By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Philippine basketball icon Samboy Lim passed away on Saturday, Dec. 23, after a long medical battle. He was 61.
The PBA legend’s official Facebook page made the announcement late that night, adding that during his final moments at the Medical City, Father Franklin Beltran, a former Letran Chaplain, was able to administer the Last Rites Extreme Unction.
“Our hearts are broken. Today, December 23, 2023, our dearly beloved Samboy passed away peacefully,” the statement read.
“A man of Faith, exceptional courage, humility and grace. He embodied the very best of humanity,” it added.
“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 and Robert Evangelista. 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. Lelen’s siblings: Gigi, Dixon, family and friends: Manang Marilyn, Tino Pinat, and Jimmy Go were also able to bid him farewell,” the statement said.
Lim’s family also thanked the team of doctors, physical therapists, nurses, caregivers, family and friends who took care of him.
Known as “The Skywalker”, Lim started his career in the collegiate ranks with Letran in the NCAA in 1982 where he became a three-time champion and an MVP Awardee.
He was also part of the national team that won the gold in the 1983 Singapore and 1985 Bangkok Southeast Asian Games, as well as in the 1985 FIBA Asia Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
He joined the San Miguel Beermen in 1986, the only PBA team he played for in his entire 11-year professional career. From there, he reaped numerous individual and team awards that include nine PBA championships, five PBA All-Star appearances, two PBA Mythical Second Team selection, and a PBA Grand Slam title in 1989.
For his numerous awards being the PH version of Michael Jordan, Lim was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2009, and his jersey No. 9 was retired by the San Miguel Beermen.
He retired from the professional league in 1997.
His health, however, took a toll in November 2014 after he was rushed to a hospital after collapsing just minutes after coming of a PBA Legends exhibition game at the Ynares Center in Pasig. He slipped into a coma and was first admitted at the Intensive Care Unit before he was later transferred to the intermediate care unit. In January 2015, he slipped out of his comatose state and was brought home where continued to receive treatment and therapy.
Just last September, Team USA deputy coach Chip Engelland made a heart-warming visit to Lim, his former teammate in the national team.
