By Peter Atencio
Highflying phenom Avelino “Samboy” Lim has died on Saturday at the age of 61.
Lim’s passing was confirmed by his family in a post on his Facebook page.
“Our Hearts are broken… our dearly beloved Samboy passed away peacefully,” said the statement on the nine-time PBA champion’s status.
Lim, who passed on his athletic prowess to his daughter and karatedo star Jamie Lim, was with relatives and fellow basketball stars, including Allan Caidic, during his final moments at the Medical City.
Samboy was survived by his ex-wife, lawyer Lelen Berberabe and Jamie, who has won numerous medals and honors in karatedo.
“Please pray for Samboy. He needs our prayers as we commend his soul to the loving arms of our Lord God,” wrote members of the family in their post.
He saw action in the PBA between 1986 and 1997, spending most of his playing years with the San Miguel Beermen, who won nine championships with him around.
Lim is also best remembered when he joined Team Philippines which won two gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games in 1983 and 1985.
His time with the national squad was memorable as well when they earned two Asian Games’ medals, a bronze in 1986 and a silver in 1990, which was considered as the best result for the country at that time.
“Heaven gained an angel just in time for Christmas. We love you Samboy, thank you for loving all of us unconditionally … no more pain nor suffering! Goodbye for now …… you will be in our hearts forever,” said the Facebook statement.
Samboy distinguished himself with his flamboyant and often dangerous forays to the basket, punctuated by acrobatic shots, hang-time moves, or slam dunks.[1] A five-time All-Star and two-time PBA Mythical Team selection.
Father Franklin Beltran said the final prayers for Lim, and offered him a spiritual farewell, in front of a medical team which was at his bed side, along with family, and friends over the past nine years was acknowledged with heartfelt gratitude.
Lim was also part of three-time NCAA champion Letran, and was a former NCAA MVP.
He suffered a heart attack in November 2014 and has since been in a wheelchair following his recovery, a year later.