20
Jun
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It's a Cole World: Shyla Heal's talks her return to the WNBL
Newly-signed Geelong United recruit Shyla Heal joins Bec Cole on the latest edition of It's a Cole World.
One of Australia's top guards joins Bec Cole to talk WNBL, Opals, Europe and the WNBA
- Shyla Heal has decided to return to the WNBL after signing with Geelong United
- Heal last played in the WNBL in 2023, helping the Townsville Fire win the championship
- She was the No.8 pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft
WNBL champion Bec Cole talks to one of Australia's top guards in Shyla Heal about making the decision to return to the WNBL with Geelong United. It will be the first time Heal has been in the league since winning the championship with the Townsville Fire in 2023. The 23-year-old daughter of Australian basketball royalty, Shane Heal, discusses her goals for the season as well as her aspirations with the Australian Opals.
Also on the agenda:
- Heal's experiences playing professionally in Europe
- Being drafted with the eighth pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft
- Spending the WNBA preseason with the Phoenix Mercury
Who is Bec Cole
Rebecca Cole is one of Australian basketball's most accomplished shooting guards, known for her scoring ability and championship success across multiple leagues.
Name: Rebecca Cole
Age: 33
Team(s): Southside Flyers (WNBL), Waverley Falcons (NBL1 South)
Position: Shooting guard
Size: 178 cm
Five Fast Facts
- Played for six different Victorian-based teams throughout her career
- Attended Caulfield Grammar School before beginning her professional career
- Has maintained a professional career spanning over 15 years (2009-present)
- Won championships in both the WNBL and NBL1 during the 2024 season
- Represented the Bulleen Boomers in two different leagues (WNBL and Big V)
Career Highlights Timeline
2009: Began professional career with the Australian Institute of Sport
2012: Joined the Bulleen Boomers for her first WNBL club signing
2018: Transferred to Dandenong Rangers (later Southside Flyers)
2019: Runner-Up WNBL MVP, Selected to the WNBL All-Star Five for the first time
2020: Won first WNBL championship with Southside Flyers
2022: Joined Waverley Falcons in NBL1 South
2024: Completed championship double, winning WNBL title with Southside Flyers and NBL1 National championship with Waverley Falcons, earning Finals MVP honours
2025: Joined basketball.com.au as a key expert on Australian basketball
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