AVELINO 'Samboy' Lim, more popularly known as ‘The Skywalker’ of Philippine basketball, has passed away. He was 61.
The announcement was made on Lim’s official Facebook page and Instagram account on Saturday night.
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The Facebook page said Lim passed away peacefully at the Medical City while surrounded by family led by former wife Lelen and daughter and national karate team member Jamie, as well as former teammate Allan Caidic and pal Robert Evangelista of the Manila City Engineers’ Office during his final moments.
Lim made an indelible mark in the Philippine basketball for his high-flying moves that earned him his moniker, and the reckless abandon that led to injuries that deprived fans of seeing more of his highlight plays.
READ Why Samboy Lim is the quintessential Filipino basketball hero of our time
Lim played for Letran during his college days but got his break when he became part of the Northern Consolidated-backed national team in the mid-1980s where he won two Southeast Asian Games gold medals, and one ABC (now-Fiba Asia) Championship in 1985.
He joined San Miguel in the PBA in 1986 where he became a member of the grand slam team in the 1989 season, three of his nine championships in the pro league.
He retired in 1997 in a Beermen uniform, but played briefly with Welcoat in the Philippine Basketball League in 1998.
Lim became one of the PBA’s Greatest Players, with his jersey No. 9 retired by San Miguel.
According to his Facebook page, Lim was also able to say goodbye via online chat to his loved ones, family, and friends that included former Letran coach Larry Albano and his sister Ate Coy.
Former Letran chaplain Fr. Franklin Beltran also administered the Last Rites Extreme Unction, as per Lim’s Facebook page.
Lim suffered a heart attack nine years ago during a legends game at the Ynares Arena and has since been well-taken care of round the clock by doctors and physical therapists until his passing.
“We thank Samboy’s amazing team of doctors headed by Dr. Luigi Segundo, physical therapists, nurses, caregivers, family and friends who, for the last nine years, took excellent care of him,” said Lim’s family on his Facebook page.
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