Heal and Gaze return to NBL

National Basketball League (NBL), legends Andrew Gaze and Shane Heal will make a welcome return to the game next week following their announcement as assistant coaches for the NBL All-Star Game.

Heal will join former Sydney Kings head coach Brian Goorjian on the bench for the Aussie All-Stars while Gaze will assist World All-Stars head coach Phil Smyth (Adelaide 36ers) as they mentor the superstars of the Philips Championship.

“The Virgin Blue Velocity NBL All-Star Game brings together the superstars the Philips Championship,” said NBL Commissioner Rick Burton.

“Having two of the greatest ever NBL players participating as assistant coaches for this gala event is a great way for us to honour our rich history. I’m sure the teams will benefit greatly from the involvement of Andrew Gaze and Shane Heal as assistants.”

Gaze, who was a seven-time NBL MVP and four-time NBL All-Star (1989, 1991, 1997 and 2004) will bring a knowledge of the game that is unsurpassed. He won NBL Championships in 1993 and 1997 with the Melbourne Tigers and still leads the League all-time in scoring (18,908 points) and most games played (612).

“I can’t wait to get back out on the court and experience the game from a coaching perspective,” Gaze said.

“The World All-Stars boast a fantastic line up with plenty of talent and excitement, so it’s going to be one hell of a game.”

Heal, a veteran of 17 seasons in the NBL, will team up with long-time friend Brian Goorjian to lead the Aussie All-Stars on Tuesday night. Heal joined forced with Goorjian in 2003 as they led the Sydney Kings to their first-ever NBL championship.

Gaze and Heal will also serve as two of the four judges for the Philips NBL Dunk Competition. Joining them on the judging panel is former Sydney Kings star Damian Keogh.

In other Dunk Competition news, Cairns Taipans youngster Deba George will replace the injured Liam Rush in this year’s event. Rush strained his groin early this week and is unavailable for Tuesday night’s event.

The diminutive George will make his second appearance in the Dunk Competition in as many years and will be hoping to upset the crowd by beating home-town favourite Rolan Roberts. At just 180cm, George will be by far the shortest player in the competition.

Tickets for the NBL All-Star Game and the Dunk Competition are still available from Ticketmaster (phone 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au).

Related Articles:

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All-Stars Dunk Competition Field Selected (Thurs Nov 24)
Smyth and Goorjian to lead NBL All-Stars (Mon Nov 21)
NBL All-Star format revealed (Sat Nov 5)