For one night, a piece of the Mercury's inuagural 1997 season re-emerged at America West Arena.

Make that two major pieces.

Mercury legends Jennifer Gillom and Bridget Pettis returned to their old stomping grounds Saturday night as their old team honored them and their achievements as Phoenix took on the Indiana Fever.

“It was a great experience,” Pettis said about her playing days in Phoenix. “It was something I always dreamed of. The good parts and the bad parts, they’re all things I’ll always remember and be thankful for.

“It feels good to be recognized somewhere you love so much.”

The guard, who still works basketball camps with her former team, was the franchise’s first draft pick (seventh overall) in the WNBA’s Inaugural 1997 Draft. She spent five seasons in Phoenix entertaining fans with her over-the-top energy and enthusiasm. She admits her adrenaline was thanks to a give-and-take relationship with Mercury spectators.

“It was all for the love of the game,” she added. “High energy’s something I’ve always had, and Phoenix was so great because the fans were always behind you. Up or down, they always had our backs. It made it a lot easier to play basketball.”

Pettis shared the evening’s spotlight with Gillom, who was the first player assigned to the young Mercury in January of 1997. The six-year Mercury forward-center led her team to the 1998 WNBA Finals and averaged 15.3 a night in a Phoenix uniform.

“The one thing I do miss is the crowd, screaming and yelling,” Gillom said. “They’d call your name while you were out there playing. Then there’s the adrenaline out on the court. It’s great to be back amongst all these wonderful fans. It just feels good to be a spectator now. I thought I would miss it a whole lot, but I’m not. I’ve had a long and memorable career. It’s fun to just sit here with these stars of the WNBA.”

A few of those current WNBA stars were honored Saturday, as well. The Mercury’s Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor, in addition to Indiana’s Tamika Catchings, were all recognized for their upcoming Olympic obligations.

A gold medallist in the 1988 Games, Gillom thinks Taurasi is a natural choice for representing her country in the Athens Games.

“Diana has accomplished a lot in her young career,” she said, “and I’m looking forward to a lot of wonderful things happening for her. She’s off to a great start for her WNBA career and hopefully an Olympic gold medal. Going to the Olympics is a matter of being able to play with other great stars. She knows she won’t be the only star on the team. Diana’s a team player and I don’t think she has to worry about that.”

Pettis added, “I think everybody carries their own individual greatness. I love watching Taurasi’s game. She’s as tough as they come. I was at her first game here, and all eyes were on her. And I had mine on her too. She’s doing a great job and I’m happy for her. I love watching her.”

As far as a member of the current roster who reminds her of herself during her playing days, Pettis leans toward another starting Mercury guard.

“I would say Anna DeForge, a lot,” Pettis said. “She’s an outside player, an emotional player. It would most definitely be her.”

She added that her fondest memory as a member of the Mercury was “getting to but not winning the ’98 Finals.” Still, she wouldn’t trade her experiences in the WNBA for anything.

“As far as women’s basketball,” Pettis said about the league, “this is where you want to be. The WNBA is the height of competitive basketball. It’s the best league in the world for women, and to be a part of it is something really special.”

Gillom says she doesn’t miss the game much, except for her “interaction with the fans.” Judging from the steady line of autograph seekers waiting looking to add her signature to their collection, the night was like an unofficial turn-back-the-clock night for the former No. 22.

“I don’t see things that much different now than when I played in this arena,” she added. “Everytime I walk into this arena, fans are screaming cheering me on like I’m going to play. Those are the types of things you remember. You want to be remembered as a great basketball player but also as a great person.”

Saturday had it all: Gillom, Pettis and a Mercury win. It was just like old times.

Tickets for all Mercury home games start as low as $8 and are all in the lower bowl. Single game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online, by calling 602-252-WNBA or by visiting the America West Arena Ticket Office. Mercury season tickets, group tickets and flex packages are also available and can be purchased by calling (602) 379-7878 or CLICK HERE for more information.