Heal retires

[Portmanteau]

Heal goes out on a high
By Morgan Beck
April 16, 2003

SYDNEY Kings point guard Shane Heal tonight announced his retirement from basketball after 16 years at the top of the level.

After leading the Kings to their first championship just two weeks ago, Heal tonight shocked the audience at the Kings' championship dinner in Sydney saying his time in the game was over.

The 32-year-old believes there is little left in the game for him to achieve, but hasn't entirely ruled out a comeback.

"I think physically I can still play the game and 12 months down the track I don't know how I'm going to wake up or if anything is going to change," Heal said tonight.

Starting his career with the Brisbane Bullets back in 1988, Heal played with three NBL clubs including three stints with the Kings, averaging 25.8 points per game at 43 per cent with 6.5 assists.

With stints at the Minnesota Timberwolves, Near East Athens (Greece), and Imola Fillatice (Italy), Heal also played for Australia at three Olympics and in 1997 was awarded the Basketball Australia International Player of the Year trophy.

AAP



Oh well, at least the Kings won't be going back to back next season . Apparently Ron Artest plans to retire after his first championship also. Could be playing well into his 50s...

 

[mattyc2422]

Great career and it suits for him to leave the game when he is on top of it. Represented Australia well and gotta love his tussle with Sir Charles.

Onya mate.

 

[coxon]

ah.. what a champion...

what a star...

performed at all levels of the game...

we'll miss the hammer...

congratulations on a wonderful career...

 

[ant]

Adios Peroxide Boy.....and don't come back

 

[eastaugh36]

Typical. The under achievers finally win one and he retires because he doesnt want to be involved with an underachievers premiership hangover

 

[Squeak]

Bit of repsect for Australia's third greatest basketballer ever please.

 

[Portmanteau]

Originally posted by Squeak
Bit of repsect for Australia's third greatest basketballer ever please.

Aw, shucks. I'm honoured.

 

[hans moleman]

Originally posted by Squeak
Bit of repsect for Australia's third greatest basketballer ever please.

i already have a lot of respect for larry sengstock

as far as heal goes however, not being a kings fan meant i hated him with a passion, but i think he's retiring a bit prematurely...he's probably the best australian pg ever. hopefully he sticks around for the next olympics, but if not, then at least bruton will finally get a go.

 

[jerry springer]

Must say that that watching Heal shoot "thunder dan" 3-pointers from 1-2 feet outside the 3-point line was a highlight of my youth.

Australian basketball is losing a real identity, someone the non -basketball fan actually recognised.How many other players do we have like that?Gaze, D-Mac, Maher,maybe McKinnon.......

Right now Australian Basketball needs people like Heal out there promoting our game, and the best way to promote it is to get on the highlight reel.

A sad loss

 

[jod23]

He'll be back. He is what...32? What else is he gonna do with himself??? 32 is a spring chicken in the NBL. You play at worst 2 games a week in the NBL...pfft. He should be fit and firing for another three or so years, I definitely think he will return.