Tom Wilson to bypass college and turn professional
After a whirlwind few months where his future has been in constant limbo, Tom Wilson will search to hire an agent and look to start a professional basketball career.
Initially, Wilson committed to SMU, with legendary head coach Larry Brown a major factor in his decision. Wilson was keen to play under Brown’s tutelage, however, when the 76-year-old decided to resign in July 2016, the Australian’s time with the Mustangs became a rough few months.
Struggling to receive constant playing time at SMU where he was averaging just 6.1 minutes per game, Wilson transferred to Boise State in December. NCAA rules indicated that Wilson would have to sit out a year before taking the court for the Broncos, which has led to him making another change of heart.
Via a report from Fox Sports Australia’s Olgun Uluc, Wilson will sign with an agent and will explore his professional options. With the NBL season winding down, Wilson will likely join a slew of Australians playing in Europe.
Wilson will now be taking a similar route to that of fellow countryman, Jonah Bolden.
Bolden, who is impressing with FMP Belgrade in the Adriatic League, has flown up NBA draft boards. As of February 3rd, DraftExpress has Bolden at the 47th selection in their 2017 NBA mock draft.
After playing one season with UCLA, Bolden endured a messy exit from the school, filled with NCAA rules and regulations underlining it. Since leaving the collegiate system though, Bolden has been able to thrive overseas and attract eyeballs, something Wilson will be hoping to replicate.
Harry Froling also joined Wilson on leaving SMU, and has since committed to playing with Marquette. Given the circumstances are almost identical to that of Wilson, Froling may also yet choose to turn his back on college to turn professional as well although there has been no news on this to date.
In his 10 games with SMU, Wilson averaged 1.6 points, 1.0 rebound and 0.5 assists, an inaccurate representation of how much potential the 6’4’’ guard has.
Before heading to college, Wilson made his name at the FIBA U17 World Championships, where he posted 12.3 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. This included a standout performance in the gold medal game against the USA, where Wilson put up 23 points.