K-State women’s basketball guard Tess Heal out because of unusual NCAA violation
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- K-State held guard Tess Heal out during NCAA reinstatement review after pro signing.
- Heal signed a contract with Australian club Keilor Thunder to play post-eligibility.
- Coach Mittie says school and NCAA pursue quick reinstatement; return date unclear.
The Kansas State women’s basketball team was without one of its best players when it lost to rival Kansas 83-61 on Sunday.
It is unclear when, or if, Tess Heal will return to action for the Wildcats.
K-State announced ahead of the game that Heal would be held out of upcoming contests while the 5-foot-10 senior guard dealt with an NCAA violation. But the school didn’t specify what rule she violated.
“We have been in communication with the NCAA in regards to this situation,” K-State coach Jeff Mittie said in a statement. “She is currently going through the reinstatement process and we are thankful for the NCAA’s prompt responses in this matter.”
Turns out, the violation most likely revolves around the fact that she signed a contract with a professional team in Australia called Keilor Thunder last week.
Heal announced the signing on social media and images of the transaction can still be found on X.
It is against NCAA rules to sign a pro contract while you are currently playing for a college team. But it’s not as if Heal signed to begin playing for the Australian club right now. She plans to play for the team after her college eligibility expires at the end of the current season.
This is also interesting timing for this kind of rules violation, as 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.
“We hope for a quick resolution,” Mittie said on Sunday in Lawrence. “I don’t think — she made a mistake in regards to the timing of it — but there’s nothing else. We feel good that as soon as she gets through the reinstatement process, we’ll have her back.”
Heal is originally from Melbourne, Australia.
She transferred to K-State ahead of this season after beginning her college career at Santa Clara and Stanford.
Heal has been one of the most consistent players on the K-State roster this season, as she is averaging 9.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists. She had scored at least 12 points in six straight games before she was sidelined with this NCAA violation, including a 31-point outburst against Houston and a 25-point night against Utah.
The Wildcats are 11-10 on the season with a 4-4 mark in conference play.
The K-State women’s team is next in action on Thursday against Colorado.