THE question of June Mar Fajardo's jersey retirement is not a matter of if but when.
Talks are circulating that Fajardo's No. 15 Gilas Pilipinas jersey which he has worn since he started his career with San MIguel as the team's No. 1 pick in 2012, will soon be retired and the only question is what occasion will be chosen to make that happen.
The big bet is that it will be held sometime early next year during the final window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers at the SM Seaside Arena in Cebu City.
There's no confirmation yet on this matter and the country's association for the sport, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), hasn’t divulged any future plans for the retirement.
READ June Mar says Gilas retirement at the end of FIBA window is final
But it's getting nearer, obviously, after the 6-foot-10 Fajardo announced that he will no longer play for Gilas Pilipinas, saying that his long stint as a national player has come to an end.
SPIN.ph sources said there are talks of doing the jersey retirement ceremony in Cebu City where he grew up and where he was discovered to later become one of the most outstanding, if not the best basketball player the country has produced.
Nine PBA MVP awards, which is more than double than what the next ranked player has won, attest to Fajardo's record of excellence.
It is also planned to be held in that city as a special thanks to Cebu and its basketball-crazy fans who treat the 36-year-old Fajardo as a deeply beloved figure.
The sixth and final FIBA window will be held at the newly-opened Seaside Arena on Feb. 26 and March 1.
The February 26 features games between Iran and New Zealand, and Gilas Pilipinas against Jordan.
The March 1 schedule on the other hand, showcases a triple header pitting Australia opposite Iran, New Zealand versus Jordan, and Gilas Pilipinas against Syria.
Asked about it, Fajardo said he knows nothing about plans regarding his Gilas jersey being formally retired during the FIBA World Cup qualifiers in Cebu. He said that while he will not be playing, he would be in attendance and cheer for Gilas.
One reason why the retirement ceremony might be held during the FIBA game is because it would mirror the one that was made for Japeth Aguilar whose No. 25 Gilas jersey was retired during the opening window of the qualifiers last Dec. 1.
Aguilar’s jersey retirement was held in the Gilas Pilipinas game against Guam at the Ateneo Blue Eagle gym, the school where the 39-year-old Barangay Ginebra stalwart played his early years in college.
Fajardo played for the national team from 2013 to 2026. - Gerry Ramos
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