Isaac Humphries has revealed he is gay, making the announcement in an emotional video posted on social media titled 'Just be you'.
The Aussie basketball star becomes the only openly-gay player in a top-tier men's basketball competition in the world.
He also joins A-League player Josh Cavallo as the only openly-gay male athletes in Australia's major sporting codes.
Humphries shared the news of his sexuality with his Melbourne United teammates in a heartfelt speech, concluding by saying 'I just want to be myself'.
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"We, as athletes, as professional athletes, have a responsibility to set examples for people," Humphries said.
"The truth is there are so many people in other worlds that are struggling every single day and don't know how to get up, (and) don't know how to exist. I know how that feels, and I want to represent those people.
"That's my goal behind this: make sure people know you can be whatever you want, no matter who you are or what you do. You can be big Ice and be gay, and you can still be a great basketball player and be gay. You can do whatever you want. It has nothing to do with your sexuality, or who you are, or who you're meant to be, or who you're expected to be. I just want to be myself. I discovered this is my purpose in life, and I'm gonna give it my best go."
During his announcement, Humphries also opened up about his mental health battles in the past.
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"A few years ago, I fell into a very dark place, a very lonely place," he said.
"I couldn't be who I am, and I attempted to take my life. The main reason behind me becoming so low and being in that point is because I was very much struggling with my sexuality and coming to terms with the fact that I'm gay.
"I hated it about myself. I was disgusted at myself. I thought that I could not be that person within our environment, within a basketball environment. It wasn't until I was in a community that's full of pride and happiness and joy; it was a big wake up call for me.
"But then came the big question mark of how do I be a basketball player, and how do I join a new team when I've finally come to terms with this about myself and I don't wanna hide who I am anymore. I decided that, if I'm gonna join a team, that I'm gonna come out publicly, and just make sure people know that you can live. And you don't have to hide, just because you're an athlete."
Humphries' coming out news was met with widespread praise from the wider sports community Down Under.
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When the 24-year-old posted the clip of his incredibly-well-worded speech on Instagram, fans and fellow players alike all flocked to the comments section to throw their behind him.
"Our whole organisation is just so proud of Isaac," Melbourne United CEO Nick Truelson said.
"Today is an incredible step in Isaac's journey, and we as a club are wholeheartedly supportive of him. Not only as a member of our club, but as a person. This is a momentous occasion for him personally, but also for male sport on a global scale."
"Our purpose at Melbourne United is to use the power of basketball to enrich the lives of our community, and this includes a strong focus on inclusion and diversity. We are thrilled that Isaac has identified our club as a safe space in which he can be his true self."
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Humphries is only the second male basketball player in history to come out as gay while still plying their trade in a top-tier league, joining Jason Collins who came out in 2013 while playing in the NBA.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@isaachumphries7/AlamyTopics: Australia, NBA, Basketball