Former Collingwood forward Tom Wilson has secured an NBL deal with Melbourne United for the coming season, returning to the competition after five years on an AFL list.
Wilson was recruited by the Magpies in 2019 out of the basketball system, having represented the Melbourne Tigers, Sydney Kings and Australia at the junior level before earning AFL interest.
The 27-year-old played eight games for Collingwood in the top flight, making his debut against Sydney in 2021. He would play a career-high four games that year, managing three the following season.
Wilson played just one game in Collingwood's 2023 premiership campaign before being delisted by the club.
He has spent the last year with the Melbourne Tigers in the NBL1 competition, with a strong return to the hardwood seeing Wilson now secure a move to the national competition.
โIt's super exciting, it feels like a dream come true,โ Wilson told United's media arm.
โI feel really privileged. It's not an opportunity that a lot of people get. I was out of the game for five years but had a connection with (United Assistant Coach) Rhys Carter, who I actually used to play against, and he and the group always made me feel really welcome coming into Hoop City.
โI'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.โ
Wilson, who averaged 19.06 points, 5.06 assists and 6.29 rebounds per game in the NBL1 South completion in 2024, has signed a one-year deal with United.
He has played four games for the Tigers in the side's 2025 campaign, averaging 27.50 disposals, 5.75 assists and 9.00 rebounds.
