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Michele Timms interview –  Timmsy’s tribute: Honouring the past, growing the future

We hope you enjoy episode #28 of our Australian Basketball History series - an in-depth interview with Michele “Timmsy” Timms –  Timmsy’s tribute: Honouring the past, growing the future.

We sat down recently with ‘Timmsy” to talk about masters basketball, catch up on the wonderful work of the Michele Timms Basketball Academy, and walk through her unparallelled and pioneering career. 

Over a career spanning nearly two decades, Michele Timms amassed 284 WNBL appearances and won five championships, earned seven WNBL All-Star selections, and was twice named WNBL Player of the Year (1995, 1996). She also became just the second player in WNBL history to achieve both 1,000 assists and 1,000 rebounds, averaging 13.9 points per game at nearly 41% shooting—testaments to her consistency and versatility.

Internationally, Michele was a cornerstone of the Australian Opals, representing her country in 264 games, including three Olympic Games—where she won a bronze medal in Atlanta (1996) and silver in Sydney (2000)—and four World Cup appearances. She captained Australia during one of its most successful eras and was pivotal in the team’s 1994 FIBA World Championship bronze medal, a breakthrough moment for Australian basketball on the world stage.

A true pioneer, Michele broke new ground as the first Australian woman to play professionally in Europe, joining Germany’s Lotus München in 1989, and later Italy’s Firenze Basket. In 1997, she became the first Australian to play in the WNBA, joining the Phoenix Mercury in the league’s inaugural season. Her fearless play and court leadership helped guide the Mercury to the 1998 WNBA Finals, and her No. 7 jersey was officially retired in 2002—an honour few overseas players have achieved.

Beyond the hardwood, Michele’s impact continues to ripple through the game. She has served as a coach at both national and international levels—including roles with the Australian Opals, Phoenix Mercury, and the Chinese Women’s National Team. She also founded the Michele Timms Basketball Academy, where she continues to mentor young athletes with the same drive, passion, and energy that defined her playing career.

Her incredible legacy is reflected in her many accolades:

  • Sport Australia Hall of Fame (2003)
  • Basketball Australia Hall of Fame (2006) & Legend Status (2016)
  • Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2008)
  • FIBA Hall of Fame (2016)
  • Member of the Order of Australia (AM) (2018)
  • Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2024) – the third Australian ever to receive the honour

A true icon of international basketball and one of Australia's most celebrated athletes. From the blacktop courts of Melbourne’s suburbs to the global spotlight of the WNBA, Michele revolutionised the way Australian athletes envisioned their place in the sport.

This interview explores Michele’s journey, the barriers she broke, and the legacy she continues to build. It’s a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and how one athlete helped reshape the landscape of women’s basketball—both in Australia and around the world.

Remember to like, comment and subscribe … and feel free to reach out if you have any recommendations for interviews with people who have contributed to Australian basketball history.