AFTER Japeth Aguilar, another big man in June Mar Fajardo is set to walk away from Gilas Pilipinas.
Tim Cone, the national team coach, disclosed the coming window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian qualifiers will be the last time the 36-year-old Fajardo will be donning the country’s blue, red, and white.
That means it’s unlikely he’ll be back for another tour of duty when Gilas tries to defend the basketball gold in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.
"June Mar wants to retire, but we pulled him back in for the window,” said Cone of the need to have the veteran 6-foot-11 , nine-time PBA MVP to anchor the middle, as Kai Sotto is yet to commit to play for the Philippines anew.
“Although he’s (Fajardo) doubtful for the Asian Games,” added the Gilas coach.
Fajardo’s impending retirement comes less than a year after Aguilar officially left the national team after more than 16 years of service.
The No. 25 Gilas jersey of the 39-year-old Aguilar, a close friend of Fajardo, was officially retired in a brief but meaningful ceremony last Dec. 1 during Gilas’ game against Guam at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The Filipinos battle Jordan on Aug. 28 then take on Iran two days after in games to be held at the Mall of Asia Arena to kick off the second window of qualifiers.
Call of duty
Fajardo has been with the Gilas program since 2013 and was a major part of the country’s campaign in three consecutive FIBA World Cup appearances in 2014 (Spain), 2019 (China), and 2023 (Philippines).
He was likewise a member of the men’s team that won the championship in the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China where the country ended its 61-year-old gold medal drought.
The San Miguel big man suited up for Gilas during the third window of the qualifiers on the road, where unfortunately, he hyperextended his right elbow during the game against Australia in Perth.
The injury made Fajardo miss the Beermen's opening game in the ongoing 50th Season Governors’ Cup against Macau, which they nonetheless still won, 123-109.
Still, it was during the game against the Boomers where he wound up as one of the bright spots in Gilas’ 92-49 loss by posting decent numbers of eight points, six rebounds, and three assists.
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