PBA legend Samboy Lim passes away at age 61

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Farewell to a Philippine basketball hero.

Samboy Lim, popularly known as “The Skywalker”, passed away at the age of 61 years old last December 23, 2023.

The development was announced on his official social media pages on both Facebook and Instagram. According to the message, Lim had his final moments at the Medical City together with his family and close friends.

A nine-time PBA champion, Lim instantly became a crowd favorite with his dazzling aerial display and breathtaking finishes above the rim.

As early as 1983, Lim already made a name for himself when he became a member of the Philippine national team during the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.

After his SEA Games inclusion, Lim once again represented the country in 1984 when he became a part of the RP Youth team and the RP Quintet in the Asian Interclub.

Lim then decided to go pro two years after and was selected ninth overall by the Magnolia Cheese franchise.

During his 11-year tenure in the PBA, Lim became a nine-time champion, a five-time PBA All-Star member, and a PBA Grand Slam champion with the San Miguel Beermen.

He was then named a member of the league’s 25 and 40 Greatest Players list and was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame last 2009.

Together with Lim at the Medical City were his family members Lelen, Jamie, Johannes, Malou, Alby, and his best friends Allan Caidic and Robert Evangelista.

Rest in peace, legend!