MANILA – PBA legend Avelino Borromeo “Samboy” Lim Jr. passed away at the age of 61 over the weekend, almost nine years after he suffered a cardiac arrest while playing basketball.
In an announcement posted on Lim’s Facebook page, it said that he died while under care at the Medical City, where he was given his last rites in the presence of his relatives and close friends, including fellow cage legend Allan Caidic.
“Our hearts are broken. Today, December 23, 2023, our dearly beloved Samboy passed away peacefully,” said the announcement. “A man of faith, exceptional courage, humility and grace. He embodied the very best of humanity.”
“Please pray for Samboy. He needs our prayers as we commend his soul to the loving arms of our Lord God. Please have mercy on Samboy and grant him everlasting peace. Amen,” it added.
Lim, a nine-time PBA champion, 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 Nov. 28, 2014.
The former San Miguel Beermen star slipped out of his coma two months after the unfortunate incident and was brought home where he continued to receive round the clock treatment.
Lim was given the moniker “The Skywalker” due to his high leaping abilities, which enabled him to dish out acrobatic shots, hang-time moves, and slam dunks even during his time with San Beda Red Cubs.
Lim then transferred to Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights and was instrumental in the school’s three consecutive NCAA championships from 1982 to 1984. He was named NCAA MVP in 1984.
He was also part of Team Philippines that captured 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.
Lim was included in the PBA Hall of Fame in 2009 along with Caidic, Bobby Parks, Hector Calma, Bobby Brown, import Bobby Parks, former league president Honeyboy Palanca, and former commissioner Jun Bernardino. He was also listed in the PBA’s 40 and 25 Greatest Players./PN
