Star centre Isaac Humphries has rejected offers from NBL rivals and signed a fresh three-year contract with the Adelaide 36ers.
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Humphries' signature is a massive boost for Scott Ninnis, who was appointed full-time head coach late last month after serving as caretaker for the second half of the season.
The 211cm-tall Humphries, described by Ninnis as the best big man in the league, believes Adelaide's future is bright, despite missing this year's finals.
"I decided to come back to Adelaide to build on what we have been doing in the back half of the season," Humphries said on Thursday.
"I had several clubs show interest, which I'm very appreciative of, but ultimately I'm very happy here in Adelaide.
"I just hope we can now figure out the right pieces to put something special together.
"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."
Adelaide icon Ninnis stepped in as caretaker coach after CJ Bruton was sacked on December 5 and logged an 8-7 win-loss record.
Ninnis, appointed coach for the next two seasons, said re-signing Humphries was his top priority.
"To have Isaac locked in is a great result for our club, it's very exciting," Ninnis said.
"I made it clear from the moment I signed on as head coach I wanted Isaac, and for him to commit to the club for the next three years is fantastic."
Humphries is just the fifth player contracted on Adelaide's roster for next season, along with Dejan Vasiljevic, Sunday Dech, Jason Cadee and Nick Marshall.
Australian Associated Press
