June Mar Fajardo sparks Gilas Pilipinas win in his ‘last game’

June Mar Fajardo holds up the game ball as he says goodbye to the crowd after playing his final game for Gilas Pilipinas–a 68-56 win over Iran in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers–on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–June Mar Fajardo officially confirmed his retirement from Gilas Pilipinas duties following Sunday’s 68-56 win over Iran in the fourth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers at Mall of Asia Arena.

And Fajardo made sure that he won’t go off into the sunset without having a hand in the victory that enabled Gilas to close in on the race for spots in next year’s World Cup in Doha, Qatar.

Fajardo had six points and two rebounds in seven minutes, but it was during the second quarter when he helped spark Gilas’ fightback from a lethargic first quarter.

READ: Gilas Pilipinas dedicates win over Iran to retiring June Mar Fajardo

THANK YOU, JMF 🥹

June Mar Fajardo receives “MVP” chants in what might be his last game for Gilas Pilipinas. @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/i3vouiDwFX

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

“Siyempre kung ano yung pwede kung maitulong, ibibigay ko kasi gusto ko i-cherish yung last game ko (Of course, I wanted to give whatever I can to help because I want to cherish my last game),” Fajardo said.

A jump hook over Arman Zangeneh with 2:39 left that cut the deficit to 29-25 brought big cheers from the crowd, and the basket seemed to have galvanized Gilas.

Coach Tim Cone later said that the play was a morale-booster for the home side, which would go into the half up 36-34 after trailing 18-5 in the opening period.

Gilas would eventually get the job done behind Kai Sotto, Juan Gomez de Liano, Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu, allowing Fajardo to get a fitting curtain call with chants of “MVP” and receive the game ball from his teammates.

READ: Gilas Pilipinas beats Iran in key duel to sweep Fiba fourth window

‘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 swan song was actually his 70th game in all Fiba competitions across 13 years that started at the same venue in the 2013 Fiba Asia Championship.

And with that, Fajardo’s national team career has come full circle.

“Last game, last game na talaga (it’s really my last game),” said the 36-year-old Fajardo.