Tom Wilson makes his NBL return

Feature image via: Xavier Papadakos

Melbourne Tigers star Tom Wilson has signed with the Melbourne United for the coming NBL26 season.

His last NBL season was in NBL19, ironically under Andrew Gaze as head coach (his current Tigers coach). He then transitioned to AFL, where he played for Collingwood within their AFL and VFL system for five seasons. 

He made his fabled return to the court last season with his junior club, the Tigers, and averaged 19.4 points and 6.3 rebounds and five assists per game. 

He trained with both the Phoenix and United last season, clearly winning the affection of head coach Dean Vickerman. He explained how seeing Wilson being able to perform both in the NBL1, as well as a practice player for portions of NBL25, makes him believe the 27-year-old guard is ready to be back in the NBL.

“In his second year back in the NBL1, he’s just playing at a really elite level,” Vickerman said.

“It’s been great to see him re-discover a love for the game and you can see that on the court. He’s been dominant against high level competition.

“We had the opportunity to have him practice with us last season and I was really impressed with the guard skill set that he had. Seeing him play in our building against our guys gave us confidence that he was ready to return to the league." 

Wilson said couldn’t be happier to get another chance to contribute to winning basketball with United.

“It’s super exciting, it feels like a dream come true,” he said.

“I 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.

“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.”

Through his first four games of the NBL1 South season, Wilson has averaged 27.5 points, 9 rebounds and 5.75 assists.

The Tigers' next game will be on ANZAC Day eve against the Nunawading Spectres. Watch live via NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App.