The NCAA has strict rules that prohibit student-athletes from signing professional team contracts while they continue to compete in college athletics. Doing so can result in suspensions and other disciplinary action, and that is exactly the situation facing Kansas State women’s basketball player Tess Heal.
According to USA Today Sports, Heal did not take to the court during Sunday’s game between Kansas State and Kansas, despite being a consistent scorer for the Wildcats.
It was later revealed that Heal has signed a professional contract with the Keilor Thunder, an NBL1 club in Victoria, Australia. Despite the fact that the professional team’s season will not overlap with Heal’s NCAA season, she was held out from the game.
“We have been in communication with the NCAA in regards to this situation,” head coach Jeff Mittie said. “She is currently going through the reinstatement process and we are thankful for the NCAA’s prompt responses in this matter.”
Heal, who is originally from Melbourne, Australia, announced her future professional career on social media prior to Sunday’s game.
The NCAA’s response has raised eyebrows from Heal and the Wildcats, as The Wichita Eagle reported, “men’s college basketball players have been able to suit up for college squads after starting the season in the G League and pro leagues overseas.”
The most recent example being Charles Bediako, whom a judge ruled last week could return to the University of Alabama roster this season after playing in the NBA G League and signing a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs.
Neither the NCAA nor Kansas State has announced whether Heal will be eligible for the remainder of the season, nor has the governing body addressed the apparent double standard between the overlap of professional and collegiate eligibility in men’s and women’s basketball teams.
