Many great players represented San Antonio in its history in the most popular basketball national league in the world. Some of the names are Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, David Robinson, George Gervin, etc. San Antonio won 5 titles in NBA, including the last trophy clinched in 2014.
A member of that generation was Jeff Ayres, center born in the city Ontario in the state California. He got precious experience playing under the charge of famous coach Gregg Popovich in the Texas team. In the next couple of paragraphs, we will remind ourselves of Jeff’s playing career in NBA and Big3.
Where did Jeff play in college?
Ayres was a member of Arizona State University ending a four-year period with 12.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.04 blocked shots per game. Jeff finished his staying at this college in 2009 with 58 percent shooting accuracy. His best personal individual result came in 2009 when he went to score 31 points and 11 rebounds in a win over team Stanford.
His collaboration with James Harden from 2007 to 2009 was unforgettable for him as he recalled that time with joy in his heart. Finally, Jeff’s good performances recommended him to many NBA teams.

How did Ayres win the NBA league?
Losing to Eastern Conference final in 2013 with Indiana, Jeff turned his direction to new challenges.
Subsequently, he put his signature on a contract with San Antonio Spurs hoping to win a title in the most spectacular basketball contest on the planet. Making a debut in a Spurs shirt in October of 2013 scoring two points and making 2 rebounds was the first step for Jeff’s goal. Finally, San Antonio won the title winning over Miami in the big final series with 4-1.
Jeff Ayres could proudly say he is an NBA winner playing alongside legends like Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, etc.
What were the biggest player’s virtues and flaws on the court?
His determination and persistence were the biggest virtues in his attitude on basketball courts and training grounds, for sure. Hanging out with teammates outside the court and good relations are also considered as good sides in his game. His size and rebound potential looked impressive and stunning to many NBA scouts, also.
As opposed to that, Jeff disappointed many fans with poor passing skills and mechanical technical skills which are lacking creativity. Additionally, his space for progress was evaluated as very small.
How was Jeff’s experience in Japan?
Before entering the Big3, Jeff Ayres represented Niigata team in a Japanese basketball league. The champion of the NBA evaluates time spent in this Asian country as an amazing experience in which he learned a lot about Japanese culture. Additionally, getting paid on time and having loyal supporters are the things that impressed Ayres the most.
Food and a good working environment are also praised by Jeff as he remembers his period of life in the “country of the rising sun” with a lot of sympathies. Consequentially, a former college star recommends everyone to try life in this organized state.
How did Jeff Ayres enter Big3?
Before the 2022 Big3 draft, Jeff was playing basketball in the Japanese league representing team Niigata in season 2021/2022. Suddenly, Ayres received a call and was picked in the first round of the 2022 Big3 Draft by team Bivouac. Additionally, Corey Brewer was brought in as new reinforcement in the second round.
The hero of today’s story also got to play in the same roster with Gerald Green, Ike Diogu, and Will Bynum. Jeff Ayres praise and points out especially chemistry with Gerald Green in the squad. Finally, ex-Niigata power forward thinks Gerald Green is one of the best shooters in Fireball.
Who was leading the Bivouac team in the 2022 season?
Jeff Ayres had as a coach in the 2022 campaign one of the best defenders in the history of the NBA – Gary Payton. Famous trash talker took over Bivouac ahead of the start of the season coming from Three Headed Monsters. Actually, Gary switched positions with another coach Reggie Theus.
Achieving solid results at Three Headed Monsters recommended him to Bivouac. His experience and meaningful pieces of advice meant a lot to Jeff who was a beginner in Fireball. Those two guys had really open communication about the game and that helped faster Ayres adjustment to new playing conditions.
How successful was Bivouac in the fifth edition of Big3?
Despite new reinforcements in the squad, Bivouac started a poorly new campaign recording three defeats in a row. Afterwards, performances were a little better. Unfortunately, two wins and four losses were enough for 10th place and not sufficient for qualifying for the playoff. Despite the huge experience, Payton’s tactical skills didn’t help the team to achieve better results.
Bivouac’s spectators were disappointed and devastated after such a sad scenario. Nobody expected such a long period of adaptation for new players. All the players could do was start preparing for the next campaign and put in hard work in gyms and training grounds.
What were the best moments for Jeff in Big3?
The best thing for Ayres in the Fireball was the fantastic organization of Ice Cube’s and Jeff Quatinetz’s project. Jeff praised everything about Fireball’s project: from getting the transport and entering the hotel to receiving the training schedule for the next day in an envelope.
Hero of our day also points out having an opportunity to feel similar emotions to the one he felt during his NBA days. Gathering again with some of his former teammates and rivalries in a new environment is something that attracted Jeff to glamorous competition.
Why is Big3 a big opportunity in Jeff’s opinion?
Big3 expands because more and more money is entering the league and popularity increases constantly. A lot of support is coming from former players with significant experience, so newcomers can count on time and space to adjust to new surroundings and rules.
It’s a big growing platform and stage where talents and potential can be shown and recognized, so that’s why young players should wait before they go overseas in their pursuit of a good basketball career. Some teams maybe give them training camp during the summer before the new campaigns start.
What are the next plans for Ayres?
Ayres plans to spend more time with his family in the upcoming period, so he doesn’t want to play basketball a lot more. His wife and kids play a big role in former San Antonio’s player life, so this decision is logical.
Of course, Jeff will stay committed to training and exercising and put his future into God’s hands. This player wants to be ready if another call from Fireball comes before the new season of Big3 tips off. There is no doubt that discipline will stay an important habit in the life of the former NBA power forward.
Certainly, Ayres had a path in basketball and 3×3 basketball many players can envy him. His learning process has always been amazing and full of upsides and downs. Former San Antonio power forward gained a lot of sympathy from spectators of this beautiful game. He doesn’t plan to stop here because there are a bunch of goals in front of him.
His constant desire for showing his qualities and the best version of himself helped Jeff to be in his current position. Also, Ayres is a perfect figure for giving pieces of advice to future players on a big stage. Keep attention on this 36-year-old guy.
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