Gilas Pilipinas dedicates win over Iran to retiring June Mar Fajardo

MANILA, Philippines—Ensuring a memorable national team exit for June Mar Fajardo served as extra motivation for Gilas Pilipinas in the fourth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Kai Sotto and Juan Gomez de Liaño said that was their mindset heading into the Philippines’ crucial clash against Iran on Sunday night in Fajardo’s final game in a national team jersey.

“That’s June Mar Fajardo,” said a proud Sotto after the Filipinos’ 68-56 win over the Iranians before a packed crowd at Mall of Asia Arena. “I thank my idol and everyone else’s idol in Kuya June. He had such a great career in the national team. This win is dedicated to him.”

FOR KUYA JUNE 🫡

Kai Sotto dedicates Gilas’ latest win to June Mar Fajardo, who officially retired from national team duties. @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/OfFlIqaeEo

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) August 30, 2026

The 7-foot-3 Sotto honored his veteran teammate by recording 13 points and 16 rebounds, while Gomez de Liaño also played a key role with 16 points, seven of which came in a critical stretch in the third when Gilas was having a hard time scoring.

“We all came here with the same goal, which is to be on the same page for June Mar,” Gomez de Liaño said. “We also wanted to win these two crucial games for us to advance to the next round.”

Fajardo’s swansong concluded a successful window for the Philippines, which improved to 4-4 in Group E.

READ: ‘Old’ June Mar Fajardo nearing end of Gilas Pilipinas career

‘LAST GAME NA. LAST GAME NA TALAGA’ 👏

After 13 years of representing the Philippines with Gilas, June Mar Fajardo officially calls it a career. @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/tCPss9VjKy

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) August 30, 2026

The 36-year-old center saw limited action but still made an impact as one of the team’s sparks off the bench in the second quarter after Gilas fell behind by as many as 13 early. Fajardo finished with 6 points and two rebounds and even received MVP chants while shooting free throws.

Fajardo had a decorated national team career that began 13 years ago as part of the Gilas Pilipinas squad that secured a historic silver medal at the 2013 Fiba Asia Championship in Manila and qualified for the World Cup in Spain.

“It’s nice and really heartwarming,” said Fajardo. “I’m so blessed. I got to play with the past, present and future of Gilas.”