MANILA, Philippines — June Mar Fajardo already gave what was understandably a farewell speech shortly after Gilas suffered a 92-49 beating at the hands of powerhouse Australia last July in the window 3 of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers in Perth.
While Gilas coach Tim Cone said he was truly grateful for the 6-10 Fajardo’s long years of service to the national team, the American said he didn’t “accept” his retirement yet, especially with Kai Sotto’s availability still in question at that time.
“After the last window, after the Australia game, he gave a long speech in the locker room about how he was going to retire from Gilas similar to what Japeth did previously the year before,”Cone said during last Monday’s press conference at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“I was happy for him, and players were slapping him on the shoulders, thanking him, and everything. But I was thinking at the same time, he ain’t retiring; I’m not gonna let him retire,” he added.
The all-time PBA winningest head coach is convinced that even at 36, Fajardo remains a valuable asset to the Philippine team, especially as Gilas battles West Asian basketball giants Jordan and Iran this week.
“When this happened and especially before we knew Kai is coming in, we made it clear to June Mar that we really needed him at this level when we are playing true Asian teams, Middle Eastern teams. We’re not playing Oceania teams,” he said.
“We feel June Mar can make a bigger impact.” Cone honored the nine-time PBA Most Valuable Player, who despite logging heavy minutes as San Miguel Beer’s long-time star center, the Cebuano big man continues to lend his services to the national team.
“We are really appreciative for him to make an extra effort,” said the 67-year-old Cone. “He’s been playing for a long time, played a lot of minutes with San Miguel. He’s beat up, but he’s coming in to join us and gives his best.” Fajardo’s SMB teammate CJ Perez and Gilas guard Dwigjt Ramos also honored the PBA star big man as well.
“I’m so proud of him. He has gone through many injuries, and ups and downs. He’s been here, sacrificing for the country. I’m happy for him,” shared Perez, who served as Fajardo’s Gilas teammate in the 2019 and 2023 FIBA World Cup.
“I really look up to June Mar, and also Japeth, just for the amount of years that they were able to play for Gilas, it’s just really something special. For us young guys, it’s coming to a time where it’s our turn to take the torch that they’ve been carrying for so long. We’re trying to follow the footsteps that they led for us,” added Ramos.
