Michele Timms
(Born 1965)
Hall of Fame Induction: 2024
Card Shown: 1999 Fleer
Skybox Autographics
Position: G
Height: 5’7″
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Awards and Honors
Michele Timms played professional basketball from 1984-2001 in Australia, Germany, and the United States. She played for the Australian National team for fourteen years and led Australia to its first Olympic medal in 1996. Timms became the first Australian to play professional basketball overseas, in Germany, and she later joined the WNBA and the Phoenix Mercury in 1997. After her playing career ended, Michele served as an assistant coach for a number of teams and also spent time as a tv and radio analyst.
- Michele starred for the Australian Opals in three consecutive Olympic Games, helping her team to a bronze medal the the 1996 games in Atlanta, and a silver medal (with Lauren Jackson) at the 2000 games in Sydney.
- Timms won five WNBL championships in Australia, four with the Nunawading Spectres and one with the Perth Breakers.
- Michele was named to the Phoenix Mercury Ring of Honor. Others to be so honored include Penny Taylor, Jennifer Gillom, Bridget Pettis, and Cheryl Miller (coach/general manager).
- Timms was a seven-time WNBL All-Star and a one-time WNBA All-Star selection.
- When her number 7 jersey was retired in 2002, Timms became the first player to have her number retired by the Mercury and the second player in WNBA history to be so honored.
Points of Interest
- Timms played five seasons for the Mercury beginning in their inaugural season in 1997. That year she was second in the WNBA in both assists (5.0 apg) and steals (2.6 spg).
- Michele was selected to start in the first WNBA All-Star game in 1999. The other starters on the West team were Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, Cynthia Cooper, and Tina Thompson. The West defeated the East squad 79-61.
- Timms became the third Australian to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, following Lindsay Gaze and Lauren Jackson.
- Michele served as an assistant coach for a number of teams after her playing days ended. Those teams included the Phoenix Mercury, South Dragons (men’s team), Chinese Women’s National Team, Australian Women’s National Team, and the Bulleen Boomers.
- Timms has been recognized by a number of Halls of Fame, including the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008, the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2016, the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2003, the Basketball Australia Hall of Fame in 2006, and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024.
Statistics
Michele Timms Statistics
provided by Basketball-Reference.com
Personal Interaction
At the 2024 Hall of Fame Enshrinement weekend, we had the opportunity to meet Michele Timms twice. The first time was in the Mohegan Sun and the second was at the official Panini autograph session. She was very kind to all who asked her for autographs.
Thank you, Michele!
Autographed Michele Timms Cards
At the 2024 Hall of Fame Enshrinement weekend, Michele Timms signed two cards for me. The first is a 1999 Skybox NBA Hoops card and the second is 1999 Fleer Ultra Rock Talk card.