“I didn’t show enough”: Humphries ready to rise again

Isaac Humphries has been a fixture in the NBL since 2017, but at just 27, he’s still very much in his prime.

Last season brought its challenges. With a deep frontcourt at the Adelaide 36ers, Humphries had to battle for court time and ended up playing limited minutes during the team’s Finals campaign.

Still, he made his presence felt. The former Rookie of the Year averaged 11.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, and now, with a clear role in a star-studded starting five, he’s primed to get back to his best.

“I personally would love to step up in involvement on the court. I feel like last year, I didn't show enough of what I can do and what fans have seen me do previously,” Humphries told the club’s website.

“I really want to just kind of get back to where I've been in the past, be more dominant, and be more of a presence on the court.

“They've (the coaches) expressed very heavily that they want to see me step up in leadership and sort of just have a bit more involvement in that space, which I'm very excited to do.”

The 36ers have gone all-in on building a championship-ready roster, headlined by the marquee arrivals of Bryce Cotton and Zylan Cheatham, and the return of Montrezl Harrell for a second year.

Now, it’s about turning that talent into chemistry - the kind that transforms a stacked lineup into a championship team. 

“I think pre-season for all of us is going to be about finding where we fit in all of that, and finding our roles and within our system, just understanding where we fit and how we can make an impact,” Humphries said.

“You're not going to get every shot. That's just the reality. But I think the sign of a real pro and a seasoned pro is just finding that little niche thing that you can do, and what you can be really good at, and what you can do for the team.”

Humphries says the club's powerbrokers have put the team in an incredible spot. Now it's over to them.

“At the end of the day, I really think we'll do something special this year,” he added.

“There's a buzz around the city, there's a buzz around the club, and I think if everyone, including myself, can give in to the team aspect and what's best for the team, I think we'll do really well.”

Read the full story here >> Refreshed Humphries ready for NBL26

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