Price resigns, Heal new coach of Dragons

[Choppies]

http://nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&aid=4068

Mark Price has resigned as head coach of the South Dragons and been replaced by Shane Heal, effective immediately, Dragons management announced on Monday.

“Mark Price offered his resignation to the Dragons board this morning (Monday) and the club understands, respects and accepts the reasons for his decision,” club chairman Mark Cowan said.

“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.”

Price said a number of factors had contributed to his decision, including a desire to return to the United States with his family.

Cowan said discussions between the board and Price about the team’s performances had been ongoing, and that neither party was satisfied with the way the Dragons had started the season.

“We look forward to moving ahead with Shane in charge,” Cowan said. “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."

“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.”

Cowan said he had told the coaching staff and the Dragons playing group of Price’s decision at a meeting earlier on Monday.

“Clearly this is not an ideal scenario for the South Dragons, but we have the utmost respect for Mark as a person and for the enormous contribution he has made to this sport for so many years.”

“The South Dragons thank Mark for his efforts during his time with the organisation and wish him and his family all the very best in the future."

Heal will coach the Dragons for the first time when they play the Adelaide 36ers in Adelaide on Wednesday night.

In other changes the Dragons announced Monday, Guy Molloy will join the club as Assistant Coach. Following a successful WNBL coaching career, Guy was head coach at Cairns Taipans and has also coached at the AIS.

Todd Fuller, one of the two Dragon’s American imports, has been released, and the club is currently searching for a replacement player.

Dragons = Certain spooners

 

[Bomber]

So you think they'll lose to West Sydney? :crazy:

I don't think the Dragons have been doing that badly...certainly the nucleus of a good side is there. It would be interesting to see their next game against Cairns - especially more so now that Heal is in charge, with Guy Molloy, previously the Taipans coach, as his 2IC.

 

[Bluebag]

Quite a shock in sacking Price and Todd Fuller, they are a new team and need time to come together, this is a short sighted action given that they have been very competitive.
If they were to sack anyone sack Heal, he only wants to shoot the three's and at every opportunity. They will go backwards under his coaching and while ever he runs the point.

If any club were to sack their coach it should be the razorbacks.

 

[Panthers_God]

Whats this they got rid of Todd Fuller aswell?

He is there only big man, there stuffed!

btw, did anyone see Hammer play on sunday, dear god that man was amazing in the first quarter, 5/5 threes. Pity he aint playing for the Kings no more

 

[RK]

I dont agree with Heal being the coach of the team as well as play. Coaches are not allowed on the court, instant bench tech, so are they going to give him some lieniency???

 

[joel caine number 1 fan]

wasnt Heal doing the choach on sunday lol he seemed too shut out Price every chance he got

im one of heal's biggest fans but how is he ssuppose too make us play Defense and losing Fuller is nuts he was our best vs melbourne

 

[Panthers_God]

Dragons played good in stretches tonight but lack consitancy. ... and a big man

 

[Mr Saab]

Mark Price was screwed.

 

[Collingwood Storm]

you should have heard the interview with owner mark cowan on SEN melb sports radio a couple of hours after mark price had a crack at shane heal....he was a moron and couldnt answer a question straight away without sh1tting himself

 

[Mr Saab]

The franchise was a disgrace from day one.
They chased the wrong people and now they are paying the "price" for it

 

[Bluebag]

It was funny to listen to Heal last night at half time saying they were struggling with the boards and were undersized, correct me If I am wrong but didn't he get rid of their main rebounder. The Dragons have 1 star and that is Joe Ingles but Heal has the rep, let me shoot I am the star, this will be a long year for them and they were playing a team who was 1-5.

Price was a scapegoat, get us media coverage use your name to promote us them seeya as Heal stabs him in the back.
Price was the one who had a career in rthe NBA Heal had only a modicum of games with little success other than to build his massive ego.

When will Cowan sack Heal as the player coach system does not work at all.