A-O-Kay: Bannan’s breakthrough mirrors Bronzed Boomer

Tasmania may have lost its sixth straight game on Friday night in Perth, but it wasn't from a lack of production from forward Josh Bannan.

During the six-point defeat at RAC Arena, Bannan scored an equal career-high 29 points, while also adding 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal.

So impressed with the performance, head coach Scott Roth compared the 24 year old, who's averaging career highs in points (15.5), rebounds (9.6), assists (2.1) and field goal percentage (53.3), to an Australian Boomer that won a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

"We've actually spoken about his (Bannan) shot selection and compared it to Nick Kay when he was here [in the NBL], especially in terms of the three ball," Roth said in his post-game press conference.

"He's 24 and is just a workhorse, who has the right attitude and has fit in beautifully with our group.

"We just need to continue to support him and his growth, because he's just scratching the surface at his young age of what he can do.

"[He's one of the guys] who's had to extend themselves a little bit in different roles [due to the injuries], responding as best they can. He's done a wonderful job."

Another player who falls into that category of embracing a bigger role is guard Ben Ayre.

"He's got plenty of swagger and brings a bunch of energy [to our side]," Roth said.

"I've liked him from afar and we were able to obviously get him in here, where we'd planned for him to back up Sean Macdonald, but obviously that didn't transpire. Now he's splitting time with Tyger [Campbell].

"He's just a tough-minded kid, that's all about the right things. He's developing his leadership skills which is good and he's embraced everything we've asked him to do.

"He just shows up every day and is a warrior."

The JackJumpers, who are now 5-9, travel back to Hobart to host the Sydney Kings on Sunday from 2.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN and Channel 10.