JUNE Mar Fajardo has confirmed that Sunday’s victory over Iran was indeed his final game for Gilas Pilipinas.
After the Philippines completed a perfect fourth window with a 68-56 win over Iran, the nine-time PBA MVP made it clear that his decision to step away from international basketball is final.
“Last game na, last game na talaga,” Fajardo said when asked if it was truly his final appearance for the national team.
The veteran big man finished his possible farewell game with six points and two rebounds, helping Gilas overcome a slow start and secure another crucial win in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
With younger players like Juan Gomez de Liaño and Dwight Ramos stepping up throughout the fourth window, Fajardo said he could already see the next generation that will carry the national team forward.
“Nararamdaman ko na, sila iyung magdadala sa national team sa future,” he said.
Rather than focusing on his own farewell, Fajardo expressed gratitude for being able to share his final Gilas campaign with the current generation of players.
“Ngayon, sobrang blessed ko na kasama ko iyung mga player ng Gilas, iyung Gilas One. Sobrang blessed ko,” he added.
Fajardo has been part of the Gilas program for more than a decade and was a key member of the Philippine team that won the country’s historic Asian Games gold medal in 2023.
Now, after one final victory in front of the home crowd, the 6-foot-10 center is ready to pass the torch to the next generation. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
