AJ Edu considers it a privilege to have shared the court with June Mar Fajardo in what turned out to be the veteran big man’s final game for Gilas Pilipinas.
Fajardo played his last international game Sunday as the Philippines defeated Iran, 68-56, to complete a perfect fourth window in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
For Edu, playing alongside one of the most accomplished players in Philippine basketball was a moment he will carry with him for years.
“It’s been such a privilege to play with such a legend, someone that I heard about since I was young,” Edu said.
The young big man said Fajardo’s long list of accomplishments and years of service to the national team made the experience even more meaningful.
“Just all the accomplishments that he’s had and just the service that he’s had for the country for so many years, he’s truly a legend,” Edu said of June Mar.
Fajardo contributed six points and two rebounds in his final Gilas appearance, helping the Philippines overcome a slow start and secure another crucial victory.
For Edu, however, the significance of the moment went well beyond the result.
“To say that I shared the court with him, you know, something I can tell my kids one day,” Edu said. “So I’m grateful.”
