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Dragons add to NBA flavour

NBL, South Dragons

The South Dragons have netted the services of 229-game NBA veteran Todd Fuller for their inaugural season, the 211cm North Carolina-born giant signing with Victoria's newest basketball club.

Fuller has signed for the club's inaugural season and will join his Dragons teammates for the club's official pre-season tip-off, scheduled for August 1st.

A former NBA teammate of the Dragons inaugural coach Mark Price, Fuller played the 96-97 and part of the 97-98 season with the Golden State Warriors, in the twilight of Price’s career.

“Todd brings with him a lot of experience that will be very beneficial to the Dragons club,” said Dragons coach Mark Price.

“Having played both in the NBA as well as having International playing experience should bode well for his transition to the NBL.”

Price says the lure of the Melbourne lifestyle was a major key in attracting Fuller’s signature.

“When Todd saw what we are trying to do here with the South Dragons he was very impressed with the ownership and overall professionalism of the organisation,” he said.

Heal new coach of Dragons

Monday, October 23, 2006 - 04:00 PM

South Dragons

Mark Price has resigned as head coach of the South Dragons and been replaced by Shane Heal, effective immediately, Dragons management announced on Monday.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

Centre Nick Horvath has signed with the Dragons for the next 2 seasons. He was with the 36ers last season and has played with the Cairns Taipans.

It should have read 8 teams.

North Melbourne Giants 1994-1998;
Brisbane Bullets 1998/99;
Cairns Taipans 1999/00;
Wollongong Hawks 2000/01-2001/02;
Canberra Cannons 2002/03;
Hunter Pirates 2003/04;
Perth Wildcats 2004-2006;
South Dragons 2006-