AUS - Former Boomer Heal takes top job of South Dragons

MELBOURNE (NBL) - Shane Heal (pictured) has been appointed as head coach of NBL new boys South Dragons after the resignation of Mark Price.

The former NBA star stepped down on Monday citing a number of factors, including disappointment with the team’s performance and a desire to move back to America.

Club chairman Mark Cowan told www.nbl.com.au: “Mark Price offered his resignation to the Dragons board this morning (Monday) and the club understands, respects and accepts the reasons for his decision.

“Head coaching duties of the South Dragons will be assumed by Shane Heal, who has been appointed for the remainder of the 2006/07 Philips Championship.

“We look forward to moving ahead with Shane in charge. Shane is one of the league’s all-time great players, a tremendous leader, passionate about the sport and has shown in his short time with the Dragons that he is committed to the success of this club."

Price, who played collegiately at George Tech and went on to have a solid career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, was a high profile appointment for the Dragons’ first season, but things did not go smoothly for him.

The team lie bottom of the ladder, after having failed to win a game so far.

Now four-times Olympian Heal will guide the team for the rest of the season.

Cowan said: “Shane has never been one to back away from a challenge, and we’re confident that he has the leadership, communication skills and understanding of the league to be successful in his new role.”

Heal should certainly instil some fight into the Dragons.

Before the 1996 Olympics, he famously squared up to NBA great Charles Barkley in a game between Australia and the Team USA.

By PA Sport