JackJumpers Sign Two Replacement Players

The Tasmania JackJumpers have signed two replacement players, Kody Stattmann and Biwali Bayles, to step-in while Ben Ayre and Anthony Drmic recover from injuries.

Bayles, a 23-year-old guard from Sydney, will be a Nominated Replacement Player while Ayre continues to rehab his hip flexor and returns to the court over the next few weeks.

Stattmann, a 26-year-old from Cairns, will join the team as an Injury Replacement Player while Drmic continues to recover from a back injury.

JackJumpers General Manager of Basketball Operations Darren Smith said the two replacement players would be great assets.

“Kody Stattmann is a born and bred Queenslander, with basketball in his blood,” Smith said.

“He’s coming in off the back of a great NBL26 with the Cairns Taipans, and an MVP NBL1 season with the Cairns Marlins.

“We’re fortunate to have him replacing Drmic. He brings good size and versatility for his position, while his decision making and scoring ability are key aspects to his game.

“Biwali Bayles is an experienced guard who has played for the Illawarra Hawks and Sydney Kings as well as a stint in Europe.

“We’ll have another expert ball handler with Bayles on board. He is an energy guy, and you can’t help but notice his aggression for the ball on the court.

“He’ll be a great back up for Taran as well, so that’s some added depth for us too.”

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