The American big man stays in the States now to obtain Russian and Chinese visas. His contract will be valid after the medical tests in Moscow. It is supposed that the player will join the team for the Chinese tour.
Jeff is an Arizona State graduate. He was drafted 31st during 2009 NBA Draft and defended the colors of different league’s clubs since then with short visits to the D-League. The best years for Ayres were two seasons with the San Antonio (2013-15) were he had solid spot in rotation, started in several games and won the title in 2014. The American played in 237 NBA regular season games averaging 2.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 0.2 steals, 0.3 blocked shots in 9.8 minutes; 36 NBA playoff games with 1.2 points, 1.2 rebounds in 4.8 minutes on average.
It is interesting that Jeff played for the Spurs against CSKA in the fall of 2013 together with Nando De Colo. He recorded 4 points, 8 rebounds and a steal in 20 minutes on the floor.
Ayres finished the last season with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Dimitris Itoudis, CSKA head coach:
Jeff is an athletic big man, who can finish off pick-n-roll situations, who runs the floor well and had an experience of playing for NBA teams like Spurs and Clippers. He was working out with the Spurs recently so he is in good shape. We are looking forward to add him to the team. He needs quick lessons to learn our system; our coaches and players are ready to help him fit the team as soon as possible.
Jeff Ayres, CSKA Moscow center:
I think this is a great situation for me and perfect timing to go to Europe. I got a chance to play for great team, great organization like CSKA Moscow. I am looking forward to go there and to show my best, to play for CSKA, in Euroleague, to receive playing time. I watched some games already trying to learn the system, I know many players there and I think I can fit into European basketball. So it seems like really good idea.
