Humphries extends Adelaide stay

The Adelaide 36ers have continued their run of retaining key pieces heading into next season, and have re-signed star center Isaac Humphries to a three-year deal.

Humphries’ re-signing followed the retention of interim head coach Scott Ninnis on a two-year deal, and the three-year deal signed by star guard DJ Vasiljevic earlier in the season.

His re-commitment to the 36ers comes after rumours Humphries was being pursued by the Sydney Kings, who he played for in his rookie NBL18 campaign.

The former Atlanta Hawk returned to Adelaide following one season at Melbourne United, where he put the string of injuries suffered during his first stint at the 36ers behind him, and re-established himself as one of the premier bigs in the competition.

He was key to Adelaide’s rise under Ninnis in the back half of the season, and his performances catapulted him into All-NBL calculations and saw him named as the club’s MVP following the end of the 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.

“I had several clubs show interest, which I’m very appreciative of, but ultimately, I’m very happy here in Adelaide.

“I love it here and I just hope we can now figure out the right pieces to put something special together.

“I feel at home in Adelaide, we started to feel pretty good towards the end of the season and now we need to find some good people who can contribute to our team and our community.”