MANILA, Philippines — If Sunday’s game was his last, June Mar Fajardo said he’s just happy to see his Gilas Pilipinas career end on a winning note.
His playing time has diminished in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, with coach Tim Cone building the plays around a younger core led by comebacking big man Kai Sotto.
But being the consummate team player and professional, the 6-10 Fajardl happily accepted whatever role in these two homes games, that saw the Philippines beat Jordan last Friday, and capping the fourth window with a confidence-building 68-56 win against Iran before a wildly-cheering home crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“I’m thankful to God, I’m speechless,” Fajardo said in Filipino in the post-game interview at mixed zone. “When I looked up at the scoreboard, and I saw my name, that would be the last time (I’ll see my name there),” the nine-time PBA Most Valuable Player added, as his Gilas career ended fittingly with the national team’s sweep of of its two home games.
“I’m just so lucky to be be able to play with the pioneers of Gilas and the present players.” There was no formal retirement ceremony for Fajardo’s career with Gilas. Only a simple handover of the game ball to the Cebuano big man, whose national team career started in August 2013, as a young big man during the FIBA Asia men’s championship (now FIBA Asia Cup) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Fajardo, with the basketball in his hand, while standing at center court waved goodbye to the Filipino fans, who acknowledged his service to the national team with their loud cheer.
Fajardo, who turns 37 this November, logged in seven minutes in what will be his final game for the Philippine team, finishing with six points and two rebounds.
Recognized by many as the GOAT (greatest of all time) of Philippine basketball, Fajardo is leaving Gilas in good hands, with a new breed of big men led by Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, along with Quentin Millora-Brown and Mike Phillips.
Asked what’s his message to the next generation of Gilas players: “I mever really dreamed of playing basketball but I was blessed with height and coaches who guided me. They just need to be disciplined.”
