Now 7 feet tall, Cronulla-raised Isaac Humphries was one of
our early recipients. He started playing basketball when he was 12 and quickly
became a rep player for Sutherland then NSW and Australia. The early
commitments for Isaac’s family were significant and the MPF was able to
guarantee he could compete and follow a dream that is now very much a reality.
In 2013 Isaac left the shire for the AIS in Canberra and was selected to play
at the World Cup in Dubai wearing green and gold. Isaac’s life changed forever
due to his outstanding performance at the titles. He broke the all-time record
for most points scored at a World Cup including 41 points in the game against
Canada. He made the World starting 5 at the tournament and the phones began to
ring. Once the USA had him in their sights, Isaac left Australia and accepted a
scholarship with La Lumiere High School. He was courted by nearly every major US
college after that.
It was the reputation of John Calapari that swayed Isaac to join The University
of Kentucky Wildcats in 2015. After a very solid first season, Isaac graced the
court in season 2 as part of the starting 5. He appeared in 38 games for the
Wildcats in the 2016–2017 season.
He has taken time to play for Sydney Kings and for FMP
Beograd in Serbia. In 2017–2018 he was named NBL Rookie of the Year. Playing
for Australia at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, Isaac recorded 17 points and 7
rebounds against Kazakhstan.
Isaac was drafted to the NBA. He appeared in 46 games (34 starts) with Erie Bay
Hawks of the NBA G League, then was contracted to the Atlanta Hawks. He signed
with Orlando Magic in 2019.
Isaac plays weekly in front of 20,000 basketball
fans and his life has been one of flying in the college private jet throughout the
USA to frequent interviews autograph signings.
Isaac’s workload is intense and training regime enormous and he has created his
own destiny.
I know he holds MPF in high regard and remembers those tough times and our
timely help. We wish him all the best in the next part of this amazing journey.