The mystery continues as Shyla Heal and Sydney Flames go their separate ways

The Sydney Flames have fired former WNBA first-round draft pick Shyla Heal but still won’t reveal why her father Shane isn’t currently coaching the team.

Neither father nor daughter have applied for the Flames since Jan. 15, with Shyla’s three-game absence being attributed to “personal reasons” but Shane remaining unexplained.

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The Flames announced the decision regarding Shyla on Wednesday morning.

“The Sydney Flames and Shyla Heal have agreed on a joint release for the remainder of the 22-23 WNBL season,” the club said.

“The club cleared the way for Shyla to look for other opportunities to play.

“The Flames would like to thank Shyla for her contribution to our club over the past two seasons and wish her well in her future endeavors.”

The 21-year-old hinted at the change on an Instagram Story ahead of the announcement on Tuesday, saying: “Some endings make for better ones.”

The guard has been linked with a return to the Townsville Fire, where she played immediately prior to her WNBA call-up.

Meanwhile, their now-former coach and father Shane remains absent from coaching duties, with both he and the Flames unaware of the reason.

Heal was listed as “unavailable” for the coach against the Southside Flyers on January 18, with Shyla also missing out on the 96-91 loss citing “personal reasons”. Since then none have returned.

Appearing on The Basketball Show this week, Heal said he’s bound by secrecy.

“I’m sure that will come out eventually, but for now you know I can’t say anything,” Heal said.

“I get messages from journalists everywhere. I can’t say anything, my hands are tied. Someday I will be able to speak.

“I’m doing very well…Shy is doing well and hopefully you’ll see her soon too.”

Shyla Heal joined the Flames in 2021 after leaving Chicago Sky, the WNBA team she picked with an 8th pick in that year’s draft.

In June 2021, the Sky Heal traded for the Dallas Wings, which they immediately traded back.

– With AAP