Isaac standing tall among rim protectors

Written by Melbourne United Media

Having already become the youngest player in the 40 minute era to ever reach 100 career blocks, Isaac Humphries has continued to dominate with his defence across NBL23.

While United fell short of a Christmas Day victory on Sunday night, ‘Ice’ was exceptional, tallying 10 points, seven rebounds, but most impressively, six blocked shots.

That mark is the most any player has registered this season, however it’s an achievement the towering center is familiar with.

Over the past five seasons, there have only been 12 total games where a player has swatted six or more shots, and Humphries is responsible for four of them.

Speaking to MU Media, assistant coach Rhys Carter touched on how his rim-protecting brilliance provides a huge advantage for United.

“His ability to protect the hoop really sets our defence,” Carter said.

“It allows guys like Shea (Ili) and CG (Chris Goulding) to be aggressive at the point of attack and pressure the ball, because they know that they’ve got Ice behind them as the ultimate last line of defence.

“Ice, along with Marcus (Lee) both give us that elite rim protection, and we’re going to need the best they’ve got heading into the rest of this road trip.”

Marcus Lee’s contributions on the defensive end since joining the team also can’t be overlooked, with the former Kentucky Wildcat sitting only behind Humphries in terms of blocks per game (1.4 to Isaac’s 2).

United’s next game will come against the Brisbane Bullets on the road on New Year’s Day from 4pm.

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