Former San Antonio Spur, NBL champion and four-time Olympian Shane Heal arrived in Melbourne on Friday to further discussions with Dragons' management about a possible comeback for the South's inaugural Philips Championship campaign.

Heal, who’d end a two-year retirement should he return to the NBL, will meet with the South Dragons’ ownership group today to discuss the vision for the franchise and his role within.

“We’re confident that we can present to Shane a franchise that will shape as legitimate championship contenders,” said co-owner Mark Cowan today.

“It’s exciting to begin negotiations with a player we believe is capable of being the best point guard in the league.

“Shane is a guy who leads by example and he’s got a proven track record as a true champion.”

On Wednesday the Dragons announced four-time NBA All-Star Mark Price as the clubs inaugural coach.

Price, voted the greatest Cleveland Cavalier by fans agreed to terms on a one-year deal this week, and is expected to arrive in Melbourne over the next couple of months to begin the task of recruiting players, particularly imports.

“I’m extremely excited about it. It’s a great opportunity for me to come and be part of a brand new franchise in the South Dragons,” Price said down the line from Atlanta.

“Our goal for right now is to do as well as we possibly can.”

Achievements: Played over 150 International games for Australia, International Player of the Year 1997,Olympic Games 1992, 1996, 2000, World Championships 1998, Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) 1997-1998, Near East Athens (Greece) 1998-1999, NBL Rookie of the Year 1988, Sydney Kings Championship (NBL) 2002/2003