Rising Australian basketball star Shyla Heal has seized the chance to be coached in the WNBL by her celebrated father Shane, signing a multi-year deal with the Sydney Uni Flames.

Two weeks after being selected as the eighth pick in the WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky, 19-year-old confirmed she will also continue her WNBL career in Sydney.

The talented point guard joins the Flames off the back of a breakout season for the Townsville Fire, having helped the club to the grand final.

Boomers great Shane Heal is the new Flames coach and his daughter relished the chance to continue a long and fruitful basketball collaboration.

“I’m really excited to sign in Sydney and play for my dad. He has coached me since I started playing and always gets the best out me,” she said in a statement.

“It’s an exciting time to be playing in Sydney with the FIBA Women’s World Cup being played here next year, and I can’t wait to be part of this new-look Flames team.”

Loading

Shyla Heal joins Lauren Mansfield and Funda Nakkasoglu as contracted Flames players for the upcoming season.

Shane Heal had little doubt about what she would bring to the club.

“Her work ethic and mindset will only enhance the culture we are trying to create in our first year,” he said.

“She has shown she can be one of the best point guards in the country and having her as a key part of our team will help bring out the best in our players, and give us a chance to seriously compete immediately.”

AAP



Source link