Four months ago Eric Wallace had never heard of a Sherrin, let alone kicked one. But now the American college basketballer has signed with North Melbourne as an international rookie, with hopes of one day playing senior AFL football.

Wallace, who played college basketball in the USA, has been training with the Roos for the past two weeks after impressing at the draft combine in October. The Roos needed to make a quick decision on him by this week's deadline or request an extension.

Joining North Melboourne ... Eric Wallace. Credit:Sebastian Costanzo

The 23-year-old from North Carolina was one of 10 international prospects invited to the camp after standing out at an American combine held by the AFL in Los Angeles.

Wallace, who is 197cm and 105kg, was considered an NBA prospect during his three-college career but missed out on being drafted.