Adelaide 36ers' Isaac Humphries Announces Retirement from Basketball

Adelaide 36ers star Isaac Humphries has announced his retirement from competitive basketball due to a persistent knee injury, marking the end of a remarkable career that has seen him make a significant impact both on and off the court.

Humphries, 28, made history in 2022 when he came out as gay, becoming the first openly gay male NBL player. His decision to retire was shared with fans through a post on Instagram, where he expressed his sadness and gratitude for the journey he has been on.

"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," he said.

"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."

Humphries reflected on his life's dedication to the sport, acknowledging that it has given him a life he could never have imagined. "There is so much more to say, but for now, just thank you," he said. "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."

Executive chairman Grant Kelley praised Humphries, admiring his personal and professional courage. "Beyond his impact on the court, Isaac has used his platform to advocate strongly for LGBTQI+ rights and mental health awareness, making a meaningful difference in the wider community," he said.

Humphries has played 173 games in the NBL, with 124 of those games at the Adelaide 36ers over five seasons. He was named the club's MVP in the NBL24 season. Although he has not appeared for Adelaide in the current season due to his knee issue, he will continue to work with the club in a non-playing role, focusing on community, marketing, and commercial teams.