The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Colegio de San Juan de Letran, and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) are one with the basketball community in mourning the death of hoops legend Avelino 'Samboy' Lim, who passed away late Saturday at 61 years old.
The NCAA, where Lim started making a name for himself, paid tribute to the icon whose unique basketball moves have inspired different generations of ballers.
“The NCAA joins the basketball community in remembering the life of Samboy Lim, one of the greatest Filipino basketball players of our time,” said NCAA Management Committee chairman Paul Supan of Season 99 host Jose Rizal University.
“He was an exemplary athlete from the time he played in the NCAA up to his stint in the national team and in the pros. He was an inspiration and a model for most, if not all, who have seen him play."
Lim was among the greatest products of the NCAA, suiting up for the Colegio de San Juan de Letran which he steered to three straight titles from 1982 to 1984, where he also won the MVP plum.
Prior to joining the Knights, Lim also saw action for the San Beda high school team.
Letran also remembered Lim in his death.
"Our hearts mourn the loss of a true icon. Rest in peace, Letran Knight Samboy," the school said in a post.
After suiting up for Letran, Lim then made a leap to the PBA with the storied franchise of San Miguel where the 6-foot high-flyer will further become a legend.
The PBA remembered Lim for his valuable contributions to the growth of basketball in the local scene, saying the latter had "left an indelible mark on the hearts of basketball enthusiasts across the nation."
"It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, loved ones, and friends of legendary Avelino "Samboy" Lim," the PBA said in a statement.
"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, you may fly high and free like the Skywalker you were known to be."
Lim emerged as a nine-time PBA champion, including a rare Grand Slam feat in 1989, all while also donning the national colors for the Philippine team. He led the country to a pair of gold medals in the 1983 and 1985 SEA Games and was an integral part of the 1985 squad that seized the gold in the FIBA Asia Championship in Malaysia.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
