26/12/2023
10 Reasons why Filipinos love Samboy Lim
By Jay P. Mercado
It was a Friday night when an unconfirmed report came out that Avelino “Samboy” Lim wasn’t doing well and prayers were being asked for Divine Intervention for his recovery. More than 9 years ago, on November 28, 2014, Lim was rushed to the Medical City after collapsing unconscious just moments after playing in a PBA Legends exhibition game held at the nearby Ynares Center in Pasig City.
The report was confirmed after an announcement was made on Samboy Lim’s FB page, informing everyone of his death on December 23, 2023. He was 61 years old.
Curiously, his long-time mentor, Coach Ron Jacobs, who similarly suffered from a debilitating stroke, passed away 8 years ago on December 24, 2015, almost the same date as Lim’s demise. Jacobs experienced a stroke on December 22, 2001, a few months after being appointed head coach of the Philippine national team that was set to play in the 2002 Busan Asian Games.
Lim was one of the most popular basketball players in Philippine basketball history. In the early 90’s, a survey was conducted by a research firm and pegged the high-flyer as one of the two favorite players among the Filipino fans, the other being no less than the Living Legend, Robert Jaworski, Sr.
But while Jaworski’s cult personality polarized fans – you either loved or disliked him – Lim was generally loved by everyone. Regardless of which team fans rooted for, no one hated him. And practically everyone cheered for him, especially during those times when he would get injured.
Jaworski was Lim’s head coach in the 1990 national team that won the... continue reading here: https://bit.ly/3TVaB23
From Philippine Basketball Diaries PBA Archives