NBL moves forward with Isaac Humphries

Melbourne United's Mason Peatling longs for the day when an NBL player announcing he's gay doesn't make global headlines.

But for now, the forward will simply continue supporting teammate Isaac Humphries, who drew an international spotlight when he came out this week.

Humphries' emotional announcement was met with positive responses around the sporting world before he returned to the court on Thursday night as United crashed to a 91-86 home defeat to the Adelaide 36ers.

"He's done a really brave thing ... but we'll embrace him and hopefully one day no-one will really care (about a player's sexuality)," Peatling told reporters post-game.

"For me, nothing's going to change. We treat Isaac just the same and he's part of our club.

"We're looking forward to what comes as a result of it."

Humphries finished with eight points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks against Adelaide, showing flashes of his ability.

But he could have done more damage, making just four of 10 shots from the field and missing his two free-throws.

The 24-year-old became the only openly gay player in a men's top-tier basketball league when he made his announcement on Wednesday via a video posted on social media.

In the clip, Humphries revealed his true identity to his teammates and told them he had previously attempted to take his own life while grappling with his sexuality.

The video was viewed more than five million times in the first 24 hours after it was posted.

"It was an emotional week, but a great week," Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman said.

"We felt like our culture as a club grew in diversity and acceptance of everybody through Isaac and what he went through and the courage he had to do that."

Humphries also drew praise from the Adelaide camp, with whom he spent two seasons before joining Melbourne this year.

"We're proud of him and happy for him taking control of his life," Sixers coach CJ Bruton said.

"As a coach, I can't say enough about Isaac. I love him and I'm happy that he's happy."

Adelaide import Robert Franks tipped Humphries' bravery to have a huge effect around the world.

"It's going to be big-time," Franks said.

"For (Humphries) to step up and say that is going to give a lot more people confidence to come out and get that monkey off their back."

Sydney Kings guard Angus Glover, who has known Humphries since they were both 10 years old, was one of many rival players to message their support to the Melbourne United centre this week.

"Pretty much everyone in the league probably (reached out to Humphries)," Glover told AAP.

"I'm personally super happy for him that he's overcome his demons and has been able to come out.

"I can't speak highly enough of Isaac as a person. He's such a good guy."

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