Who Is Samboy Lim? Age, Biography and Wiki
Samboy Lim was born on April 1, 1962, and sadly passed away in 2023. He was a beloved Filipino basketball player, often regarded as one of the most exciting figures in Philippine basketball history. Known for his electrifying plays and charismatic personality, Lim made a lasting impact during his time with the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). His legacy continues to inspire young athletes in the country.
| Occupation | Basketball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 1, 1962 |
| Age | 61 Years |
| Birth Place | Quezon City, Philippines |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Philippines |
| Date of death | 23 December, 2023 |
| Died Place | Pasig, Philippines |
Popularity
Samboy Lim's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
- Height: Samboy Lim stood at approximately 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm).
- Weight: Throughout his playing career, he maintained a fit physique, weighing around 160 pounds (73 kg).
- Body Stats: While there are no exact measurements available, his athletic build contributed to his agility and performance on the court.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Samboy Lim was previously known to keep his personal life away from the media spotlight. As of 2025, there has been no substantial public information regarding his past relationships or dating history. Having focused on basketball, he may have kept his romantic life private while dedicating himself to his family and fans.
Lim was discovered at 15-years old while playing on the courts of Phil-Am Life Homes in Quezon City by former basketball player, Jun Celis. This subsequently led to athletic scholarships, which were helpful given that his father, Dr. Avelino B. Lim Sr., died due to coronary thrombosis just as the younger Lim was entering high school.
Net Worth and Salary
Before his passing in 2023, Samboy Lim was estimated to have a net worth in the range of $5 million. His earnings primarily came from his professional basketball career in the PBA, endorsements, and appearances. As of 2025, his legacy and influence continue to generate interest, potentially increasing the value of related memorabilia and tributes.
Career, Business and Investments
Samboy Lim's career in basketball began in the 1980s when he joined the PBA. He played for several teams, most notably the San Miguel Beermen, and became known as "The Skywalker" for his incredible leaping ability and high-flying dunks. After retiring, Lim ventured into coaching and became involved in basketball clinics to nurture young talents.
In addition to his basketball career, Samboy was known to engage in various business ventures, likely investing in sports-related activities and community initiatives aimed at promoting athletics among youth.
Lim was a consistent national team member. His first stint with the national team was during the 1983 SEA Games in Singapore, where the Philippines retained the title. In 1984, he was a mainstay of the RP Youth team and the RP quintet in the Asian Interclub.
He readily marched off to the Ron Jacobs camp the following year and as a rookie of the Northern Consolidated squad, the guest amateur quintet in the PBA. He dislodged several stars from their starting position and was always among the first five players off the bench.
Samboy won championships with the nationals in the Jones Cup, SEA Games, and the ABC crown in early 1986. After the NCC core disbanded, he was selected as part of the Philippine national team that competed in the 1986 Asian Games. He was one of the main players and top scorers of the national team that went on to win the bronze medal.
Social Network
Samboy Lim was active on social media during his lifetime, connecting with fans and sharing insights into his basketball life. Following his passing, tributes have continued to pour in across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, showcasing the love and admiration from fans and fellow athletes. Even in 2025, his presence is felt through ongoing conversations and remembrances in the basketball community.
Lim retired from the PBA in 1997. In 1998, he joined the Philippine Basketball League to play for the Welcoat House Paints in a guest appearance. In 2000, he was named into the PBA's 25 Greatest Players. In his entire PBA career, he played for only one team, San Miguel Beer, he later served as San Miguel team manager.
In 2006, he assumed the team manager post of SMB's sister team Barangay Ginebra Kings until 2013.
Education
Samboy Lim attended San Beda University, where he further honed his skills in basketball. His education and training laid the foundation for his successful career in professional sports, shaping him into the iconic athlete he became.
After high school in San Beda, Samboy spent a year's residence at Letran before finally seeing action in the NCAA in 1982. Even as a first-year varsity player for the Letran Knights, Samboy was already a significant contributor to Letran's championship team.
In 1983, Lim was remembered for the "Asthma series" against the San Sebastian Stags, where he had asthma throughout the championship series. Trailing the best-of-three series 1–0, Lim was fetched from the University of Santo Tomas Hospital on Game 2 to score 12 points, routing the Stags, then scored 20 points in the title-clinching Game 3.
Samboy was all set to join the NCC squad of coach Ron Jacobs even before the start of the 1984 NCAA tournament but he begged for a grace period so he could play in the collegiate league. Samboy won the NCAA MVP trophy as he led the Knights to their third straight NCAA seniors' championships from 1982 to 1984, under coach Larry Albano.
