Price stands down, Heal takes reins

Mark Price has resigned as head coach of the South Dragons and been replaced by Shane Heal, effective immediately, Dragons management announced today.

Four time NBA All Star, Mark Price today stood down from his role as head coach of the new NBL franchise after an operational meeting midway through last week were he was asked to step down and refused he today accepted the resignation and realised he was not the person the club wanted leading them in the future.

Shane Heal will become player - coach for the Dragons and steps down as captain as both Matt Shanahan and Kavossy Franklin were named co-captains.

The Dragons lost their fifth game last night against the Melbourne Tigers losing 128-108 forcing the board to follow through on the meeting, which they had after the teams fourth lost, and asked Price to resign. Price refused to resign but decided after last night’s loss that he had had enough and his services at the club were immediately abandon.

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

“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 that he let the playing group and coaching staff know of the decision earlier today (Monday) and it wasn’t exactly the way the club wanted things to go but it must move on. “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.

On Friday after 24 hours of consultation with his family Heal accepted the position offered to him meaning that he knew Price’s fate going into the last nights game against the Tigers.

The next day on Saturday Cowan met with former Cairns and AIS coach, Guy Molloy to offer him an assistant coaching job with the club.

Price was just on a one year contract with the club and was not the only one to leave the club with former NBA big man and one of their two imports, Todd Fuller being released from his contract. The club is now in search of a new import to replace the loss of starting centre in Fuller.

Heal will start what is a huge challenge for him on Wednesday night up against Adelaide in Adelaide and if it comes of Cowan and the Dragons will look like sensational operators if it fails then the Dragons may not be in existence for as long as was first thought.

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