Avelino Borromeo Lim Jr., popularly known as Samboy “The Skywalker” Lim, left an indelible mark on Philippine basketball with his thrilling plays and unmatched athleticism. Beyond the hardwood, questions arise about the personal life of this iconic figure, including inquiries about his marital status.
Born on April 1, 1962, Samboy Lim rose to prominence as a high-flying wing in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) during the 1980s and 90s. His flamboyant style of play, characterized by daring drives to the basket, acrobatic shots, and powerful slam dunks, earned him the nickname “The Skywalker.” Despite facing numerous injuries that prevented him from completing full seasons, Lim’s impact on the court was undeniable.
Lim’s basketball journey began at the age of 15 when he was discovered by former basketball player Jun Celis while playing on the courts of Phil-Am Life Homes in Quezon City. His talent paved the way for athletic scholarships, helping him overcome the challenges of losing his father, Dr. Avelino B. Lim Sr., during his high school years.
After a successful high school stint at San Beda, Samboy Lim spent a year in residence at Letran before making his mark in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in 1982. Lim played a pivotal role in Letran’s championship team, winning three consecutive NCAA seniors’ championships from 1982 to 1984 under coach Larry Albano.
Lim’s contributions weren’t limited to collegiate success; he was a consistent member of the national team. His impressive performances in international competitions, such as the Southeast Asian Games and Asian Games, added to his legacy as a Filipino basketball icon.
In 1986, Samboy Lim joined the San Miguel Beermen, marking the beginning of an illustrious 11-year professional career. Lim’s tenure with the Beermen included winning nine PBA championships, with notable achievements like the rare 1989 Grand Slam. Despite facing injuries, his outstanding hang time on the court earned him the moniker “Skywalker.”
Honors continued to pour in for Lim, including being named to the PBA’s 25 Greatest Players, receiving the first-ever Sportsmanship Award in 1993, and achieving multiple Mythical Team selections. His impact on and off the court solidified his status as a true basketball legend.
Beyond the basketball arena, Samboy Lim had a personal life that included a marriage to Darlene Marie Berberabe. Darlene, the former CEO of Home Development Mutual Fund (PAG-IBIG Fund), and a UP Professorial Lecturer, shared a life with Lim. However, the couple later separated, marking a chapter in Lim’s personal journey.
Samboy and Darlene were blessed with a daughter, Jamie Christine Berberabe Lim. Jamie, following in her father’s footsteps, became an accomplished athlete, securing a SEA Games Gold Medal, graduating summa cum laude in Mathematics from the University of the Philippines, and earning the title of Valedictorian.
Samboy Lim’s health became a concern during his playing days due to the injuries sustained on the court. Following his retirement, he remained active in promoting basketball through training programs and clinics. Unfortunately, in November 2014, tragedy struck as Lim suffered a heart attack after a PBA Legends exhibition game.
The aftermath of that incident saw Samboy Lim’s unwavering determination to recover, evidenced by the Samboy Lim Law, or Republic Act 10871, promoting basic life support training in schools. Despite round-the-clock medical care, Lim’s health battles persisted.
On December 23, 2023, at the age of 61, Samboy Lim’s journey came to an end. The Filipino basketball community mourns the loss of a true legend, both on and off the court. As we celebrate his contributions to the sport, we also remember the man behind “The Skywalker” and the personal chapters that shaped his remarkable life.