Heal, an icon of Australian basketball, has signed a three-year deal to lead the Flames.
As a player, he went to four Olympics and two World Cups with the Boomers, and also captained the Sydney Kings to their first NBL championship in 2003.
“I’m really excited for the journey ahead with the Flames and can’t wait to get started," Heal said.
"After hearing [club owner] Paul Smith talk about his vision for the club it was a natural fit with my passion for coaching and developing women’s basketball.
“I am a proud girl-dad, so the opportunity to lead the Flames back to its rightful place atop the women’s sporting landscape is something I’m deeply committed to fulfilling.”
Club owner Smith is excited by the appointment, especially with the focus on women's basketball narrowing as the 2022 FIBA Women's World Cup in Sydney approaches.
"When you think Sydney basketball, Shane Heal is usually a name that is part of the equation," Smith said.
"Welcoming Shane back into the Kings-Flames family only reinforces our commitment to tapping into the talent around us.
“Not only does he have great experience to lead the Flames on the court, but he is well equipped to help us develop them off of it.
"He has a great understanding of NSW basketball through his own elite coaching programs and having had two daughters come through the systems.
“We have a tremendous opportunity for growth right in front of us with the Women’s World Cup being played in Sydney next year, and we believe Shane is the right person to help us capitalise on that.”
