The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is mourning the loss of basketball legend Avelino "Samboy" Lim Jr.
Samboy died on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at the age of 61.
Read: PBA legend Samboy "Skywalker" Lim passes away at 61.
In a statement, the PBA called the high-flying forward "a true icon" and someone who contributed greatly to the league's popularity.
"Samboy, known as 'the Skywalker,' soared to great heights with his remarkable skills, electrifying the court and captivating fans with his unparalleled talent," the PBA stated.
"His all-out play and boundless heart were not just attributes on the basketball court; they were a testament to the passion and dedication he brought to the sport."
The league also said, "Samboy's legacy spans generations, contributing significantly to the popularity and growth of the PBA."
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ELECTRIFYING ON THE COURT
Samboy was known to basketball fans for his daredevil and high-flying moves on the court, thus earning him the moniker "The Skywalker" and "The Dragon."
He had a stellar collegiate career, helping Letran win three consecutive championships in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Samboy was also named NCAA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1984, after being edged out of the award for two consecutive years.
The soft-spoken Samboy was also a mainstay of the national team even before he turned pro.
He was part of the Philippine team that won the Jones Cup, SEA Games, and ABC, under the guidance of American coach Ron Jacobs.
Samboy entered the PBA in 1986 and dazzled fans with his athleticism and all-out plays.
His passion for the game and charisma made him a fan favorite, and for years was among the most popular PBA players, often placing second to Toyota and Ginebra legend Robert Jaworski in fan surveys.
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INJURIES DURING BASKETBALL CAREER
But while both entertaining and electrifying to watch, Samboy's acrobatic and high-flying moves also made him prone to injuries.
The most notorious of these injuries happened in 1989 when Samboy hit the floor head first after a mid-air collision with good friend and Purefoods guard Jojo Lastimosa.
Fans in the arena and those watching on television were horrified as a bloodied Samboy lay on the floor. He suffered a concussion and needed stitches on his forehead to close the wound.
Samboy's constant injuries kept him out of the playing court on several occasions, significantly affecting his chances of winning major individual awards throughout his professional career.
In 2016, the PBA named its Sportsmanship Award in Samboy's name, both because he was the first recipient of the honor back in 1993 and because he displayed "ethical behavior, fair play, and integrity" in his nine years in the league.
Samboy — who donned jersey number 9 and was known for his signature knee-high socks — played for the San Miguel Corporation franchise from 1986 to 1997, and won nine championships.
He was part of the San Miguel Beer team — a roster that included Ramon Fernandez and Hector Calma — that won the Grand Slam in 1989.
LIFE AFTER THE PBA
In retirement, Samboy founded the Skywalker Basketball Clinic to help train young boys and girls interested in the sport.
Samboy collapsed during an exhibition game with fellow PBA legends at the Ynares Center in Pasig on October 28, 2014.
Read: Samboy Lim now out of coma, says wife
Samboy would need continuous medical care and therapy after that incident, with close friends occasionally posting photos of the cager to update fans of his condition.
Republic Act 10871—or “The Basic Life Support Training in Schools Act," also known as the Samboy Lim Law—authored by coach and then Pampanga 1st District Representative Yeng Guiao was passed in 2015.
FRIENDS REMEMBER THE SKYWALKER
After news of Samboy's death, fellow basketball players took to social media to pay tribute to the former San Miguel Beer star.
Another PBA legend and current TNT Tropang Giga Jojo Lastimosa remembered his late friend by posting an old photo of them together.
"Today we all lost a wonderful human being. We lost someone who was fearless on the court, highly competitive, always played hard and never complained," wrote Jojo.
"Rest in God’s presence Sam. We will surely miss you! Thank you for sharing your life with us!"
Former PBA commissioner and sports analyst Noli Eala said that Samboy would live forever in the hearts of his loved ones and fans.
Senator Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian referred to Samboy as his "ultimate basketball hero" and, like many kids, would try to emulate his hangtime moves on the court.
Senator Sonny Angara also paid homage to the late PBA legend, calling him a "warrior and a winner."
Samboy's influence on local basketball was immense, and other high-flyers such as Bong Alvarez and Vergel Meneses cited the San Miguel Beer legend as their idol.
Another vocal admirer of Samboy was the sweet-shooting guard and two-time PBA MVP James Yap.