PBA legend Samboy ‘The Skywalker’ Lim passes away at 61
Philippine basketball legend Samboy Lim passed away at 61 years old on Saturday, according to an announcement from his family posted on his Facebook page.
Nicknamed “The Skywalker,” Lim soared into the Philippine Basketball Association after being drafted by the San Miguel Beermen.
With San Miguel, he launched a storied career that included nine PBA championships.
The high-flying 6-foot guard was a five-time PBA All-Star who ranked among the league’s Top 25 greatest players ever. He also earned two PBA Mythical Second Team selections and entered the PBA Hall of Fame in 2009.
As a collegiate player for San Juan De Letran, Lim was instrumental in leading his team to three consecutive championships (1982-1984) in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). He earned the Most Valuable Player award in the university league in 1984.
The iconic Filipino player represented the Philippines national team on multiple occasions. He was part of the squad that won gold medals at the 1983 and 1985 Southeast Asian Games 5×5 basketball tournaments.
Similarly, Lim helped the Philippines win gold when he played for the country’s championship teams at the 1984 FIBA Asia Champions Cup and the 1985 FIBA Asia Championship.
Born on April 1, 1962, Lim’s storied career was hampered by injuries resulting from his flashy, athletic playing style, which earned him the nickname “Skywalker.”
After collapsing at a PBA Legends Exhibition Game in November 2014, Lim was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a heart attack. Since that health scare, he has been under constant medical care.
“During his final moments at the Medical City, he was tenderly cared for by Lelen, Jamie, Johannes, sister Malou, nephews AP, Alby & wife Kates, best friends: Allan Caidic & Robert Evangelista,” his family said.
“His loved ones abroad: sister Ate Coy – Maricor, Dan, and niece, Danielle together with Jun Zarate, Coach Larry Albano bade Samboy goodbye via online chat,” they also said. “Lelen’s siblings: Gigi, Dixon, family and friends: Manang Marilyn, Tino Pinat, Jimmy Go were also able to bid him farewell.”
Fr. Franklin Beltran, the former chaplain of Letran – Lim’s alma mater, administered the last rites to the Skywalker, as confirmed by the berieved family.
Surviving Lim are his former spouse, Darlene Marie Berberabe, and their sole child, Jamie Lim. Jamie is not only an accomplished athlete and SEA Games Gold medalist, but also a distinguished graduate of the University of the Philippines, having achieved the highest honors of summa cum laude and valedictorian.
