AYRE OF UNCERTAINTY
Taipans haven’t closed door after exit interview
Beloved Taipans impact player Ben Ayre could return to Cairns, with the door open for the popular point guard to link again with the NBL club.
The Taipans did not take up the option on Ayre after a second campaign in Cairns during which he cemented his role as an impact bench weapon.
With the ability to score and invigorate the Taipans’ offence, Ayre hit the 20-point mark on several occasions but perhaps lacked some consistency despite bringing plenty of energy to the court.
In a wide-ranging free agency discussion with the Cairns Post, Taipans coach Adam Forde said that while the exit interviews were glowing, it was an opportunity for both parties to seek other opportunities.
Forde also spoke openly about the departures of Majok Deng and Mirko Djeric, both of whom were the longest tenured members of the roster until this off-season.
The reasons all align, with Forde pursuing players who best fit the Taipans basketball playing style which defined the club in NBL23, and will into the future.
“It’s important where (Ben’s) at in his career – he wants to see progression, and it involves a bigger position for where he’s at, and it’s understandable,” Forde said.
“We had some great exit interviews and we definitely didn’t close the door on Ben.
“But for us it’s important we need to fill some other voids in the roster to see how this will build out, and what becomes available after some key signings: is there still a position become available for Ben and what he wants to do?
“We’ll have those discussions later, but we know that Ben is coming off a great year, there are teams who are better suited to his game style.
“What we need is slightly different in terms of what that role requires, but Ben’s opportunity to potentially play somewhere and have a game style that suits him is a reality where we’re gambling with.
“It’s a bit of a punt to see how it pans out. I have no doubt Ben will still be in the NBL, whether it’s for us or somebody else will be determined down the track.”
Deng has been with the Taipans since April 2019, and brought up his 200th game in the NBL this past campaign.
The 205cm forward has plenty of experience in the league, but his role diminished from key cog in the Taipans machine to that of being a great teammate.
“He’s just turned 30, next contract I assume he’ll want a multi-year deal where he plays an important role,” Forde said. “His position for us changed. “He’s been a fantastic teammate and always has been, but the way the game style we want to play probably didn’t suit his strengths.
“For him to test free agency where he’s at in his career … it was a better situation for both parties to explore free agency.”
Djeric was rarely used through the season.
He had a few memorable outings guarding Melbourne United talisman Chris Goulding, but outside of that spent much of the past season riding the bench and playing roles, largely on the defensive end.
“Again, a game style that didn’t suit his strengths,” Forde said.
“For us to come to terms where he can explore free agency and pick up a deal somewhere else is going to better suit him will be better than sitting at the end of the bench and not playing.”
The Taipans have four men on the books for NBL24, with Tahjere McCall, Sam Waardenburg, Jonah Antonio and Lat Mayen all locked in to return.
Popular forward and twotime most improved player Keanu Pinder has signed a two-year deal with the Wildcats, while fellow star performer DJ Hogg and star defensive gun Bul Kuol have been vigorously pursued by cashed-up rival clubs.