David Lems | 1st September 2011| Queensland Times

IPSWICH Force has secured one of Australia’s most successful sportsmen to guide their men’s team in next year’s Queensland Basketball League.

Olympian, former national assistant coach and ex-Australian captain Shane Heal has accepted a one-year deal to coach the Force men’s side.

“I would go out on a limb and say it’s probably the biggest sporting news for many a year in Ipswich sport,” excited Force official Pat Ralph said.

“We’re getting a four-time Olympian and a player who has played and coached in the NBL, also played in the NBA.

“He’s quite a credentialed coach coming to coach the Ipswich Force.”

Heal, 41, was yesterday thrilled about the opportunity to help Ipswich in the state’s top basketball competition.

“The challenge that Ipswich has never won it before is a good enough challenge,” the highly-motivated sportsman said.

“I certainly wouldn’t do it if I didn’t think that we would be able to have a chance at doing something for the first time.

“We want to have a crack (at the state title).”

While completing other commitments over the next few months, Heal said he would start recruiting players to bolster Ipswich’s representative stocks.

“I’m looking forward to embracing some of the younger guys, looking at what’s there and then try to bring in some other guys as well to give ourselves a chance,” he said.

“Some of the other teams around the state put a lot of money into it and probably have more talent.

“So we want to be able to attract some people – hopefully some NBL guys that want to be in an environment that makes them better players, and give them the chance to make the NBL.”

Heal is based at the Gold Coast where he continues to coach under-14 and under-18 teams.

Guiding an Ipswich side in the state league will be his first time at that level.

However, the former point guard was one of the most accomplished basketballers in the country, having represented Australia at the 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympics.

Heal also played NBA for the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs.

He was appointed Australian assistant coach in 2009 after being player/coach for the South Dragons in the 2006 National Basketball League season.

Former NBL player Ben Thompson will be Heal’s assistant coach at the Force next season. They replace Chris Clarkson who guided the Force into the recent QBL finals.

All-star Talent

Shane Heal’s major basketball achievements:

Represented Australia at the 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympics, including stints as captain.

Represented Australia at world championships in 1987, 1994 and 1998.

Scored more total points and assists than other player in the world at the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympics.

Played NBA for Minnesota Timberwolves (1996-97) and San Antonio Spurs (2003).

Played in Europe (Greek League) for three years.

Played 440 NBL games over 15 seasons, including stints with Brisbane Bullets, Geelong Supercats, South Dragons and Gold Coast Blaze.

Made NBL All Stars teams for eight years.

Captained the Sydney Kings to their first NBL title in 2002/2003.

Was assistant coach Australian team from 2009 until March this year.

Was player/coach for South Dragons in 2006.