The Illawarra Hawk’s inaugural captain Bob Kubbinga passed away unexpectedly this week.

It was only last season Hawks’ fans saw Bob interviewed on centrecourt at the WIN Entertainment Centre during a Hawks home game.

The Hawks paid tribute to Bob’s passing on their Facebook page.

“On behalf of the entire Illawarra Hawks organisation, it is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of the clubs inaugural captain Bob Kubbinga.

Bob was a member of our team in the 1979 and 1980 seasons, as well as being a prominent part of the Illawarra Basketball community.

Our deepest condolences to the entire Kubbinga family especially his wife Jeanette, their children and families.”

Quite coincidentally, the Illawarra basketball community will gather at the Snakepit on Saturday for what promises to be a big reunion night.

No doubt many fond memories of Bob will be shared.

He was the first captain of the Illawarra Hawks when they joined as a foundation club of the National Basketball League in 1979.

The original number 13 played 40 games for the Hawks over two seasons averaging just over six points per game.

He was involved in Illawarra basketball for over half a century.

Bob was a life member of the Illawarra Basketball Association, a coach and a passionate player well into his veteran years.

Numerous young up and coming basketballers would remember, perhaps not so fondly, running into one of Bob’s mountainous screens he set – a seemingly immovable force.

NBL great Cal Bruton was one of many to leave a tribute to Bob on the Hawks’ Facebook page.

“OMG. One of the best people I met in my first season in 1979. He was a ORIGINAL HAWK and always came up and hug me every time we seen each other at the games. He will be sadly missed. Condolences to the Kubbinga family and God Bless them. May he Rest in Peace,” Bruton said.

Another basketball great Ray Borner said: “Passing of a great bloke. RIP”.

A fantastic ambassador for the sport of basketball in the Illawarra.

Vale Bob Kubbinga.