PASAY CITY (Philippines) - The Philippines men's team has bid goodbye to one of their long-time cornerstones after June Mar Fajardo decided to call it quits on an international career that spanned for over a decade.
After hinting at a possible retirement from Gilas Pilipinas prior to the ongoing Window 4 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, the 36-year-old center has ultimately pushed through with his plan.
The program he helped build was fully supportive of his decision even if it meant losing one of its most committed players, with his team paying him a tribute after their 68-56 win over Iran at the SM Mall of Asia Arena here.
No rites were held unlike in Japeth Aguilar's retirement, although it was more memorable. Gilas gave him the game ball during their huddle at center court, while the home crowd chanted 'M-V-P' for him.
It couldn't get any more nostalgic, as the Cebuano star played his final game with Gilas in the same venue where he first donned the country's colors some 13 years ago - in a campaign so historic for this hoop-crazed nation.
I see a really bright future for the national team.
Fajardo debuted for the national team in the then-2013 FIBA Asia Championship and although he rode the bench mostly, he's nonetheless part of the unit that won what fans and pundits refer to as the 'golden silver.'
The Philippines exorcised the so-called 'Korean Curse' by beating Korea in the Semi-Finals, which not only assured themselves a medal but also brought the country back to the World Cup after nearly 40 years of absence.
Since then, Fajardo would become an integral part of Gilas - in the next 13 years, to be exact.
In that stretch, he'd help the Philippines reach some of the sport's grandest stages, highlighted by three consecutive appearances in the World Cup, including the highly successful 2023 edition held in Manila.
By playing against Team Melli, Fajardo has worn a total of 70 caps in the FIBA senior level, which, of course, speaks volumes to how willing he has always been to suit up and play for the country whenever duty calls.
Filipino fans, though, do not - and will not, for sure - just remember him for his FIBA campaigns. He also suited up for various international events such as the Asian Games and the Southeast Asian Games, to name some.
He's won medals in those competitions as well, with the 2023 Asian Games arguably one of the sweetest victories of his career as he helped the Philippines end their wait for a men's basketball gold that lasted 61 years.
But now, Fajardo is all set to call it a day. He had actually planned to retire after Window 3 last July, but postponed it after no less than head coach Tim Cone asked if he could reconsider and join the team for Window 4.
He's leaving with much optimism for Gilas' future, and with a heart full of gratitude, too, for he once thought that he's over with basketball after suffering a career-threatening right tibia fracture back in 2020.
"I just feel so blessed that I was able to come back," he said in Filipino prior to Window 4. "Because after I broke my tibia, I thought I won't be able to return to basketball. I was really at my lowest point back then."
"But I was given a second chance. And I feel blessed to have been given another chance to become part of the national team," he added. "Now, I'm willing to give my spot because there are others who are deserving."
"I see a really bright future for the national team," Fajardo closed.
In his final outing in a Gilas jersey, Fajardo finished with 6 points and 2 rebounds in the 7 minutes he played in total, proving to be the momentum-shifter in the second quarter as the Philippines overcame a slow start.
FIBA