Philippine Basketball Association Hall of Famer Samboy “The Skywalker” Lim passed away Saturday, 23 December. He was 61.
Lim’s family broke the sad news of the passing of one of the country’s most decorated and well-loved cagers on his Facebook account.
“Today, December 23, 2023, our dearly beloved Samboy passed away peacefully,” the post read.
“A man of faith, exceptional courage, humility and grace. He embodied the very best of humanity. The Skywalker was 61.”
Lim, a nine-time PBA champion, died at the Medical City where he was tenderly cared for by Lelen, Jamie, Johannes, sister Malou, nephews AP and Alby, and wife Kates, along with his best friends Allan Caidic and Robert Evangelista.
The former San Miguel Beer ace had been receiving treatment and therapy since he slipped into a coma after collapsing during the PBA Legends exhibition game at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig back on 28 November 2014.
Lim slipped out of his coma two months later and was brought home where he continued to receive round-the-clock treatment.
Lim, known for his athleticism, acrobatic moves and highlight reels aerial theatrics, had shown great potential at a young age when he saw action for San Beda in high school.
He then transferred to Letran and helped the Knights complete a National Collegiate Athletic Association seniors basketball three-peat from 1982 to 1984. He was named NCAA Most Valuable Player in 1984.
Lim bannered the national team to back-to-back Southeast Asian Games championships and was a member of the Philippine squad that ruled the 1984 FIBA Asia Champions Cup and the 1985 FIBA Asia Championship.
He also helped the Lhuillier Jewelers capture the PABL Invitational title in 1986.
But Lim achieved greater feats when he turned pro when he joined San Miguel Beer, the only team he played for in his entire 11 PBA seasons.
Lim was enshrined in the PBA Hall of Fame in 2009 along with Bobby Parks, Allan Caidic, Hector Calma, Bobbby Brown, import Bobby Parks former league president Honeyboy Palanca and former commissioner Jun Bernardino.
He was also included in the PBA’s 40 and 25 Greatest Players.
