"It was a bigger moment than I anticipated": Ogilvy

27 Jan 2026

NBL veteran AJ Ogilvy has been blown away by the “incredible” support he’s received since his powerful conversation with Issac Humphries.

On Thursday, as part of the NBL26 Pride Round, the NBL released a powerful conversation between Adelaide 36ers’ Isaac Humphries and former Sydney and Illawarra big man AJ Ogilvy.

The pair openly spoke about the difference in their careers, both on and off the court.

Since then, the 37-year-old Ogilvy said the reaction by the community has been “incredible”.

“I hadn't really anticipated the gravity that [conversation] would have and how big a step forward it would be,” Ogilvy said on Tuesday’s episode of NBL Now.

“I've been living pretty openly since retiring from basketball, and it's not like people in my circle didn't know or anything like that.

“But, after I had that conversation with Isaac, it kind of hit me at that moment that this was going to be a bigger thing than I anticipated.

“The reaction has just been incredible, though. I thought it might only stay in basketball circles or basketball fans in Australia. But it's completely taken off and reaching parts of the world, including Ricky Martin, I did not anticipate. It seems to have really hit a chord with people.

“While it's been a little overwhelming, and I thought my phone was going to explode the day the article was posted, it's been really lovely seeing the messages and responses from people saying it's had an impact on them.”

That impact Ogilvy touches on is a powerful one, coinciding with Pride Round’s message of inclusion during Round 19 and Round 20 of the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 season.

“It is all about inclusion and trying to make sure everyone understands and knows that basketball is a safe space,” Ogilvy said.

“There's a spot for everyone, no matter where you're from, your religious beliefs or who you may love. It's just a great sport, it's an accepting sport and it's a safe space.”

NBL action resumes on Wednesday with an Ignite Cup double-header, with Adelaide first hosting Brisbane from 7.30pm AEDT, before Perth plays South East Melbourne at 9.30pm AEDT.

Both fixtures will be broadcast live on ESPN.