Factual. Independent. Impartial.
Support AAP with a free or paid subscription
Sport
Shayne Hope

Wilson bounces back to the NBL after AFL stint

After playing eight AFL games with Collingwood, Tom Wilson is returning to the NBL. (Ellen Smith/AAP PHOTOS)

Melbourne United have added another piece to their roster for the upcoming NBL season with the addition of former AFL player Tom Wilson.

Wilson, who played eight AFL games for Collingwood, returned to basketball full-time in the second-tier NBL1 last year.

The 27-year-old has since re-established himself as a dangerous scoring guard.

He returns to the NBL with Melbourne on a one-season deal, having previously played for the Sydney Kings during the 2018-19 season.

"It's super exciting, it feels like a dream come true," Wilson said.

"I feel really privileged. It's not an opportunity that a lot of people get.

"I'm excited about the basketball player I can become with this team.

"I think the experiences I've had in basketball and in footy are only going to help me moving forward."

Tom Wilson
Tom Wilson (L) last played for the Sydney Kings but has also suited up for the Boomers. (David Rowland/AAP PHOTOS)

Wilson has represented Australia at multiple levels, notably leading the country to a silver medal at the 2014 Under-17 FIBA World Championship.

He also twice suited up for the Boomers during the 2019 Asia Cup Qualifiers.

Wilson joins a Melbourne team seeking to remain in title contention despite the loss of NBA championship winners Matthew Dellavedova and Jack White.

Chris Goulding, Shea Ili, Tanner Krebs, Kyle Bowen, Fabijan Krslovic and Next Star signing Dash Daniels are also on United's roster for next season.

Melbourne have been runners-up in the last two NBL seasons under long-time coach Dean Vickerman, losing championship series to Illawarra and Tasmania.

The 2025-26 NBL season tips off in September.

License this article

Sign up to read this article for free
Choose between a free or paid subscription to AAP News
Start reading
Already a member? Sign in here
Top stories on AAP right now