Phoenix Mercury's Inaugural Season Bolstered by International Talent

Michele Timms, Jennifer Gillom, and Marlies Askamp helped build the WNBA franchise's early success.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:00pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the abstract, fragmented forms of WNBA players in motion, with vibrant colors and sharp, overlapping planes capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The Phoenix Mercury's international roster, including stars like Michele Timms and Marlies Askamp, helped the team establish its identity and competitive spirit in the early WNBA.Phoenix Today

The Phoenix Mercury's inaugural 1997 season was buoyed by the contributions of several international players, including Australian star Michele Timms, Japanese guard Mikiko Hagiwara, and German forward Marlies Askamp. These players brought diverse skillsets and experience that helped establish the Mercury as a competitive force in the league's early years.

Why it matters

The Mercury's reliance on international talent in their formative years highlights the WNBA's global reach and the league's ability to attract top players from around the world. This diversity has been a key part of the league's growth and popularity over the past decades.

The details

Michele Timms, born in Australia, had already made a name for herself in the WNBL before joining the Mercury. In her first WNBA season, she averaged 12.1 points, 5.1 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 steals. Mikiko Hagiwara, drafted by the Sacramento Monarchs, was traded to the Mercury and contributed 3.1 points per game in her first season, improving to 2.2 points the following year. Marlies Askamp from Germany had a promising rookie season, averaging 7.5 points and 5.2 rebounds, before enjoying her best year in 1999 with 9.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

  • The Phoenix Mercury began their inaugural season in 1997.
  • Michele Timms had an impressive debut season with the Mercury in 1997.
  • Mikiko Hagiwara played for the Mercury in 1997 and 1998.
  • Marlies Askamp's best season with the Mercury was in 1999.

The players

Michele Timms

An Australian star who had made a name for herself in the WNBL before joining the Mercury and becoming an integral part of the team's early success.

Mikiko Hagiwara

A Japanese guard who was initially drafted by the Sacramento Monarchs before being traded to the Mercury, where she contributed to the team's early seasons.

Marlies Askamp

A German forward who had a promising rookie season with the Mercury in 1997 and enjoyed her best year with the team in 1999, averaging 9.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

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What they’re saying

“Michele Timms was an integral part of the Mercury's early success, showcasing her exceptional skills and helping to establish the team as a competitive force in the league.”

— Kieth Sipes, Author

“Mikiko Hagiwara's contributions to the Mercury, both in her initial season and the following year, demonstrated the team's ability to attract and develop international talent.”

— Kieth Sipes, Author

“Marlies Askamp's standout performance in 1999, with her career-high averages, highlighted the Mercury's success in integrating international players into their roster and building a competitive team.”

— Kieth Sipes, Author

The takeaway

The Phoenix Mercury's early success was in part due to their ability to attract and develop international talent, showcasing the WNBA's global reach and the league's commitment to fostering a diverse and competitive environment.