CHRIS Newsome paid an emotional tribute to June Mar Fajardo after the veteran big man announced his international retirement following Gilas Pilipinas’ 68-56 victory over Iran on Sunday.
For Newsome, Fajardo’s greatest legacy is not simply the medals, records or accomplishments, but his unwavering commitment whenever the Philippine national squad called.
“For me, it’s just about the dedication to the country, the service to the country,” Newsome said.
“You’ll never hear June Mar turn down the flag whenever he’s called, unless there’s some injuries or anything that’s really preventing him. But anytime he gets called, he’s really going to be there.”
Newsome believes Fajardo’s commitment should serve as an example for the next generation of Filipino basketball players.
“That’s a good message to all the youth and the generations to come that whenever the country needs you, and your services are available, definitely follow Junmar’s lead in that.”
Fajardo has been part of Gilas since its early years, and Newsome believes the nine-time PBA MVP leaves behind a legacy that will be extremely difficult to replicate.
“He’s been there since the beginning of Gilas. And now, you know, he’s leaving a legacy that’s going to be hard to match, hard to follow,” stressed Newsome.
Newsome also expressed pride that younger Gilas players were able to see Fajardo’s final chapter with the national team.
“I’m happy that the younger generation of guys got to see this version of June Mar,” he said. “It’s the ones that didn’t get to see the early versions of June Mar on Gilas, but they get to see this one, which is going to be the last imprint that he leaves on this generation of basketball players.”
For Newsome, however, the memories go beyond basketball.
He said he was honored to share the court with Fajardo and win gold medals alongside him.
“I’m so proud of him. I’m honored to fight by his side, honored to win gold medals with him,” he said.
But the emotional tribute eventually turned personal, with Newsome revealing the unlikely bond that developed between the two teammates during their Gilas travels.
“The thing I’m going to miss the most about June Mar, though, he’s my One Piece buddy,” he said.
Newsome said the two would spend road trips playing the popular trading card game and visiting card shops together.
“That’s something that we really connected on and we started to do whenever I started joining Gilas,” he said.
“I’m definitely going to miss you, Bai. I know you’re not too far away. So keep on messaging and I’ll see you in the gym.”
Fajardo scored six points and grabbed two rebounds in what could be his final game for Gilas Pilipinas, closing an international career that Newsome believes will leave an enduring mark on Philippine basketball. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
