Biography:
Michele Margaret Timms AM (born 28 June 1965) is an Australian basketball coach and retired professional basketball player who played for the Phoenix Mercury in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Many people consider the Melbourne native to be one of Australia’s greatest basketball players of all time.
Timms began her professional basketball career in 1984 in Australia, playing for four clubs in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL): Bulleen, Nunawading, Perth, and Sydney. She had a successful career in the WNBL, earning numerous accolades and establishing herself as a dominant force. In 2005, the WNBL honored her by creating the Michele Timms Cup, which is presented to the winner of the Bulleen Boomers-Dandenong Rangers derbies.
At the onset of the WNBA in 1997, Timms joined the Phoenix Mercury. She quickly made an impact, playing a significant role in the team’s journey to the finals in 1998. Although they ultimately lost to the Houston Comets, Timms showcased her talent and determination throughout the series. In Game Two, with the game tied at 66 and only three seconds remaining, Timms took a crucial three-point shot that narrowly missed, denying the Mercury their first championship title. She averaged 4.6 points and 4.0 assists per game with the Mercury, with her highest scoring average in one season being 12.1 points per game in 1997.
Timms’ final WNBA game was played on August 14, 2001, in a win over the Houston Comets. In that game, she recorded 10 points, 4 assists, and 2 rebounds. Following the game, Timms announced her retirement and immediately joined the Mercury’s television broadcasting crew for the season. Her unique insights and extensive knowledge of the game made her an asset to the broadcasting team.
On August 7, 2002, Timms’ number 7 jersey became the first to be retired by the Phoenix Mercury, and only the second jersey ever retired by the WNBA, after Kim Perrot. This honor recognized Timms’ significant contributions to the team and her legacy in the league. Upon her retirement, she held the record for the most assists in Mercury history.
In addition to her success in domestic leagues, Timms also had an impactful international career. In 1989, she became the first Australian, male or female, to play professional basketball internationally when she joined the Lotus München team in Germany. Her performances on the international stage further solidified her reputation as a top-caliber player.
Throughout her career, Timms played a pivotal role in the development of future international women’s basketball players, particularly in Australia. Her skills, leadership, and determination inspired a generation of young athletes, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
Outside of basketball, Timms is a loving mother to her daughter, Kalsie Timms. She is admired not only for her achievements on the court but also for her dedication and passion for the game. Timms’ remarkable career and remarkable character have earned her a place in both the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008 and the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2016.
Awards:
– Inductee, Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2008)
– Inductee, FIBA Hall of Fame (2016)