NBL 2022: Isaac Humphries on referee comments, hard road back to health, Ariel Hukporti’s injury

Comments about the NBL’s referees landed Isaac Humphries in hot water but the furore pales in comparison to the new United big man’s hard journey back to the court.

Isaac Humphries admits he wasn’t expecting the furore that came in the wake of his comments about the NBL’s referees, but he’s put the saga behind him as he gears up for his Melbourne United debut.

Humphries was fined $1500 after he went on radio and gave an honest answer to a question about the much-maligned refs, saying they were “not great”.

The rejuvenated 24-year-old is refusing to let the issue distract him from his preparation for Sunday’s clash with New Zealand.

“Look, it’s happened and I’m moving on, it was what it was,” Humphries said.

“I’m not looking at it anymore.

“Move on. On to the first game of the season — it’s about basketball, not anything else.”

Isaac Humphries won’t let the furore around his referee comments distract him from preparations for his Melbourne United debut. Picture: Getty Images

There have been quiet nods of agreement with Humphries’ comments in clubland — and more vocal backing from fans.

Watch every game of the 2022/23 NBL Season on ESPN on Kayo Sports. Season starts this Saturday October 1. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

The NBL only has two full-time referees, the rest part-timers. United coach Dean Vickerman said the league had made a “strong statement” with Humphries’ sanction but hoped to see more full-time whistleblowers in the near future.

The comments increase scrutiny on a refereeing crew that has to deal with a number of new rules around fouls and reviews.

Humphries was impressive in the NBL Blitz. Picture: Getty Images

‘I’LL BE WHOLE’

Knee and foot injuries ravaged much of the Sydney native’s past two seasons.

Sitting out took its toll, but his “journey” became a “relentless obsession” to get back on the court.

Working with a nutritionist, psychologist, and former Melbourne United head of performance Nik Popovic, the ex-Atlanta Hawk revamped his body composition and mindset.

He hasn’t lost big weight but shed “baby fat” for a more lean, muscular body composition.

“I wasn’t fat, by any means, but I was young and I needed to go through a gruelling physical shift,” he said.

“I was so mentally tough on myself — in a good way — and never took a day off.

“I feel pain free, injury free, I get to start on a positive note and give it my best — physically, emotionally, mentally, I’ll be whole.”

Humphries was right with teammate Ariel Hukporti as he was helped from the court in Darwin. Picture: Getty Images

HEARTBREAK AND OPPORTUNITY

The United boys are calling Humphries “young vet”, owing to a basketball resume that belies his tender years.

With young centre Ariel Hukporti’s season-ending injury, Vickerman says the 211cm giant is now “the prime guy at centre for us”.

The Kentucky product said it took time to get over the shattering feeling of his teammate’s injury.

“It was heartbreaking to see what happened, I just really felt that, like a brother was really hurting and I hated it,” he said.

“I know I have a bigger role now, I have to step up, facilitate for my teammates, dominate inside.

“I’m happy to do it and it all comes back to the fact that I’m physically able to.”

Humphries fined for ref critique

—Matt Logue and Michael Randall

The NBL has handed Melbourne United centre Isaac Humphries a $1500 fine, with $500 suspended, for labelling the referees “not great” in a radio interview.

The league released a statement on Thursday night saying Humphries’ comments had breached the NBL Code of Conduct.

With the NBL’s officiating of big men in the spotlight on the eve of the new season, South East Melbourne has also sought clarification from the referees after import wrecking ball Alan Williams’ pre-season was hampered by foul trouble.

It comes in a week where Humphries has questioned the NBL referees and big men had no choice but to “deal with that”.

Melbourne United recruit Isaac Humphries has given a blunt assessment of the standard of NBL referring, slamming officials 👀 via @mattlogue7. https://t.co/kYkEWygYYs

— Herald Sun Sport (@heraldsunsport) September 28, 2022

The 203cm, 118kg Williams fouled out three times in his five Phoenix lead-up games and, with the return of 216cm Chinese tower Zhou Qi — who committed the sixth-most fouls in the league in NBL22 — Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell told News Corp he was keen to work with the referees early in a bid to avoid a repeat of last season.

“We had a meeting with referees in regards to Alan Williams, keeping abreast of what they’re looking for and how we can best help our players avoid the pitfalls (of foul trouble),” Mitchell said.

“They’ve been really helpful in trying to solve the problem because they recognise it as well.

“I don’t know why those two, Zhou for a whole season and Allan in a very short period are garnering so much of their attention.”

The Phoenix sought clarity from the refs over their officiating of Alan Williams. Picture: Getty Images

In one NBL Blitz game against Sydney, there were 58 fouls called — both Williams and Sydney big man Tim Soares were disqualified, as was Phoenix guard Owen Foxwell, while five other players incurred four fouls. It made for an ugly evening in Darwin.

Last season, Qi averaged nearly 4.3 fouls per game and was regularly forced from the game in early trouble.

The NBL still works closely with retired NBA referee Ronnie Nunn, who officiated in the NBA for 19 seasons, including five as the league’s Director of Officials.

Nunn is in an educator role and attended the recent pre-season Blitz in Darwin and had productive conversations with all 10 teams, who provided honest feedback about the league’s officiating.

The NBL’s referees also visit each club during pre-season and Mitchell said Williams joined in the meeting to ensure his understanding of their expectations was crystal clear.

“Alan was very appreciative,” Mitchell said.

“This was really just a straighten up, let’s just find out what are the expectations, how can we do this better?

“I think we know where we stand and we’re in a good spot to give our best on the weekend (against Tasmania).”