Only one week after dropping star import Bryce Hamilton to a season-ending damage – following Will Magnay’s earlier setback – the Tasmania JackJumpers have confirmed guard Ben Ayre will even miss the rest of the season with a groin damage.
Whereas the race for sixth place stays firmly in Tasmania’s favour, it’s not but locked in, and this newest blow threatens to see the previous champions limp towards the end line.
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Previous to the official announcement, head coach Scott Roth addressed Ayre’s damage standing following Tasmania’s win over the New Zealand Breakers, admitting the situation was each difficult and lingering.
“I don’t wish to pronounce it – I’ll embarrass myself – however there’s a technical identify for what he has,” Roth stated.
“Principally, it’s a decrease stomach, groin concern that’s solely going to be resolved by relaxation.
“That’s two or three months of relaxation. We’ll take it week by week, however I don’t know if he’ll be again this yr. It’s extra of a muscular concern from overuse. He’s been scuffling with it for a couple of month, preventing by means of it, and it simply step by step bought worse. I believe it got here to a head in Cairns.”
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The damage has since been confirmed as osteitis pubis, a situation affecting the groin and decrease stomach area.
With Ayre now formally sidelined, his focus shifts to restoration and getting ready for the low season.
Ayre initially signed a two-year cope with the JackJumpers, with the second yr a mutual choice. Given his sturdy performances underneath Roth and his seamless match throughout the staff’s id, there’s a sturdy probability each events choose to proceed the partnership.
Throughout 29 appearances this season, Ayre averaged 6.3 factors, 1.3 rebounds and a pair of.1 assists whereas capturing 37.3 per cent from the sector. Nevertheless it’s his relentless edge and talent to get underneath opponents’ pores and skin that really units him aside – qualities that make him the quintessential JackJumpers participant.
With three video games remaining, the JackJumpers will lean closely on their younger bench group to hold them by means of the rest of the season.