Reminding me of Samboy

CEBU - One week into the NBA and it’s getting exciting. Nope, I’m not talking about the recent trade between Allan Iverson and Chauncey Billups, I’m talking about Gred Oden.

The 6-11 Portland center hurt his foot in the opening quarter of his first NBA game against LA last week that will sideline him for the next 2-4 weeks. Oden missed the whole season last year due to injury, thus when he finally suited up for Portland, in what others call his “delayed” entry into the NBA, all eyes were on him.

There were no ohs and ahs, when he entered the game, but there were raised eyebrows when he got hurt. This guy’s injury prone! He has the talent, no question about that, but he seems to get hurt all the time. I had the chance to watch some summer league games and Oden could be the next Bill Walton, but I guess he has to start playing a few games first and finish them without an injury.

For some measure, Oden reminds me of Samboy Lim, that likeable small forward of San Miguel. Samboy was arguably the best player in the PBA history (he’s been voted as one of the 25 best players) not to have won a regular season MVP award because he couldn’t finish a conference without an injury.

For the record, Samboy won an MVP award but it was in the 1990 PBA All-Star game where he scored 42 points and that record still stands.

Samboy, who earned the moniker “Skywalker” and “The Dragon,” is a player that would challenge any defense. Because of his leaping ability and his knack to almost stay afloat longer than many others Samboy could penetrate any defense and hit the bucket. The only problem is that when he lands, he would usually get hurt.

In a 1989 game, where San Miguel was seeking a grandslam Samboy flew over a phalanx of defenders for a dunk! Yves Dignadice, who was beside Samboy, when he took off, had to catch his teammate when he landed almost head first! Those of us, who were watching the game, could only hold our breaths! Samboy turned out okay but then he would get hurt again in the next conference.

The PBA honored Samboy with the “The Sportsmanship Award” before he retired. Some sportswriters say that it was like a “consuelo de bobo” on the part of the PBA. By “inventing” such award, they could honor a player that brought excitement to the league. Samboy was the only player in the PBA that gets cheered by opposing fans. Well, if you’ve seen him during warm-ups, you’ll know what I mean.

Greg Oden…well, he has to stay healthy and get me excited so I’ll write about him again. Just kidding.

***

What I’m excited about is the Heroes Run for PWDs on Nov. 30 at Parkmall, North Reclamation Area. I was able to attend the press conference that officially launched the charity run at Parkmall last Wednesday. Great to renew acquaintances with Nonoy Concha, Arnold Balais, Jerry Canonigo, Dr. Barns Barcenas, Raffy Uytiepo and of course, Dr. Renald Ramiro.

Registration is now going at Cebu City Sports Center (Abellana) and Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital, in the department of Rehab Medicine (Jones) and College of Rehab Science (North Reclamation Area), respectively. Let’s support his charity run! I’ll be there despite the race being run on a Sunday…

For comments, please write [email protected] or text 09175155290. (THE FREEMAN)