BIO: Born in the Sydney suburb of Caringbah, Isaac Humphries grew up in Cronulla and started playing basketball at the age of 12 with the Sutherland basketball program.

Humphries attended Scots College in Sydney and attended the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra before taking his game to the United States in December 2014 to play prep ball at La Lumiere School in La Porte, Indiana.

Humphries earned a scholarship to enrolled play at the University of Kentucky in 2015. Humphries received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 2014. He spent one year there and played for the program’s state league team.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Isaac Humphries made his NBL debut with the Sydney Kings at 19 years of age. He scored six points in his first game.

After going undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft, Isaac Humphries returned to Australia, signing with his hometown team, the Sydney Kings, on 27 July 2017. In his debut season with the Kings, Humphries averaged 6.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game, while shooting an efficient 58 percent from the field in 16 minutes per game. He made six starts across 26 appearances and was rewarded for his impressive season by being named the NBL Rookie of the Year.

The Kings finished the season with an 11-17 record, placing them in seventh on the NBL ladder.

Following his stint with the Kings, Humphries pursued opportunities in the NBA, spending time in the G-League and Europe in his continued efforts to achieve his NBA dream.

2020/21
Longtime head coach Joey Wright was released from the Adelaide 36ers at the end of the 2019/20 season, despite still being under contract. His departure followed accusations of abuse and bullying from players, among other off-court issues. Adelaide replaced Wright with former Perth assistant coach Conner Henry.

The 36ers began the season with Jack McVeigh, Obi Kyei, Brendan Teys, Daniel Dillon, and Alex Mudronja as contracted players.

On 12 March 2020, the 36ers announced the signing of Josh Giddey, who, one month earlier, had become the youngest Australian to debut for the Boomers since Ben Simmons. Giddey joined the team under the Next Stars program.

The fallout from the previous season continued with co-captain Kevin White being granted a release from his contract in April, while Harry Froling departed to sign with the Brisbane Bullets. Obi Kyei also requested a release to focus on his clothing line.

Adelaide quickly worked to rebuild their frontcourt, extending five-time club MVP Daniel Johnson’s contract for another three years. 2018 NBL Rookie of the Year Isaac Humphries, fresh from a stint in the NBA, was signed on a two-year deal, while 25-year-old Keanu Pinder, returning from Europe, also joined the team on a one-year contract.

On 22 July 2020, former Hawk Sunday Dech signed a three-year deal with the 36ers, and shortly after, the team announced import guard Donald Sloan as their first international signing. Veteran forward Tony Crocker was added as the second import to round out the roster.

In their season opener, Adelaide opted to start their young stars, Giddey (18 years) and Humphries (23 years), against Melbourne. However, they suffered a heavy loss (65-89). This prompted coach Henry to adjust the lineup for game two, bringing in Sloan to replace Giddey at the point and Pinder to swap roles with Humphries. The changes paid off with an eight-point win over South East Melbourne (116-108), earning Humphries NBL Player of the Week after his standout performance of 25 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks off the bench.

That game also saw a scary moment when Giddey fell on his head after a dunk, causing him to miss the next game as a precaution.

Adelaide’s third game saw Sloan return to the starting lineup, but the 36ers suffered another loss to South East Melbourne. Sloan was eventually sent back to the bench, with Giddey reclaiming the starting spot for the remainder of the season. Despite Sloan’s season-high 20 points off the bench in his next appearance, his dissatisfaction with the role led to a mutual release from his contract.

Despite some early promise with a 4-2 start, Adelaide’s momentum stalled when the NBL Cup, a bubble tournament in Melbourne, was introduced due to COVID-19. By the end of the NBL Cup, the 36ers had dropped from third to seventh place on the ladder.

Though the 36ers made roster adjustments, including signing former NBA player Brandon Paul and releasing Jeremy Kendle, the team’s playoff hopes dwindled after Humphries sustained an injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the season. Jack Purchase was signed as his injury replacement and stayed with the team for the remainder of the year.

Daniel Johnson (19.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists) continued to be a reliable offensive force, earning co-MVP honours with Josh Giddey, who posted 10.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.6 assists and was named NBL Rookie of the Year. Despite these efforts, the 36ers finished the season in a disappointing seventh place (13-23).

Humphries averaged 13.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists over the course of the season.

2021/22
After finishing seventh with a 13-23 record the previous season, Adelaide lost Josh Giddey (to Oklahoma City), Jack McVeigh (to Tasmania) and Keanu Pinder (to Cairns), before adding Mitch McCarron (via Melbourne), Kai Sotto (via the NBA G League Ignite), Tad Dufelmeier Jr (via Cairns), Mojave King (via Cairns), Dusty Hannahs (via Santa Cruz) and Todd Withers (via Bologna). King had sought a larger role after believing his limited playing time in Cairns was hurting his NBA chances.

After a left foot injury ended his previous season, Isaac re-signed on a one-year deal on July 9 after the mutual option in his original contract was not exercised. “I am really looking forward to another season with the Adelaide 36ers and coming back to Adelaide,” Isaac said.

Adelaide then surprisingly released coach Conner Henry despite a year remaining on his contract, with the club saying their directions were no longer ideally matched, and appointed CJ Bruton only weeks before the opening game. Bruton had narrowly missed out on Brisbane’s head coaching position to James Duncan and completed the roster by adding Hyrum Harris (via Hawke’s Bay) and Cam Bairstow (via Illawarra), who had received no other NBL offers after several injury-affected seasons. McCarron was named captain and positioned as Adelaide’s franchise player moving forward.

Adelaide opened at RAC Arena on December 3, where Humphries (8 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block), Daniel Johnson (22 points and 6 rebounds) and Bairstow (15 points and 7 rebounds) led the 36ers, but Victor Law (37 points and 4 rebounds) carried Perth to an 85-73 win.

Humphries (7.7 points and 5 rebounds across 6 games) started Adelaide’s opening five games before coming from the bench in his final appearance and made 50 percent of his field-goal attempts. Adelaide lost its opening two games before victories over Tasmania and New Zealand moved the 36ers to 2-2 and sixth place, their highest position of the season and the only point they did not have a losing record.

His season-high scoring game came at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on December 5, where Humphries (13 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block) made six of 11 shots, but Illawarra defeated Adelaide 81-71. Bairstow (15 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists) and McCarron (12 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) provided support, while Duop Reath (18 points and 9 rebounds) led the Hawks. Game highlights

Humphries’ best game came against Cairns at the Cairns Convention Centre on December 18, where he made six of nine shots and finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Hannahs (20 points) and Johnson (12 points and 3 rebounds) were Adelaide’s other leading scorers, while Majok Deng (23 points and 6 rebounds) led Cairns to a 93-67 win.

His final appearance came against Perth at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on January 18, where Humphries (0 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist) played 4:36 from the bench as Adelaide won 87-74. Johnson (21 points and 8 rebounds) and Bairstow (19 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) helped the 36ers establish a 28-point lead, while Law (16 points and 14 rebounds) led Perth.

Humphries missed Adelaide’s remaining 22 games with a right knee injury. Despite attempting to play through the problem, he was unable to play pain-free and was placed into a comprehensive rehabilitation program on February 4 before being ruled out for the remainder of the season. Isaac Gattorna (injury replacement) and Lachlan Olbrich (injury replacement) were added to the active roster during his absence. “He gave it a real shot this season, but he now needs this time to get the body right,” General Manager of Basketball Jeff Van Groningen said.

With Humphries unavailable, Bairstow (11.4 points and 8 rebounds across 18 games) produced the best NBL season of his career before a late ankle injury ended his campaign and ultimately his career, while Sotto (7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds across 23 games) received increased frontcourt opportunities. Johnson (16.1 points and 7 rebounds across 28 games) led Adelaide in scoring and won his second consecutive Mark Davis Award as the club’s Most Valuable Player, while Dech (12.3 points and 4.2 rebounds across 23 games) became a key contributor during his second season with the 36ers. Hannahs (13.6 points across 23 games) and Withers (8.3 points and 3.9 rebounds across 26 games) did not provide the consistent production Adelaide expected from its imports, while McCarron (7.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2 steals across 27 games) led the team in assists and steals. Harris (4.2 points and 2.7 rebounds across 22 games) was named Adelaide’s Most Improved Player, while Bairstow received the Coaches Award.

Humphries remained sidelined as Adelaide ended the season at MyState Bank Arena on April 24, turning a seven-point half-time lead into a 93-60 win over New Zealand, the team’s largest victory of the season and its third win from the final four games. Dech (19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals) and King (15 points and 2 steals) led Adelaide, while Chasson Randle (14 points) was New Zealand’s equal-leading scorer as the 36ers missed the playoffs and finished seventh for the third consecutive season with a 10-18 record.

MELBOURNE UNITED
2022/23
Melbourne entered NBL23 after finishing the previous regular season first with a 20-8 record before Chris Goulding’s calf injury ruled him out of the deciding semifinal loss to Tasmania. Jo Lual-Acuil (to China) departed during the off-season, while Jack White (to Denver) and Matthew Dellavedova (to Sacramento) received NBA opportunities despite being contracted, forcing coach Dean Vickerman to rebuild three starting positions. Xavier Rathan-Mayes (via Illawarra), Rayjon Tucker and Jordan Caroline were added, while David Barlow postponed his retirement.

Isaac Humphries (via Adelaide) signed with Melbourne on July 22, four days after White’s NBA move was announced and eight days before Dellavedova’s departure. His signing was therefore part of Melbourne’s off-season frontcourt rebuild rather than a late response to both NBA exits. Having spent the previous two seasons battling injuries with Adelaide, Humphries said, “I’m healthy and ready to play.”

Melbourne suffered another major setback during the NBL Blitz when Next Star Ariel Hukporti ruptured his Achilles and was ruled out for the season. Humphries was still returning from his own knee problems but suddenly became United’s only recognised centre, with Barlow, Brad Newley and Caroline forced to provide support in undersized lineups.

Melbourne opened the season at John Cain Arena on October 2, where Humphries (8 points and 6 rebounds), Rathan-Mayes (33 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Goulding (24 points and 2 steals) helped United defeat New Zealand 101-97 in overtime, while Dererk Pardon (23 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks) was the Breakers’ best.

Humphries (9.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks across 23 games) provided Melbourne with an interior scoring option and remained one of the league’s strongest rim protectors, but illness and another knee problem prevented him from appearing in every game. He missed Melbourne’s December 3 and December 5 fixtures after contracting COVID, then missed another three games following a knee strain in January.

Humphries’ best game came at the WIN Entertainment Centre on October 29, where he finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks as Melbourne defeated Illawarra 106-100 in double overtime. Rathan-Mayes (32 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists) made two late three-pointers to force the second overtime, while Tucker (13 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 steals) also contributed and Sam Froling (27 points and 15 rebounds) led the Hawks.

On November 16, Humphries publicly came out as gay after first sharing the news with his Melbourne teammates, becoming the first openly gay player in NBL history. “You can be ‘Big Ice’ and be gay, and you can still be a great basketballer,” he said, hoping his announcement would show other athletes they did not need to hide who they were.

pic.twitter.com/YTMc5bzLKc

— Isaac Humphries (@IsaacHumphries7) November 15, 2022

Humphries returned to John Cain Arena the following night and received a standing ovation before finishing with 8 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks against his former team. Tucker (23 points and 5 rebounds) and Rathan-Mayes (15 points and 4 rebounds) led Melbourne, while Robert Franks (21 points and 11 rebounds) helped Adelaide win 91-86.

Caroline (5.5 points and 6.2 rebounds across 6 games) struggled to provide the interior presence Melbourne required following Hukporti’s injury and was mutually released in November. Marcus Lee was signed for the remainder of the season, giving United another centre and allowing Melbourne to reduce the physical burden being placed on Humphries.

Humphries delivered his best defensive performance during the NBL’s first Christmas Day game, finishing with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 blocks at Qudos Bank Arena. Tucker (31 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and David Okwera (13 points, 12 rebounds, and 1 block) also contributed for an undermanned Melbourne side missing Goulding through illness, while Xavier Cooks (24 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) led Sydney to a 101-80 victory.

Humphries suffered his knee strain after playing only three minutes against Tasmania on January 7, finishing with 2 points before leaving the game. Goulding (23 points) and Lee (22 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks) helped Melbourne recover to defeat the JackJumpers 92-85, while Milton Doyle (20 points and 4 rebounds) led Tasmania. The injury ruled Humphries out of the following three games before he returned for Melbourne’s final two fixtures.

The NBL introduced its inaugural Champion Pride Round from January 25-30, with Humphries describing the initiative as another step towards making basketball a more comfortable and welcoming environment. His announcement received widespread support from teammates, opponents and supporters, with Humphries using the remainder of the season to advocate for greater LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance in professional sport.

Melbourne struggled to establish continuity during the first half of the season and fell to 5-10 before finishing its final 13 games with a 10-3 record. Tucker (18.1 points and 6.1 rebounds across 28 games), Goulding (17.1 points across 27 games), Rathan-Mayes (14.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists across 28 games), Lee (8.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks across 17 games), Shea Ili (8.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists across 14 games) and Mason Peatling (5.3 points and 4.3 rebounds across 18 games) were United’s other major contributors. Goulding earned an All-NBL Second Team selection and received Melbourne’s Most Valuable Player award, while Lee was named the club’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Melbourne entered its final game needing to defeat Adelaide and rely on Sydney to prevent Perth from overtaking it. Humphries (11 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 block), Tucker (31 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block) and Goulding (23 points and 2 steals) led United to a 116-107 victory before 10,175 fans at John Cain Arena, while Antonius Cleveland (30 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) was Adelaide’s best. Perth then defeated Sydney 96-84 to claim sixth place on points percentage, leaving Melbourne seventh with a 15-13 record.

ADELAIDE 36ERS
2023/24
Adelaide entered NBL24 after finishing eighth with a 13-15 record and missing the postseason for a second straight year under coach CJ Bruton. Although imports Robert Franks and Antonius Cleveland were contracted for another season, both were released to pursue opportunities overseas. Anthony Drmic (to Tasmania), Ian Clark (to Melbourne) and Kai Sotto (to Japan) also departed, while Daniel Johnson was not re-signed after 13 years with the club.

Bruton brought back Jason Cadee (via Brisbane) and Jacob Wiley, while adding Next Star Trentyn Flowers, AFL-to-NBL convert Alex Starling and imports Trey Kell III (via South East Melbourne) and Jamaal Franklin. Franklin was released during the NBL Blitz before playing a regular-season game.

Isaac Humphries (via Melbourne) returned to Adelaide on a one-year deal after spending NBL23 with Melbourne United, where he led the league with 1.7 blocks per game. “Super excited to get Isaac back with us and this is huge for this club,” Bruton said, with his size, defence and rim protection viewed as an important part of the rebuilt frontcourt.

Adelaide opened its season at Nissan Arena on September 29, where Humphries (17 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) led the 36ers, but Brisbane won 86-71. Wiley (15 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block) and Dech (13 points and 6 rebounds) provided support, while Nathan Sobey (18 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the Bullets.

Humphries (15.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks across 28 games) started every game, shot 56 per cent from the field and produced the most productive season of his NBL career after several injury-affected campaigns. Adelaide opened 1-4 before adding DJ Vasiljevic (via Washington), with Vasiljevic (19.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 23 games) providing another major scoring option alongside Humphries and Kell III.

The season’s low point came in Hobart on December 2, where Humphries (9 points and 6 rebounds), Vasiljevic (15 points) and Wiley (14 points and 6 rebounds) led Adelaide, but Milton Doyle (20 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists) carried Tasmania to a 94-59 win. The 36ers shot 29 per cent from the field and made only two of 11 three-pointers, with the loss leaving Adelaide at 4-9 before Bruton was dismissed and assistant Scott Ninnis took over.

Humphries’ best game came at the Cairns Convention Centre on January 13, where he finished with 28 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block, but Cairns defeated Adelaide 111-101 in overtime. Kell III (25 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) and Vasiljevic (19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) supported Humphries, while Tahjere McCall (30 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) led the Taipans. The performance earned Humphries a Fans MVP nomination, with Ninnis declaring, “He’s the best big guy in the competition, and I don’t think that’s biased on my behalf.”

That two man game 🤌

Isaac Humphries and Dejan Vasiljevic connect on back to back plays and the 36ers have blown this game open!

Watch the #NBL live on ESPN! 📺 pic.twitter.com/Yj1kIB9zNl

— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) January 13, 2024

Kell III (17.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across 25 games) and Vasiljevic led Adelaide in scoring, while Wiley (10.5 points and 7.2 rebounds across 26 games), Kyrin Galloway (5.7 points and 3.4 rebounds across 27 games), Cadee (5.5 points across 26 games) and Flowers (5.2 points across 18 games) completed the main rotation. Adelaide finished second in the NBL for rebounding at 43.5 per game but ranked last in three-point shooting at 29.9 per cent.

Humphries received the Mark Davis Trophy as Adelaide’s club MVP, with Ninnis labelling his omission from the All-NBL nominated teams “disgraceful.” After being pursued by Sydney and drawing interest from several clubs, Humphries signed a three-year extension to remain with Adelaide through the 2026/27 season. “I decided to come back to Adelaide to build on what we have been doing in the back half of the season,” Humphries said.

Adelaide finished ninth with a 12-16 record, one win and percentage short of the Play-In Tournament, before closing the season with a 76-70 win over New Zealand at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on February 18. Vasiljevic (25 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Marshall (8 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) provided support, while Parker Jackson-Cartwright (24 points, 2 assists, and 1 steal) led the Breakers, and Humphries (15 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block) played 29:35 minutes in the win.

2024/25
After finishing ninth with a 12–16 record and missing the postseason in 2023/24, Adelaide completed another major off-season overhaul. Former captain Mitch McCarron (to New Zealand), Trentyn Flowers (to Los Angeles Clippers), Jacob Wiley (to Spain), Tohi Smith-Milner (to Brisbane), Kyrin Galloway (to Cairns), Trey Kell III (to Illawarra), and Akech Aliir (to Melbourne) all departed, while Scott Ninnis was replaced by Mike Wells as head coach before the season.

Dejan Vasiljevic re-signed on a three-year deal and was appointed captain, with Fiston Ipassou, Keanu Rasmussen and Jacob Rigoni also retained. Wells added Kendric Davis (via Santa Cruz), Lat Mayen (via Cairns), Ben Griscti (via UC Riverside), Patrick D’Arcy (via Sturt), Jarell Martin (via Galatasaray), and Tom Kubank (via South Adelaide). Martin’s pre-season foot injury led to Montrezl Harrell (via Philadelphia) joining as a nominated replacement player before his contract was extended for the remainder of the season.

Humphries signed a new three-year deal in March after seriously considering a return to Sydney, committing to Adelaide through the 2026/27 season after deciding the city and the direction of the club were the best fit for the next stage of his career.

Adelaide opened the season against Sydney at HoopsFest in Perth on September 22, where Humphries (2 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists) started but the Kings won 102–94. Mayen (23 points and 4 rebounds) and Vasiljevic (23 points and 3 rebounds) led the 36ers, while Adams (25 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) was Sydney’s best.

Humphries (12.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks across 28 games) started every appearance and remained Adelaide’s primary rim protector while sharing the frontcourt with Harrell and Martin. His minutes and offensive involvement fluctuated as Wells balanced the three big men, but Humphries led the 36ers in blocks and remained an efficient scoring option around the basket.

During Adelaide’s club-record run of three consecutive defeats by at least 20 points in December, Humphries openly acknowledged that injuries, suspensions and uncertainty surrounding player roles had damaged the group’s continuity. He also questioned why his minutes had been reduced as the 36ers lost seven of eight games and slipped to eighth place.

Humphries’ best scoring game came at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on December 8, where he made 11-of-12 shots and finished with 25 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block, but Perth defeated Adelaide 115–105. Davis (37 points, 5 rebounds, and 11 assists) and Dech (13 points) supported Humphries, while Cotton (49 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) carried the Wildcats.

His best all-round game came in Hobart on January 10, where Humphries (21 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) helped Adelaide take Tasmania to overtime. Davis (39 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Harrell (19 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 blocks) also starred, while Deng (26 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals) led Tasmania before Doyle (22 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists) scored from an offensive rebound at the buzzer to give the JackJumpers a 104–103 win.

Humphries produced one of his strongest defensive performances at Qudos Bank Arena on January 24, finishing with 19 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 4 blocks as Adelaide defeated Sydney 105–96 and moved into sixth place. Davis (30 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Harrell (23 points and 11 rebounds) helped the 36ers dominate the paint, while Adams (43 points and 7 assists) led the Kings.

Davis (25.6 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1.3 steals across 27 games) led Adelaide in scoring and assists, earned All-NBL First Team honours and won the Mark Davis Trophy as club MVP. Harrell (20.7 points and 9.2 rebounds across 26 games) was selected to the All-NBL Second Team, while captain Vasiljevic (18.1 points and 4.2 rebounds across 24 games) remained the leading local scorer. Martin (8.1 points and 4.1 rebounds across 20 games), Dech (5.8 points across 22 games), and Mayen (5.6 points and 3.8 rebounds across 28 games) completed the main rotation, with Mayen receiving Adelaide’s Most Improved Player award, Dech named Best Defensive Player and Cadee (3.8 points across 29 games) receiving the Coaches’ Award.

Adelaide closed the regular season in Perth on February 7, where Humphries (6 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block) played 30:15 minutes as the Wildcats won 112–104 behind Cotton (49 points and 7 assists), despite Davis (34 points and 8 assists) and Harrell (24 points and 6 rebounds) leading the 36ers. The loss left Adelaide sixth with a 13–16 record and secured the club’s first postseason appearance since 2018.

The 36ers opened the Play-In Tournament at Qudos Bank Arena on February 13, where Humphries (8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals) helped Adelaide eliminate Sydney 95–88. Vasiljevic (25 points and 2 steals), Davis (24 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals), and Harrell (18 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 blocks) led Adelaide, while Adams (30 points and 10 assists) and Oliver (19 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks) were best for the Kings.

The final qualifier moved to John Cain Arena on February 16, where South East Melbourne recovered from a 21-point deficit and outscored Adelaide 59–30 after half-time to win 85–75 behind Hurt (25 points and 9 rebounds) and Ayre (17 points), while Davis (26 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Harrell (17 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led the 36ers and Humphries (4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) played 11:26 minutes.

2025/26After finishing sixth with a 13-15 record, defeating Sydney 95-88 in the Play-In Qualifier and then losing 85-75 to South East Melbourne, Adelaide entered Mike Wells’ second season without Kendric Davis (to Sydney), Sunday Dech (to Perth), Lat Mayen (to Perth), Nick Marshall (to Tasmania) and Jason Cadee (retired), while Dejan Vasiljevic, Isaac Humphries, Keanu Rasmussen and Ben Griscti returned from the previous season’s group.

Wells added Bryce Cotton (via Perth), Flynn Cameron (via Melbourne), Isaac White (via Brisbane), Michael Harris (via Perth), Matt Kenyon (via South East Melbourne), Zylan Cheatham (via Nagoya) and Nick Rakocevic (via Puerto Rico) as Adelaide reshaped the roster around a deeper and more experienced rotation.

Humphries entered the second season of the three-year extension he signed with Adelaide in March 2024 and was appointed co-captain alongside Vasiljevic and Cotton, marking the first time the 36ers had used three captains during the same season.

Adelaide opened the season at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on September 28, where Humphries (13 points and 6 rebounds) made all four field-goal attempts and all five free throws as the 36ers defeated Brisbane 87-80, with Cotton (39 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) and Cheatham (8 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) leading the home side, while Tyrell Harrison (17 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) was Brisbane’s best.

Humphries (12.6 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks across 42 games) started every game and remained Adelaide’s main interior scorer and rim protector, finishing efficiently around the basket while sharing the centre minutes with Rakocevic. His 61 blocks across the NBL season set a new Adelaide record for the modern 40-minute era.

His best all-round game came against South East Melbourne on October 16, where Humphries (21 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 blocks) controlled the paint as Adelaide recovered from its first loss of the season to defeat the Phoenix 88-71 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, with Cotton (28 points and 6 assists) and Cheatham (8 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assists) providing support, while Jordan Hunter (16 points and 7 rebounds) led South East Melbourne.

Humphries produced his highest-scoring game at RAC Arena on December 7, making 13 of 15 field goals and finishing with 28 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 3 blocks as Adelaide completed a 21-point comeback to defeat Perth 95-94. Cotton (21 points and 12 assists) and Cheatham (20 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals) led the fightback before Humphries blocked David Duke Jr and Cameron (8 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists) made the winning lay-up, while Kristian Doolittle (17 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists) was Perth’s best as Adelaide collected its sixth consecutive win and improved to 13-3.

Away from the court, Humphries continued to use his position to support the NBL’s Pride Round, speaking about visibility, inclusion and the importance of creating an environment where players and supporters could live authentically without judgement.

Troy Brown Jnr (4.6 points and 4.5 rebounds across 13 games; via Puerto Rico) joined as Adelaide’s third import in November before leaving in January for personal reasons, with John Jenkins (9.7 points across 18 games) initially signed as an injury replacement for Griscti before filling the vacant import position.

Cotton (25.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.6 steals across 41 games) led Adelaide in scoring and playmaking, won his sixth Andrew Gaze Trophy and earned All-NBL First Team selection. Cheatham (12 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists across 42 games), Cameron (11.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 42 games), Vasiljevic (10.7 points across 42 games) and Rakocevic (8.8 points and 6.5 rebounds across 39 games) formed the remainder of Adelaide’s main rotation.

Cheatham earned All-NBL Second Team selection and Adelaide’s Defensive Award, Cameron was named the NBL’s Most Improved Player and received the club’s Most Improved award, Rakocevic claimed the Chairman’s Award and Humphries received the Coaches Award, while Cotton also collected the Mark Davis club MVP and Members’ Choice awards.

Adelaide closed the regular season at RAC Arena on February 20, where Humphries (5 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist) played 15:05 minutes, but Perth defeated the 36ers 86-74 behind Elijah Pepper (22 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists), while Rakocevic (18 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 blocks) and Cheatham (11 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 assist) were Adelaide’s best as the team finished second with a 23-10 record.

The Ignite Cup Final followed two days later, where Humphries (10 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 4 blocks), Cotton (34 points, 3 rebounds, and 9 assists) and Rakocevic (21 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists) led Adelaide, but Parker Jackson-Cartwright (29 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) guided New Zealand to a 111-107 win and was named Ignite Cup MVP after delivering the Breakers the inaugural title.

Adelaide opened the semifinals at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre with a 104-97 win over South East Melbourne, taking control of the series behind Cotton (42 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists), Vasiljevic (17 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 1 steal), Rakocevic (14 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 block) and Humphries (7 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks), while Nathan Sobey (23 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) and Angus Glover (14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) led the Phoenix.

Game two moved to John Cain Arena, where Humphries (4 points and 1 rebound), Cotton (29 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) and Rakocevic (18 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) contributed for Adelaide, but Sobey (41 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) made eight three-pointers and John Brown III (12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) helped South East Melbourne recover from an 18-point deficit to win 101-92 and force a deciding game.

Game three returned to Adelaide, where Humphries (13 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks), Cotton (38 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists), Vasiljevic (27 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Rakocevic (14 points, 12 rebounds, and 1 block) led the 36ers to a 108-96 win, while Ian Clark (32 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) and Sobey (17 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal) led the Phoenix as Adelaide advanced to its first Championship Series in eight years.

The Championship Series opened at Qudos Bank Arena, where Humphries (10 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist), White (11 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist) and Cotton (10 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) led Adelaide, but Davis (25 points, 1 rebound, 7 assists, and 1 steal) and Tim Soares (22 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) carried Sydney to a 112-68 win, the largest margin in Championship Series history.

Game two moved to Adelaide, where Humphries (6 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 blocks) tied the most blocks by an NBL player in a finals game since 2010, while Cotton (28 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) and Cameron (17 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) led the 36ers. Davis (20 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Xavier Cooks (18 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) led Sydney before Cotton made a left-handed lay-up at the buzzer to give Adelaide a 91-89 win and end the Kings’ 14-game winning streak.

Game three returned to Sydney, where Humphries (12 points and 3 rebounds), Jenkins (22 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists) and Cheatham (17 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) led Adelaide, but Davis (34 points, 2 rebounds, and 15 assists) controlled the game without committing a turnover and Cooks (18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks) helped the Kings win 106-93.

Game four moved back to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, where Humphries (10 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal), Cheatham (23 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals) and Cotton (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 12 assists) led the 36ers, while Davis (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 10 assists) and Jaylin Galloway (20 points and 1 assist) kept Sydney close. Cotton made two free throws to put Adelaide ahead before Torrey Craig split his attempts with 2.8 seconds remaining, with Humphries collecting the rebound as the 36ers held on 92-91 and forced a deciding game.

Game five was played at Qudos Bank Arena, where Soares (20 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals) grabbed the offensive rebound and made the tying putback with 4.6 seconds remaining before Sydney outscored Adelaide 18-6 in overtime and won 113-101 in front of 18,589 fans. Davis (35 points, 1 rebound, 14 assists, and 1 steal) was named Championship Series MVP, with Cooks (19 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) also starring, while Cotton (35 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block), Cheatham (15 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) and Rakocevic (11 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 assists) led Adelaide as Sydney claimed the series 3-2. Humphries (14 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) played 27:50 minutes in the loss.

Isaac Humphries currently plays for the Adelaide 36ers and has played 171 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 11.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists since entering the league in 2017.

CURRENT CONTRACT:

Adelaide 36ers – 3 Year Deal (2024-27)

CAREER RANKINGS:
– 36th in total blocks