Axemen basketball welcomes Colin Tilley as first commit for 2025-26 season

One of New Brunswick’s top high school basketball players is joining the Acadia Axemen, as Rothesay’s Colin Tilley has committed to the program for the 2025-26 season.

Tilley, a 6’3 guard, was named 2024-25 Player of the Year after a dominant season with Rothesay High School. A two-time league all-star, he set the school’s all-time scoring record while averaging 29.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game in his senior year.

On the national stage, Tilley represented Team New Brunswick at three national championships, leading the 2024 Canada Basketball Nationals in scoring. He also put up standout performances in tournament play, including averaging 45 points per game at the 2024 Citadel Tournament, where he scored 53 points against Horton High.

Acadia head coach Mike Leslie praised Tilley’s talent and competitive edge.

“Colin is a very talented player who has performed at a high level over the past two seasons, both with his high school program and with Basketball NB programs,” Leslie said. “He exhibits grit and toughness to complement a highly competitive spirit. His offensive talents are obvious, and he will add immediate depth to the Axemen roster for the coming season. Colin is an excellent student and great teammate, and we are very pleased to have him choose Acadia as the next step in his basketball and education journey.”

For Tilley, committing to Acadia is a meaningful decision.

“Growing up getting to watch my brother play at Acadia allowed me to see what it’s really like and made me want to play here,” he said. “The community is great, and being from a smaller town, it really reminds me of home. From the first time I stepped on campus, I knew it was a great fit for me.”

Tilley will study business administration while beginning his university basketball career.