Humphries announces retirement

The Adelaide 36ers are paying tribute to former captain and club champion Isaac Humphries after the accomplished centre announced his retirement from competitive basketball.

Humphries told his teammates of his decision this morning, citing a persistent knee injury which has plagued him over recent years.

The 28-year-old played 173 NBL games across his eight seasons in the NBL, averaging 11.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1 rebound and 1.5 blocks per game.

“Sometimes life deals you cards that tell your story for you,” Humphries said, explaining his sadness at having to end his career through injury.

“Due to my continued knee injury, I’ve had to make the incredibly difficult decision to retire.

“I’ll miss my teammates, the laughs, the trenches. I’ll miss the fans, the noise and the feelings of having an entire community behind you.

“I gave so much of my life to this sport, and it gave me a life I could never have imagined right back.

“There is so much more to say, but for now, just thank you.”

Named the NBL’s Rookie of the Year in his debut season in 2017-18, Humphries became renowned as one of the best big men in the competition.

Originally from New South Wales, the 211cm centre had an impressive junior basketball career that saw him signed by the University of Kentucky, where he studied and played for two years with the Kentucky Wildcats.

After turning pro, he debuted in the NBL with the Sydney Kings before returning the USA for NBA stints with the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic.

Later, he returned to Australia and played a single season for Melbourne United.

It is with the Adelaide 36ers where he has made the most impact across two stints and 124 games.

Humphries was crowned the Mark Davis Trophy winner as the club’s NBL24 MVP after averaging a career-best 15.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

Last season he was named as a co-captain of the club in recognition of the high regard with which he is held in the organisation and his on and off-court leadership.

Humphries’ immense talent has also seen him called up to represent the Australian national team the Boomers, including during the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.

Adelaide 36ers Executive Chairman Grant Kelley paid tribute to Humphries for his contribution to the club and to Australian basketball.

“Isaac has been an outstanding ambassador for the Adelaide 36ers and for basketball in this country,” said Mr Kelley.

“I have long admired Isaac’s personal and professional courage and the way he has carried himself across his 124 games for our club.

“Beyond his impact on the court, Isaac has used his platform to advocate strongly for LGBTQIA+ rights and mental health awareness, making a meaningful difference in the wider community.

“As our NBL24 Mark Davis Trophy winner and a co-captain in NBL26, he has led by example and represented our club with great distinction.

“We thank Isaac for his contribution and wish him every success in retirement.”

Humphries will not be lost to the Adelaide 36ers organisation, having accepted a non-playing role working with the community, marketing and commercial teams.

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