NBL 2006/07

[sydney-dog]

SOUTH Dragons player-coach Shane Heal has already made the first mistake in his new job, according to the man he replaced.

Dumped Dragons coach Mark Price said Heal's decision to sack ex-NBA centre Todd Fuller from the new NBL club's roster was set to backfire.

Price said Heal wanted Fuller axed from the day the Australian Olympian arrived at the club, telling Price he was not suited to the league.

Fuller was cut yesterday as part of the Dragons purge which also claimed Price after a 0-5 start to the club's life in the NBL.

The 31-year-old American had arguably been the Dragons' best performer so far this season, averaging 18 points and eight rebounds a game despite being the Dragons' only recognised big man.

"Todd was my most consistent basketball player," Price said.

"I think anybody with half a brain watching the games would understand the load he had to carry being the only big guy on the floor night in and night out.

"He did a great job ... he'll be missed by this organisation."

Fuller scored 22 points and 12 rebounds against the Melbourne Tigers in his final match for the Dragons on Sunday night.

But Heal's first point of business after replacing Price yesterday was to sack Fuller, saying the centre did not have the work ethic required.

Price vigorously defended Fuller, who he brought to the club, saying he had tried his heart out.

"Shane didn't want Todd from the get-go. He told me that. We disagreed. I wasn't going to get rid of Todd," Price said.

"We played the best team in the league the other night – Todd comes away with 22 points, 12 rebounds.

"Good luck going and getting somebody else who can do that night in, night out. Shane had a personal thing with Todd.

"He busted his tail every day and to be treated the way he was treated by Shane over the course of the season, the respect he wasn't shown, it's just uncalled for and very unprofessional."

Fuller's axing leaves the club without any recognised big man going into its clash with the Adelaide 36ers in Adelaide on Wednesday night.

It is a vital clash on many fronts for the Dragons, with the Sixers second bottom on the ladder, two wins clear of the winless Dragons.

[Magpiespower]

Hammer time!

Can imagine the Dragons huddle with Heal in charge...

"Okay guys, on offense - pass to me. Doesn't matter if I'm quadrupled-teamed at half-court. I'll make the shot!"

"On defence - cover my @rse. I'll just go for a cheap steal and get ready for the fast break and easy lay-up."

But coach -

"Shut the f@#% up! As long I drop 20 a night, I don't give a $hit! You don't wanna make me come over and chest you. Remember that scrub Barkley?"

[sydney-dog]

watching the game on fox, 36ers are simply terrible

24pts up just before half time, late in the 3rd up by 6 only

no leadership, dumb basketball

[dinglinga]

copeland has just been ejected ..more details soon

[sydney-dog]

copeland, more like joke-land

[Jimmy]

Maher out indefinately...that sux....i see rucker was almost approached to step in, that would have been weird having him and copeland in a 36ers jersey lol...

hope maher can come back soon

[Jimmy]

but we did beat the douth dragons...suck sh*t HEAL!!! bwhahahhaha

is jacob holmes still throwing up brick after brick??

hows oscar forman going??

hope he can return to us sooner than later.

[Magpiespower]

but we did beat the douth dragons...

Shows you just how bad the Heal Dragons are...

[ORDoubleBlues]

Interesting that it was felt that Price's "laid back style" wasn't suited but I think in professional sport all around the world it's usually conceded that new franchises have to take their lumps and I don't think their start to the year was any real surprise.
The sacking of Fuller was certainly a surprise and Heal shouldn't be worrying about Price "being able to leave with dignity" as I think Price has far more of that than Heal.

[sydney-dog]

it is alleged

Heal was not a fan of Fuller

Heal approached Price and requested that Fuller be sacked

Price told Heal that he would not sack Fuller

So Heal then turned his aim at Price

the rest you can read in between the lines, both Price goneski, Heal gets the job, Heal sacks Fuller

and what does Price get for relocating his Family to Australia, a free set of steak knife's - in the back

[Blue Boy]

it is alleged

Heal was not a fan of Fuller

Heal approached Price and requested that Fuller be sacked

Price told Heal that he would not sack Fuller

So Heal then turned his aim at Price

the rest you can read in between the lines, both Price goneski, Heal gets the job, Heal sacks Fuller

and what does Price get for relocating his Family to Australia, a free set of steak knife's - in the back

All speculation of course !!!

[Magpiespower]

Remember when Heal cracked it when Brett Maher led a mini-mutiny against Barry Barnes after his woeful coaching during the 2000 Olympics?

Pot. Kettle. Black.

[magpie in the 80's]

SIXERS 116 DEFEAT RAZORBACKS 114

THINGS ARE GOING WELL

[Squawk]

Anyone noticed the quiet departure of Mike Dawes as CEO of the 36ers?

Mal has finished up at Adelaide City Council and will now be personally steering the ship. It's his financial commitment now so he needs to make sure the sixers turn a quid. I think Mike has gone to the Lightning where he would have had to take a BIG pay cut.

Haven't seen any news coverage of this - just got a very good source.