MANILA, Philippines — June Mar Fajardo is set to play his final games for Gilas Pilipinas when the national squad plays two home games against Jordan and Iran in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers second round on Aug 28 and 30 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Gilas coach Tim Cone said over the weekend that the nine-time PBA Most Valuable Player already indicated retiring from Gilas duties, but they asked him to play once again, at least for the coming FIBA window.
“June Mar wants to retire, but we pulled him back in for the window,” said Cone, noting how the Philippines will need his size due to the absence of Quentin Millora-Brown, still recovering from a recent back surgery, and the uncertainty of Kai Sotto suiting up.
Cone added that the 6-foot-11 Fajardo, who turns 37 this November, will be “doubtful” already for the Asian Games.
The Philippines will be defending its Asian Games gold medal for the coming men’s cage tournament in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Fajardo was a member of the Gilas side that ended the country’s 61-year men’s basketball title drought after winning the gold in the 2023 edition in Hangzhou, China.
Meanwhile, the 7-3 Sotto has not communicated yet on his possible stint with Gilas, as per Cone, while young and energetic big man Mike Phillips, who had a solid showing during the window last July against New Zealand Australia, won’t be available as he attends to the wedding of his brother in the United States.
