Avelino Borromeo Lim Jr., better known as Samboy Lim, is known for his exceptional speed, agility and scoring ability on the court.
He is a beloved figure in Philippine basketball. He had a successful college career at the University of the East and a stellar professional career with the San Miguel Brewers and Purefoods TJ Hot Dogs.
Unfortunately, his career was cut short due to a heart attack during a match in 1998, but his legacy and impact on the sport will always be remembered.
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- Full name: Avelino Borromeo Lim Jr.
- Stage name: Samboy Lim
- Date of Birth: April 1, 1962
- Died: December 23, 2023 (aged 61)
- Birthplace: Quezon City, Philippines
- Nationality: Philippines
- Occupation: Basketball player
- Height: 1.83 m
- Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Lin
- Siblings: Unknown
- Spouse: Darlene Marie Beibelabe
- Children: Jamie Christine Berberabe Lim
- Relationship: Divorced
- Net worth: $50 million to $100 million
Early life and education
Samboy Lim was born on April 1, 1962 in Quezon City, Philippines.
His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lin, raised him but there is no information about his siblings. Samboy attended San Juan Letran College and is of Filipino descent.
Profession
Samboy Lim’s basketball career has been one of excellence and success both at the college and professional levels.
He began his impressive journey as a standout player for the Letland Knights and led the team to three consecutive National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships from 1982 to 1984.
His talent and skills were further honed in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) professional league, where he became an idol loved by the team and fans.
His legacy as a skilled and passionate athlete will forever be etched in the annals of Philippine basketball.
Linsamboy’s career peaked when he joined the San Miguel Beermen in 1986. Despite offers from other teams, he remained loyal to the Beermen throughout his 11-year run in the Philippine Basketball Association.
During his time with San Miguel, Lin played a vital role in the team’s nine PBA championships, including an impressive Grand Slam victory in 1989.
Awards and nominations
- 9-time PBA Champion: Won multiple titles in different PBA leagues (Open, Enhanced, All-Philippines)
- PBA Sportsmanship Award (1993): The inaugural recipient of what was later renamed the Samboy Lim Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Sportsmanship Award.
- PBA All-Star Game MVP (1990): Led the All-Star Game with an outstanding performance.
- 5-time PBA All-Star: Selected to the prestigious PBA All-Star Game multiple times.
- Selected to the PBA Mythical Second Team 2 times: Recognized as one of the league’s top players for two consecutive seasons.
- PBA Grand Slam Champions (1989): Member of the team that won all three major PBA championships in one year.
- PBA’s 25 Greatest Players: Known as one of the most influential players in PBA history.
- PBA 40 Greatest Players: Further cementing his place among the league’s elite.
- 2009 PBA Hall of Fame: Inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame for his outstanding career.
- San Miguel Beermen retire No. 9: His jersey number was retired by his team, a prestigious honor.
- 3-time NCAA Philippine Champion (1982, 1983, 1984): Won multiple championships during college.
- NCAA Philippines Most Valuable Player (1984): Recognized as the most outstanding player in the NCAA tournament as a senior.
- PABL Champions (1986 Invitational): Win a title in another professional league.
- SMC-PSA Lifetime Achievement Award (2024): The Philippine Sportswriters Association presents this award posthumously for his outstanding career.
- PBA legend Samboy Lim receives Lifetime Achievement Award from high school alumni (2023): Honored by high school alumni for his achievements.
Social Media
Samboy Lim does not have any social media accounts.
Personal life
Samboy Lim is a famous Filipino professional basketball player and his wife Darlene Marie Berberabe is the former CEO of Home Development Mutual Fund.
However, their marriage ended in separation. They had a daughter, Jamie Christine Berberabe Lim, a successful athlete, academic overachiever, and valedictorian. On December 23, 2023, Samboy Lim died in Pasig, Philippines, at the age of 61.
net worth
Samboy Lim is a beloved and talented Filipino professional basketball player whose net worth is estimated to be around $50 million to $100 million.
He has earned his wealth through a successful sports career which has brought him numerous accolades and endorsements.
Despite his financial success, he remained known for his humility and generosity, using his wealth to support various charities and causes.
