Aussie basketball trailblazer forced into retirement at 28
Australian basketballer Isaac Humphries, the star who in 2022 became the first openly gay player in NBL history, has been forced into retirement at 28 because of a knee injury.
Humphries announced in an emotional social media post on Tuesday that after 173 NBL games with the Sydney Kings, Adelaide 36ers and Melbourne United he was calling time on his career.
Isaac Humphries has retired at 28. Getty Images
“Thank you, basketball,” Humphries wrote.
“I’m so sad to say goodbye like this.
“Sometimes life deals you cards that tell your story for you, and 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 feeling 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.”
Humphries finished his career with the Adelaide 36ers, where he played from 2023-2026 in his second stint at the club.
The New South Welshman won the NBL’s Rookie of the Year award in 2017-18 and developed into one of the best centres in the league.
He won the 36ers’ MVP in 2024 and is a former Adelaide co-captain.
He also played for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA and represented the Boomers – the Australian men’s team – a number of times.
He came out as gay in November 2022 during his time at Melbourne United, saying he had “hidden something about myself my whole life”.
Isaac Humphries in action for the Adelaide 36ers in 2024. Getty Images
“I hope the identity I created lives on in every person who wears my jersey, and in every place I was lucky enough to call home,” Humphries said in his retirement announcement.
“It’s not exactly a goodbye, but maybe an until I see you soon.
“So for now, and from your No.8, thank you.”
Humphries has taken on a non-playing role at the 36ers working with the community, marketing and commercial teams.
According to News Corp, the 36ers are set to sign former NBA player Mangok Mathiang as a replacement for Humphries.
