“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.

“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.

“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 today.

“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 today, 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.