RETIRED Collingwood and Sydney forward Jesse White could be eyeing a sporting career change in the National Basketball League. 

The 196cm ex-footballer has been training with Melbourne United since he hung up the boots at the end of the Magpies' season. 

White, 29, was a talented basketballer in his youth in Queensland and has connections to shooting guard Chris Goulding.

United has finalised its 11 roster spots for the upcoming NBL season and, at this stage, hasn't put a contract offer to White, who expressed an interest in training with the squad. 

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"Jesse is enjoying the opportunity to be amongst the team at an exciting time for Melbourne United and the NBL," Melbourne United CEO Vince Crevilli said.
 
"He is an exceptional athlete who enjoys basketball and I’m excited to see how develops with us. 

"We will support him and any other elite athlete who may wish to consider switching to basketball at NBL level. 

"There are a number of athletes in various codes, particularly AFL, who have a pedigree in our sport and still have a love for the game." 

White was selected by the Swans with pick 79 in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft and played 71 games in red and white before he was traded to the Pies for pick 44 at the end of 2013. 

He booted 148 goals in 127 games over a 10-year career.