United add hot-scoring guard Tom Wilson for NBL26

Melbourne United have added another exciting piece to our NBL26 roster with the addition of scoring guard Tom Wilson on a one-year deal.

Having returned to basketball full-time last NBL1 season, Wilson had re-established himself as one of the most dangerous local guards in the competition.

Wilson previously suited up for the Sydney Kings in NBL19 following a standout junior career which saw him lead Australian to a silver medal at the 2014 U17 FIBA World Championships alongside former United stars Jack White and Isaac Humphries, and a pair of appearances for the Boomers during the 2019 Asia Cup Qualifiers.

The guard would ultimately leave the sport for four years, joining the Collingwood Magpies in the AFL before returning in 2023.

Speaking to Melbourne United Media, Wilson 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.

United Head Coach Dean Vickerman said seeing how he’s been able to perform both in the NBL1, as well as as a practice player for portions of NBL25, he believes 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 joins Chris Goulding, Shea Ili, Tanner Krebs, Kyle Bowen, Fabijan Krslovic and Dash Daniels as rostered players for the NBL26 season.

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