Surrey’s Miguel Tomley takes his talents to Portugal with Maia Basket Clube, chasing his NBA dream after a standout NCAA career.
From Surrey Star to European Pro
It feels like yesterday when Miguel Tomley lit up the scoreboard for Surrey’s Tamanawis Wildcats, rewriting B.C. high school basketball records. Now, seven years later, the 25-year-old guard is heading overseas to begin his professional journey.
This fall, Tomley will suit up for Maia Basket Clube, a Proliga team based just north of Porto, Portugal. For the former Newton resident, it marks not only his first pro contract but also his first trip to Europe.
The NBA Dream Still Burns Bright
While Tomley is embracing this new chapter, his ultimate goal remains clear — a shot at the NBA. “It’s still the dream,” he admitted. “Playing in Europe is a big step, but it also keeps the door open. Scouts watch closely here, and you never know what can happen.”
A Journey Built on Hard Work
Tomley’s path has been far from easy. After graduating from Tamanawis in 2018, he played at Santa Clara, Idaho, and Weber State. At Idaho, he averaged 14 points per game, leading the Big Sky in three-point shooting percentage. His consistency caught the attention of both Canadian and European teams, but in the end, Portugal felt like the right fit.
Coach Mike McKay, who guided him through high school, couldn’t be prouder. “Miguel worked harder than anyone we’ve ever had,” McKay said. “His success is no accident. He earned it.”
Lessons From NCAA Basketball
Though his university career ended with health setbacks at Weber State, Tomley doesn’t dwell on regrets. Instead, he recalls battling top NCAA programs, sharing the court with future NBA stars, and building lifelong friendships. One of his former teammates, Jalen Williams, now thrives with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
More Than Just Basketball
Beyond the court, Tomley has always valued education. With degrees in sociology and criminology, he has career options outside of basketball — from law enforcement to professional sales. Still, his focus remains on climbing the European basketball ranks, with hopes of catching NBA eyes along the way.
Embracing the Journey
As he prepares for his first season in Portugal, Tomley’s mindset is simple: stay ready and enjoy the ride. “I’m presenting the best version of myself, on and off the court,” he said. “If the NBA happens, it happens. Until then, I’m embracing every step.”
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