JUNE Mar Fajardo went out on a winning note as he played his final game in a Gilas Pilipinas uniform on Sunday in their big comeback against Iran in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Fajardo was serenaded with chants of 'MVP, MVP' by the sellout crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena and given the game ball by his teammates right after Gilas’ 68-56 win over Iran that gave the hosts a sweep of their games in the fourth window.
READ Kai Sotto, Juan GdL spark Gilas win vs Iran, fourth-window sweep
The nine-time PBA MVP later confirmed that it was his final game in a Gilas jersey.
“Last ko na ito. Ginawa ko na nga ‘yung buong magagawa ko,” Fajardo told reporters at the mixed zone.
The Cebuano gentle giant said he was glad to be of service to flag and country in a long Gilas career that saw him come of age with Chot Reyes' 2013 team that finished runner-up to Iran in the FIBA Asia Cup in Manila and serve as the 'kuya' to Kai Sotto and Co. in his final years with the national team.
And his final game for Gilas was by no means ceremonial as Fajardo scored six points and grabbed two rebounds in 7 minutes while helping the hosts overcome an early 18-5 deficit with a strong second quarter.
The San Miguel big man scored all his points during a crucial 13-2 stretch in which Gilas transformed a 29-21 deficit into a 34-31 advantage in the second quarter.
The crowd cheered every time he touched the ball - the noise hitting a crescendo when he scored on a jump hook at the 2:31 mark of the second quarter.
Fajardo’s effort and the cheers from the crowd inspired the rest of the squad to recover from an atrocious start where they were down, 18-5.
READ Flu-like symptoms almost kept Dwight Ramos out of Iran game
Fajardo was glad he made a significant impact on his final Gilas game.
“Siyempre, kung ano ‘yung puwede kong maitulong, ibibigay ko. Gusto ko i-cherish ‘yung last game ko,” Fajardo said.
The San Miguel big man was touched with the gestures and kind words of his Gilas Pilipinas teammates in his retirement from international duty.
JMF signing off
“Nakakatuwa. Nakakataba ng puso. Sila na ‘yung magdadala ng national team. Sila na ang present at sila na rin ang future,” Fajardo said.
“Maraming salamat sa mga fans na sumusuporta sa akin at sa lahat ng mga fans na nagpunta dito para suportahan kami,” Fajardo said.
With his Gilas retirement, Fajardo will now focus on his domestic campaign with San Miguel in the resumption of the PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup.
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