Metro and Southern Districts Basketball Association would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Arch McGreachan, who passed away recently at 92 years of age.

Arch was one of the first officials of Southern Districts and Metropolitan Basketball Association, a merger between the two Associations and the forerunner of the now Southern Districts Basketball Association.

Arch had a long and accomplished career in basketball. He represented Victoria in Australian States Championship, won the Alan Hughes Medal in 1950 and 1951, and he is a member of our Basketball Victoria’s Wall of Fame.

Arch was one of the great characters during the early days of Victorian basketball. He was a product of the Metro Basketball Association which had its origins in Community Youth Clubs. He teamed up with Tommy Nash who was one of the most flamboyant players of his era, but Arch surpassed him as the Metro association moved into the new Albert Park stadium. Arch was noted more for his defensive ability than scoring talent, but most of all his passing skill. He had more fun passing to a teammate than taking a shot to the basket, and probably the first Australian player to make passes behind his back. He liked that skill more than any other and team mates began believing he might have lost his ability or preference to make a conventional two handed chest pass.

With deep appreciation for the work you have done Arch, rest in peace.