MANILA, Philippines — June Mar Fajardo ended his 13-year Gilas Pilipinas career Sunday with a 68-56 victory over Iran in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers, receiving the game ball and a standing ovation from teammates, coaches and fans at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Gilas players and coaches handed Fajardo the game ball after the final buzzer and guided him toward center court, where fans chanted “MVP!” in recognition of his national team career.
“It feels good. It warms the heart,” Fajardo said.
The 35-year-old center confirmed that the Iran game marked his final appearance for Gilas. He finished with six points and two rebounds in seven minutes as the Philippines improved to 4-4 in Group E and strengthened its bid for a place in next year’s World Cup.
Fajardo also helped spark Gilas’ second-quarter comeback. His jump hook cut Iran’s lead to 29-25 after the Philippines fell behind 18-7 in the opening period.
“That was huge,” coach Tim Cone said. “When he got the ball and made that turn and landed that jump hook, the crowd went absolutely crazy.”
Fajardo made his Gilas debut at the 2013 Fiba Asia Championship, where he helped the Philippines secure a place in the 2014 Fiba World Cup. He went on to play 70 games across Fiba competitions, along with appearances in the Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games.
His national team career included a gold medal at the 2019 SEA Games and the 2023 Asian Games, where the Philippines ended a long wait for an Asian Games basketball title.
Fajardo also played in the 2014, 2019 and 2023 Fiba World Cups and helped Gilas defeat then-No. 5 Latvia at the 2024 Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
His final national team appearance came after years of playing for both club and country, along with injuries and demanding international schedules.
Fajardo said representing the Philippines remained one of the greatest honors of his career.
“Every time I put on that PILIPINAS jersey, I knew I was playing for something much bigger than myself, for my family, my teammates, the people who believed in me, and everyone who supported us through every win and every loss,” he said in a social media post.
Gilas players also signed Fajardo’s jersey, which he plans to keep alongside the awards, plaques and medals he has collected during his career.
“This is it. This is really my last game,” Fajardo said. “That’s why I had this ball, and I plan to frame it.”
