Basketball legends raise P1M in exhibition game for Samboy Lim

Philippine basketball legends on Tuesday night got together and raised P1 million for fellow legend Avelino "Samboy" Lim Jr., who collapsed during an exhibition game late last year.

 

Lim posted on his Facebook account Wednesday night a thank-you message to the organizers and fellow Philippine Basketball Association legends who took part in the game.

 

"Malaking tulong po iyung 1 Million Pesos that was donated and will help defray medical costs to rehabilitate my health. Sabi nga nila, sa oras nang kagipitan mo malalaman kung sino ang tunay na nagmamahal. Once again, sa inyong lahat, lalo na kay Allan Caidic, ang aking walang hanggan na pasasalamat," he said. 
 

The Skywalker posted on Facebook photos of players who took part in the game.

 

"Ang buong family ko headed by my daughter Jamie Christine, Lelen, Mama, mga kapatid ko, mga aunties lalo na si Tita Fely, mga uncles at mga pinsan, ang mahal kong Berberabe Family, at lahat nang nagmamahal sa akin ay nagpapasalamat," he added. 

 

He also thanked the UNTV Cup in helping and donating to charities.

 

The Skywalker exhibition game was held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

 

Lim thanked UNTV CEO Daniel Razon and his good friends led by Allan Caidic, Hector Calma, Alvin Patrimonio, Ramon Fernandez, Fortunato "Atoy" Co Jr. and Ed Cordero.

 

Caidic, Calma and Fernandez had played with Lim in the PBA's San Miguel Beer team in the 1980s and 1990s. Calma and Fernandez had teamed with Lim to power the Beermen to a grand slam in 1989.

 

Other icons who took part in Tuesday's game included Jerry Codiñera, Ronnie Magsanoc, Alvin Teng, William "Bogs" Adornado, Johnny Abarrientos, Olsen Racela, Art dela Cruz, Freddie Abuda, Nelson Asaytono, Ferdinand "Bong" Ravena, Isabelo "Jojo" Lastimosa, Bong dela Cruz, Cordero, Tonichi Yturri, Franz Pumaren, Alfredo "Pido" Jarencio, Freddie Hubalde and Gil Cortez.

 

Philip Cezar coached the Skywalker Team.

 

Lim quoted Caidic as saying the game was “(a)ll for the love for Samboy."

 

He thanked the players who were not on the original rosters yet volunteered to be part of the event.

 

The Skywalker congratulated Caidic for being the MVP with 24 points, and leading the Skywalker Team to a 102-94 win over the UNTV selection.

 

Last November 28, Lim collapsed during an exhibition game and was brought to The Medical City where he spent time in intensive care.

 

He was moved out of the intensive care unit in December and transferred to the hospital's intermediate care unit. He was eventually brought home. — Joel Locsin/RSJ, GMA News