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Isaac Humphries

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Isaac Humphries
Humphries with the Lakeland Magic in 2020
No. 8 – Adelaide 36ers
PositionPower forward / center
LeagueNBL
Personal information
Born (1998-01-05) 5 January 1998 (age 27)
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Listed height211 cm (6 ft 11 in)
Listed weight114 kg (251 lb)
Career information
High school
CollegeKentucky (2015–2017)
NBA draft2017: undrafted
Playing career2017–present
Career history
2017–2018Sydney Kings
2018FMP
2018–2019Erie BayHawks
2019Atlanta Hawks
2019–2020Lakeland Magic
2020–2022Adelaide 36ers
2022–2023Melbourne United
2023–presentAdelaide 36ers
Career highlights and awards
Stats at NBA.com Edit this at Wikidata
Stats at Basketball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Medals
Men's basketball
Representing  Australia
FIBA Under-17 World Cup
Silver medal – second place 2014 Dubai National team

Isaac Bradley Humphries (born 5 January 1998) is an Australian professional basketball player, musician, and performer. As of 2025 he plays for the Adelaide 36ers of the National Basketball League (NBL). He previously played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats in the United States, and has played for various other teams in the US, as well as Melbourne United in Australia. He is known for his height, being 7 ft (2.1 m) tall, and for being the first NBL player to come out as gay. He is also a singer and cabaret performer, performing at the Adelaide Fringe in 2024 and 2025.

Early life and education

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Isaac Bradley Humphries was born on 5 January 1998[1] in the Sydney suburb of Caringbah. He grew up in Cronulla, where the predominant culture was surfing and beach. He was a musical child, playing violin at four, trumpet the following year, and piano later. He also sang well,[2] and was a performer before he started playing basketball,[3] performing on stages around Sydney.[4]

After playing rugby league for a while, started playing basketball at the age of 12[5] In 2010, he spent six months in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.[6][5] or 13, and did not

Humphries attended Scots College in Sydney, where he reached 7 ft (2.1 m) in height by the time he was 16.[7] He was later very appreciative of the support and facilities offered by the school, saying "That school changed my life. Saved my life".[2]

College career

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After transferring to the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, Humphries played around the world with the national under-17s team.[2]

Humphries took his game to the United States in December 2014[8] to play prep ball at La Lumiere School in La Porte, Indiana.[9] In 2015 he enrolled at the University of Kentucky, and saw action in 23 games as a freshman in the Kentucky Wildcats. Coming off the bench in all but one game, he averaged 1.9 points and 2.4 rebounds in 9.1 minutes per contest.[10]

In the 2016–17 campaign, Humphries appeared in 38 games for the Wildcats with one start, producing averages of 2.8 points and 2.8 boards per outing in 8.3 minutes a game.[11] He scored a career-high 12 points in his last college game, Kentucky's 73–75 loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels in the South Region finals where he was also named in the NCAA All-Regional tournament team.[12]

In April 2017, Humphries declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his final two years of college eligibility.[13][14]

Professional career

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Sydney Kings (2017–2018)

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Opting to turn professional, Humphries worked out with several NBA franchises over the summer, including the Washington Wizards, after going undrafted in the 2017 NBA draft.[15] Humphries returned to Australia and signed with his hometown team the Sydney Kings on 27 July 2017 for the 2017–18 NBL season.[16] With the Kings, Humphries averaged 6.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.0 blocks while shooting 58 percent in 16 minutes per game, making six starts in 26 appearances. He was subsequently named the NBL Rookie of the Year.[17][18]

FMP (2018)

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On 27 February 2018, Humphries agreed to a deal with FMP of the Basketball League of Serbia.[19][20]

Erie BayHawks (2018–2019)

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On 8 October 2018, Humphries signed a training camp deal with the Atlanta Hawks,[21] but was waived the next day.[22] He subsequently joined the Erie BayHawks for the 2018–19 NBA G League season.[23]

Atlanta Hawks (2019)

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On 1 April 2019, Humphries signed with Atlanta for the remainder of 2018–19 NBA season.[24][25]

Humphries joined the Los Angeles Clippers for the 2019 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.[26][27]

Lakeland Magic (2019–2020)

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On 24 September 2019, Humphries signed with the Orlando Magic.[28][29] He was waived and assigned to the Lakeland Magic.[30] Humphries averaged 8.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game during the 2019–20 season.[31]

Adelaide 36ers (2020–2022)

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On 16 July 2020, Humphries signed a two-year deal to return to the NBL with the Adelaide 36ers.[32] He averaged 13.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and a league-leading 2.8 blocks per game during the 2020–21 season. His mutual option for a second season with the 36ers was not exercised.[33]

On 9 July 2021, Humphries re-signed with the 36ers for the 2021–22 NBL season.[34] He played just six matches, averaging 7.7 points in 17.7 minutes per game, before a knee injury ruled him out for the season in February 2022.[35]

Melbourne United (2022–2023)

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On 22 July 2022, Humphries signed with Melbourne United for the 2022–23 NBL season.[36][37]

Return to Adelaide (2023–present)

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On 26 April 2023, Humphries signed with the Adelaide 36ers for the 2023–24 NBL season, returning to the franchise for a second stint.[38][39][40] He had the most productive season of his career coinciding with his first relatively injury-free season in a number of years. Humphries played in all 28 games and averaging 15.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.[41] He was subsequently named 36ers Club MVP.[42]

On 7 March 2024, Humphries re-signed with the 36ers on a three-year deal.[43]

National team career

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Humphries made his debut for the Australian junior national team at the 2013 FIBA Oceania Under-16 Championship. In 2014, he helped Australia win the silver medal at the FIBA Under-17 World Championship, averaging 18.9 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game during the tournament. He was named to the All-Tournament Team.[44] Humphries made his senior debut for the Australian national team in a 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifying match against Kazakhstan, where he recorded 17 points and 7 rebounds in a dominant performance.[45]

Career statistics

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Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

NBA

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Regular season

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2018–19 Atlanta 5 1 11.2 .286 .273 – 2.2 .0 .2 .0 3.0
Career 5 1 11.2 .286 .273 – 2.2 .0 .2 .0 3.0

NBA G League

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Regular season

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2018–19 Erie 46 34 21.8 .538 .337 .662 7.0 1.0 .8 1.0 11.3
Career 46 34 21.8 .538 .337 .662 7.0 1.0 .8 1.0 11.3

NBL

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2017–18 Sydney 26 6 16.5 .583 .000 .653 3.7 .8 .7 1.0 6.9
Career 26 6 16.5 .583 .000 .653 3.7 .8 .7 1.0 6.9

College

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2015–16 Kentucky 23 1 9.1 .390 – .733 2.4 .1 .1 .7 1.9
2016–17 Kentucky 38 1 8.3 .511 – .600 2.8 .2 .2 .5 2.8
Career 61 2 8.6 .473 – .650 2.7 .2 .2 .6 2.4

Music career

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While playing basketball in the US, Humphries occasionally sang the American national anthem before basketball matches, and for charity events.[4] He restarted his music career after some years immersed in basketball, during which time he started learning new instruments that he could play anywhere. As of 2024 he was continuing the two careers in parallel, performing as well as writing and releasing music. In that year, he was an ambassador for the Adelaide Fringe,[3] as well as performing a show called Unearthed. It was so named because it focused on sharing personal moments and songs that helped him "unearth" who he became. The show included original songs as well as cover versions, which he sings in his tenor voice.[46] The season sold out.[47]

For the 2025 Adelaide Fringe, Humphries performs his show called More of Me.[47]

Personal life

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On 16 November 2022, Humphries came out as gay.[48][49] The announcement saw Humphries become the only active openly gay male professional basketball player in a top-tier league anywhere in the world. He also became the first ever Australian male basketball player and first player in the NBL to be openly gay.[50][51] He said that he had struggled with his sexuality and contemplated suicide, but ultimately decided that he would be happier to be open about it with his teammates.[48][52] He posted a video online, which was shared widely, including by Lauren Jackson, Dylan Alcott, and Andrew Gaze. By February 2023 it had garnered around 10 million views, with mostly positive responses, including messages from Tones and I and Dannii Minogue. However, although the NBA sent a message of solidarity, not a single active NBA player showed support.[2]

Humphries has a tattoo on his arm reading "silence is loud", referring to his depression.[2] He is a friend of Prinnie Stevens, who was also an Adelaide Fringe ambassador in 2024.[46]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Isaac Bradley Humphries (Australia)". FIBA Basketball. Retrieved 23 January 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e Marshall, Konrad (11 February 2023). "Isaac Humphries on coming out: 'I was f---in' scared. I was terrified'". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  3. ^ a b Humphries, Isaac (7 December 2023). "Meet our 2024 Ambassador". Adelaide Fringe (Interview). Archived from the original on 17 September 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  4. ^ a b Smith, Matthew (30 November 2023). "NBL star and musician Isaac Humphries to perform at Adelaide Fringe". ABC News. Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  5. ^ a b Haigh, Paul (16 January 2014). "Giant leap for Cronulla teen, 16, who scores top basketball scholarship". St George & Sutherland Shire Leader. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  6. ^ "La Lu Defeats Wasatch, Isaac Humphries Australian Impact On Canadians". Northpolehoops.com. 9 January 2015. Archived from the original on 18 March 2015. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  7. ^ Gaskin, Lee (27 January 2014). "Basketball player Isaac Humphries has the world at his feet". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 23 January 2025.
  8. ^ Haigh, Paul (23 September 2015). "Sutherland Sharks Basketball Association junior Issac Humphries' US dream". St George & Sutherland Shire Leader. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  9. ^ "7-Footer Humphries Joins Four Canadians At La Lumiere - Hoops Hype Canada | Canadian Basketball News". Hoops Hype Canada | Canadian Basketball News. 14 December 2014. Archived from the original on 20 February 2015. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  10. ^ "2015-16 Men's Basketball Team Stats - UK Wildcats". University of Kentucky | Official Athletics Site. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  11. ^ "Basketball (M) Stats - UK Wildcats". University of Kentucky | Official Athletics Site. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  12. ^ "Humphries leaving Kentucky to pursue pro basketball career". kentucky. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  13. ^ "Isaac Humphries Turns Pro, Plans to Sign with an Agent | UK Wildcats News". University of Kentucky | Official Athletics Site. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  14. ^ "Aussie big man Humphries set for NBA draft". The West Australian. 12 April 2017. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  15. ^ Logue, Matt (27 July 2017). "Sydney Kings sign Aussie US college big man Isaac Humphries in huge boost to NBL title chances". News.com.au. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  16. ^ "SYDNEY KINGS SUCCEED IN ISAAC HUMPHRIES PURSUIT". NBL.com.au. 27 July 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  17. ^ Fisher, Chris (27 February 2018). "Isaac Humphries named NBL Rookie of the Year". 247sports.com. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
  18. ^ "Isaac Humphries Named Rookie of the Year in NBL in Australia". thesportsledger.com. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  19. ^ "Isaac Humphries agreed to a deal with FMP". sportando.basketball. 27 February 2018. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
  20. ^ "Isaac Humphries inks 3-year deal with FMP". aba-liga.com. 20 March 2018. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  21. ^ "Atlanta Hawks Sign Isaac Humphries". NBA.com. 8 October 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2018.
  22. ^ "Atlanta Hawks Waive Isaac Humphries". NBA.com. 9 October 2018. Retrieved 10 October 2018.
  23. ^ Hartman, Billy (20 October 2018). "Erie BayHawks Finalize 2018 Training Camp Roster". NBA.com. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
  24. ^ "Atlanta Hawks Sign Isaac Humphries For The Remainder Of The Season". NBA.com. 1 April 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
  25. ^ "Humphries Signs Contract With Atlanta Hawks". Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  26. ^ "Isaac Humphries". realgm.com. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
  27. ^ "The Australians set to play in the 2019 NBA Summer League". Fox Sports. 2 July 2019. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  28. ^ "PRESS RELEASE: Orlando Magic sign free agent Isaac Humphries". Orlando Magic PR on Twitter. 24 September 2019. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
  29. ^ "Orlando Magic sign free agent center Isaac Humphries". FOX 35 Orlando. 24 September 2019. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  30. ^ Lambert, Ivan (7 November 2019). "Lakeland Magic open 3rd season Friday at Fort Wayne". The Ledger. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
  31. ^ Varney, Dennis (26 March 2020). "Catch up with 36 ex-Cats playing pro basketball in leagues outside the NBA". Lexington Herald-Leader. Retrieved 16 May 2020.
  32. ^ "Bullets, 36ers announce new free agency signings". ESPN.com. 15 July 2020.
  33. ^ Uluc, Olgun (27 June 2021). "NBL Free Agency: who's on the move". ESPN. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  34. ^ "Isaac Humphries Re-Signs with Adelaide". NBL.com.au. 9 July 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  35. ^ "Report: Humphries ruled out for season". NBL.com.au. 11 February 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  36. ^ "Melbourne United sign Isaac Humphries". MelbourneUnited.com.au. 22 July 2022. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  37. ^ "Melbourne United had landed former NBL Rookie of the Year, Isaac Humphries, for the 2022/2023 NBL Season". Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  38. ^ "Humphries returns to 36ers on one-year deal". adelaide36ers.com. 26 April 2023. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  39. ^ "NBL's Isaac Humphries signs with Adelaide 36ers". The West Australian. 26 April 2023. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  40. ^ "Sources: Isaac Humphries agrees to join 36ers". ESPN.com. 22 April 2023. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  41. ^ Uluc, Olgun (2 March 2024). "Sources: Humphries inks three-year deal with 36ers". ESPN.com.au. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  42. ^ "Humphries wins Mark Davis Trophy". adelaide36ers.com. 23 February 2024. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  43. ^ "Humphries extends Adelaide stay". NBL.com.au. 7 March 2024. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  44. ^ "Isaac Humphries's profile". FIBA.com. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  45. ^ "Aussie G-League stars help Boomers clinch top spot after win over Kazakhstan". Fox Sports Australia. Retrieved 22 February 2019.
  46. ^ a b Humphries, Isaac (6 February 2024). "Meet 4 fabulous Adelaide Fringe Ambassadors". Seniors Card (Interview). Archived from the original on 24 October 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  47. ^ a b "Isaac Humphries". Adelaide Fringe. Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  48. ^ a b "Former Kentucky center, Melbourne United star Isaac Humphries comes out publicly as gay". sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
  49. ^ "NBL's first openly gay player Isaac Humphries 'disappointed' by Cairns rejection of Pride jersey". The Guardian. 26 January 2023. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  50. ^ "Opinion: Why Australia's elite basketballer is ready to tell the world he is gay". cnn.com. 15 November 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
  51. ^ "Melbourne United supports and celebrates Isaac Humphries' courageous decision". melbourneutd.com.au. 16 November 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
  52. ^ "'Courageous': NBL star comes out to teammates as first openly gay player as NBA reacts". Fox Sports. 16 November 2022. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
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