If there’s one thing Samboy Lim and Bong Alvarez had in common, it is the ability to captivate an audience. Whether it was through Lim’s daredevil acrobatics or Alvarez’s explosive scoring, these two legends left an indelible mark on Philippine basketball.
But the question remains: who was the better player?
The game starts now.
THE SKYWALKER
Samboy Lim was a walking highlight reel, known for his fearless drives, impossible finishes, and flair for the dramatic. His nine championships, including the Grand Slam with San Miguel in 1989, are proof of his winning pedigree. Samboy wasn’t just a sideshow; he was a vital cog in a San Miguel dynasty that dominated the PBA for years. His contributions weren’t always about gaudy stats but rather timely plays that shifted momentum and turned games around.
Lim’s All-Star Game MVP performance in 1990—where he dropped an astounding 42 points—is still one of the most talked-about moments in PBA history. Add to that his inclusion in the PBA’s 25 and 40 Greatest Players lists, and you’ve got a career that screams "legend."
He also was a cornerstone for the national team, contributing to multiple medal finishes in the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, and FIBA tournaments as part of the Northern Consolidated Cement squad. When the team skipped the 1986 FIBA World Cup because of the People Power Revolution, it felt like it instigated the fall of Philippine basketball.
Can you imagine Samboy Lim going one-on-one with Drazen Petrovic and attacking the paint defended by Vlade Divac?
However, Lim’s Achilles heel—literally and figuratively—was his health. Injuries limited him to just 335 games, robbing fans of what could have been a more statistically dominant career. Yes, fans are captivated by his hang time moves, but there was a time in the '90s when fans would also hold their breath and hope that Samboy would finish the move without getting injured. Despite this, his cultural and symbolic importance to Philippine basketball remains unmatched.
MR. EXCITEMENT
On the other hand, Bong Alvarez brought firepower and entertainment every time he stepped on the court. Known as “Mr. Excitement,” Alvarez made scoring look easy, whether it was through gravity-defying dunks or tough jumpers. In his rookie year, he averaged a jaw-dropping 23 points per game, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s premier offensive threats. The reason why he failed to win the Rookie of the Year award is that he was in the same batch as Rookie MVP Benjie Paras.
Alvarez’s 1990 season, which earned him a Mythical First Team nod, was the peak of his career. Alvarez also won his first and only PBA championship with Alaska in 1991.
He also briefly held the highest single-game mark for locals with 71 points, up until it was supplanted by Lim's former NCC teammate Allan Caidic.
But unlike Lim, Bong’s off-court issues and clashes with management disrupted his trajectory. His journeyman status—playing for eight different teams—hindered his ability to cement a legacy with a single franchise.
THE STATS
Statistically, Alvarez has the edge. Over 403 games, he averaged 16.35 points, 5.27 rebounds, and 3.17 assists per game. Lim, in comparison, posted 16.03 points, 2.76 rebounds, and 1.96 assists over 335 games.
In fact, one of the reasons why San Miguel traded Vic Pablo to Shell for Alvarez is because they needed offensive firepower.
Alvarez’s ability to sustain high production for a longer period is noteworthy, especially considering his more prominent scoring role in most of his stints.
However, numbers don’t always tell the full story. Samboy’s value wasn’t just in points but in his ability to lift his team in clutch moments. He was the type of player who made winning plays—whether it was drawing a foul, hitting a timely basket, or making a defensive stop.
THE WINNER IS SAMBOY LIM
Samboy may not have played as many games, but his contributions, accolades, and the way he inspired an entire generation make him the better overall player. When you think of PBA legends, you think of Samboy Lim.
If we’re talking about pure talent, excitement, and cultural impact, Samboy Lim takes the crown. His nine championships, international success, and reputation as one of the most beloved players in Philippine basketball make him the clear choice.
While Alvarez was undoubtedly the better scorer and enjoyed a longer career, his inconsistency, and off-court distractions kept him from reaching the same heights. Lim’s legacy as “The Skywalker” transcends stats and injuries, solidifying his place as the superior player in this comparison.