Former Collingwood player Tom Wilson opens up on possible return to professional basketball

Former Collingwood player Tom Wilson is eyeing a return to professional sport as says people have been “pleasantly surprised” by his skill set.

AFL Round 10. 23/05/2021. Collingwood vs Port Adelaide at the MCG, Melbourne. Tom Wilson of the Magpies . Pic: Michael Klein

Ex-Sydney King Tom Wilson hasn’t played professional basketball for over five years following an AFL stint with Collingwood, but he believes the hard yards behind the scenes have put him in a position for another crack.

Wilson knew his time in AFL was coming to an end after suffering a back injury prior to his last season in 2023.

He was on the open market again — and purely on impulse — he decided to attend a Melbourne Tigers training session under the legendary Andrew Gaze.

He knew he’d be rusty, but he thought he’d have another crack at hoops.

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Tom Wilson at Collingwood training in 2022. Picture: Michael Klein

Wilson is eyeing a return to professional basketball. Picture: Michael Klein

Now after a NBL1 stint and training with the Phoenix, United and the Bullets, Wilson is waiting by his phone hopeful of a call-up.

“You only get the chance to be a professional athlete for a short period of time,” Wilson, 27, said.

“To be honest, I think a lot of people were a bit apprehensive about someone that hasn’t played for such a long time, which is totally understandable.

“I think for the most part people have been pleasantly surprised that my skill level is still at a pretty decent standard.

“I feel like I’m in a good head space and physical condition, so I’ve just got to stay ready for when an opportunity presents.”

Tom Wilson, who played 10 games with the Kings in 2018-19, then spent 4-years on Collingwood's list, has debuted for MEL Tigers (NBL1 South).

23 PTS / 4 REB / 7 AST in a 82-88 loss to Dandenong.

Wilson is eyeing an NBL return for '25. S.E.M & BRI got eyes on him. #NBL#NBL25pic.twitter.com/cW357L95j2

— Pleb 🎃 (@SuperCoachPleb) April 4, 2024

26-year old Tom Wilson returns to basketball! #NBL1

"We’ve been amazed at his seamless transition back... His rhythm, court vision and touch, it’s like he’d never left the game" https://t.co/kTs0wb1scEhttps://t.co/lGtOdLclvhpic.twitter.com/3xNtuZpQC5

— Jordan McCallum (@jordanmcnbl) February 23, 2024

Wilson is also trying to balance his basketball ambitions with his clothing business — Colour Plane.

It’s not easy, but he says his time in the AFL system has helped him handle the unpredictability of life on the edge as a free agent.

“It’s different after spending a fair bit of time out of the game, but it has been awesome coming back to it,” he said.

“I feel very lucky that I’ve been able to come back to the game and have a little bit of success.”

Originally published as Former Collingwood player Tom Wilson opens up on possible return to professional basketball