How Phoenix's International Talent Reached the WNBA Finals
The Phoenix Mercury's 1998 season was a historic one, marking their first appearance in the WNBA Finals. It was a pivotal year for the team, and a group of talented players, some of whom were international, played a significant role in their success. Among these players, Jennifer Gillom had her best season, averaging 20.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.4 assists, finishing second in the Most Valuable Player (MVP) race. Her performance was instrumental in the team's playoff run.
The Mercury's roster boasted a diverse range of international talent. Michele Timms, from Australia, made a strong debut, averaging 12.1 points, 5.1 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 steals, and was a MVP candidate in the WNBA's inaugural season. Marlies Askamp, from Germany, and Mikiko Hagiwara, from Japan, were also part of the team's initial lineup.
In the following year, Phoenix continued to strengthen its international presence. They drafted Maria Stepanova, a Russian player, in the first round of that year's draft. Stepanova had solid seasons with the Mercury, averaging 3.3 points and 1.9 rebounds in 1998. She later became a Most Improved Player candidate in 2001, averaging 10.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, two blocks, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 steals. After a few seasons away, she returned to Phoenix in 2005.
The Mercury also added Andrea Kuklová, a player from Czechoslovakia, who had played for various international teams before joining the team. In her first season, she averaged 3.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. Phoenix further bolstered its international ranks with the addition of Kristi Harrower and Michelle Brogan, both from Australia. Harrower played 30 games in 1998, averaging 2.3 points, and continued her career with the team in 1999, missing the 2000 season due to the Olympics. Brogan had a notable 1998 season, averaging 9.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 assists, but missed the 1999 season due to maternity leave.
These international players were integral to the team's success, contributing significantly during the historic 1998 season. For more insights into the Mercury's 1998 season and the impact of these international players, follow us on X at https://x.com/MercuryOnSI.
