Veteran center June Mar Fajardo is set to make his final appearance for Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian qualifiers.
National team head coach Tim Cone confirmed that the 36-year-old Fajardo is unlikely to return for another tour of duty after the qualifying window, effectively ending his long stint with the national team.
Cone said Fajardo had wanted to retire but was convinced to return because Gilas needs an experienced presence at center, particularly with Kai Sotto yet to commit to another national team campaign.
“Gustong magretiro ni June Mar, ngunit hinila namin siya pabalik para sa window,” Cone said.
Fajardo’s impending retirement comes less than a year after fellow veteran Japeth Aguilar officially ended his national team career following more than 16 years of service.
Aguilar, a close friend of Fajardo, had his No. 25 Gilas jersey retired during a ceremony at the Blue Eagle Gym on December 1, before the national team’s game against Guam.
Fajardo is expected to suit up for Gilas against Jordan on August 28 and Iran two days later at the Mall of Asia Arena as the Philippines begins the second window of the Asian qualifiers.
A member of the national team program since 2013, Fajardo played in three consecutive FIBA World Cup campaigns in 2014 in Spain, 2019 in China and 2023 in the Philippines.
He was also part of the Philippine team that won the men’s basketball gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, ending the country’s 61-year gold-medal drought in the event.
Fajardo last played for Gilas during the third window of the qualifiers, where he suffered a hyperextended right elbow against Australia in Perth.
The injury also sidelined him from San Miguel’s opening game in the ongoing 50th PBA Season Governors’ Cup against Macau, although the Beermen still won, 123-109.
