not to take up the club option on his contract at the end of NBL23, where he averaged 5.8 points per game across 32 appearances.

"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," Ayre said.

"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.

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

Ayre is currently playing alongside Melbourne's Campbell Blogg and Perth's David Okwera for the Sandringham Sabres in NBL1 South, and has also spent time playing collegiate basketball at Skagit Valley College and Newman University.

After failing to earn a contract with the 36ers in 2020, he also played in Lithuania where he averaged 9.3 points per game.

"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 South East Melbourne CEO Tommy Greer.

"He 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," added Kelly.

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.