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| Samboy Lim was a "true icon" in Philippine basketball according to the PBA. |
MANILA--The PBA is one with the rest of the Philippine basketball community as they grieve the passing of legendary guard Samboy Lim.
"The PBA mourns the loss of a true icon, a player whose contributions to the league have left an indelible mark on the hearts of basketball enthusiasts across the nation," the league said in a statement late Saturday night, barely an hour after Lim's family announced his passing at the age of 61.
Lim turned pro in 1986 after the San Miguel franchise directly hired him and the rest of the Northern Consolidated Cement's core when it returned to the PBA for the Third Conference.
Lim, already known for his athleticism and high-leaping ability ever since his amateur days, became a vital figure in the PBA's peak popularity during the late 80s and the 90s.
"Samboy, known as 'The Skywalker,' soared to great heights with his remarkable skills, electrifying the court and captivating fans with his unparalleled talent," the league further said.
"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. Samboy's legacy spans generations, contributing significantly to the popularity and growth of the PBA.
"As we bid farewell to a true basketball legend, we remember the joy he brought to countless fans and the pride he instilled in the hearts of Filipinos. Samboy, may you fly high and free like the Skywalker you were known to be."
Lim, one of the PBA's coolest heads back then, became the inaugural winner of the league's Sportsmanship Award in 1993, and in honor of the legacy he left, the award has eventually been renamed after him since 2016.
Regional league PSL also expressed its condolences to the Lim Family, saying, "The PSL will never forget his significant contributions to the sport we all love."
Allan Caidic, the league's current commissioner, was among the last people to pay Lim a personal visit in Medical City in Pasig before he passed away.
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