Remembering Bob Guthrie: A Mentor to Generations of Manly Ballers

Bob Guthrie was more than just a player; he was a constant and the unofficial heartbeat of the Sunday morning training sessions at Narrabeen high school for over four decades. Whether he was playing in MWBA competitions, refereeing, or quietly paying the court hire to keep the lights on for Sunday mornings, Bob’s commitment to the game and his work to help bring in new players was unwavering.

A Legacy on the Court

Bob’s basketball journey spanned generations. A fixture at the Narrabeen High School courts since the early 1980s, he was the veteran presence who bridged the gap between the "old guard" and the "sons of the ranks." Even as he moved into his 70s, Bob remained incredibly fit, holding the distinction of being the oldest player to ever compete in an MWBA Division 1 game—and winning multiple championships along the way.

He was famous for his "Tomahawk" shot—a diabolically flat, pinpoint accurate overhead release—and his strategic "Bobby sledges." If you were slowing down, you could expect Bob to surgically remove the ball from behind your back and all you would hear from Bob was "get a waist."

Building Community

Bob’s impact went far beyond his own stats. He was a qualified referee who stepped up to fill shortages, a sponsor who provided uniforms and a relentless optimist who always encouraged every young player to keep practising, no matter how many shots they missed.

The Bob Guthrie Basketball Tournament

On Wednesday we are saying goodbye to Bob but rather than flowers, to honour his legacy, we are establishing the Bob Guthrie Basketball Tournament. Held in June, the event will feature:

• A Junior Program: Focused on skill development, introduction to high-level competition and background for those interested in refereeing.

• A Senior Tournament: Serving as a premier lead-in to Masters events.

The tournament is administered by the MWBA not-for-profit board, with funds dedicated to this event for Juniors coaching, refereeing, and court hire to ensure the next generation has the same opportunities Bob worked so hard to provide.

How to Support

If you would like to contribute to the running of the inaugural Bob Guthrie Tournament and kids program and help grow the game he loved, please consider donating.