June Mar Fajardo played his final game in a Gilas Pilipinas jersey on Sunday, and he was confident in doing so knowing that the Philippine men’s national basketball team’s future is in good hands.
As the Philippines’ big man for the past 13 years, Fajardo made sure to pass the baton to “Kuya Kai” Sotto as he closed the chapter on his national team career.
“Last ko na. Last ko na. Last ko na talaga,” said Fajardo after Gilas’ 68-56 win over Iran in front of a jam-packed SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Sabi ko nga sa inyo, si Kuya Kai yung magse-save sa atin sa window na ito. Siya yung magdadala sa atin sa glory,” he continued.
“Kuya Kai. Basta Kuya Kai ang tawag ko sa kanya.”
The future — or perhaps the present — of Gilas Pilipinas helped carve out the gutsy victory over Iran, giving the Philippines its first FIBA win against the West Asians in 11 years.
Sotto delivered another double-double, tallying 13 points and 16 rebounds after putting up 18 points and 14 rebounds against Jordan last Friday.
Juan Gomez de Liaño starred in the win with 16 points off the bench while finishing with a plus-14 rating in 17 minutes. Meanwhile, Dwight Ramos did it all with 16 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and a block to go with a plus-18 in 28 minutes.
“Sobrang bright ng future ng Gilas. Kita naman natin. Basta healthy lang sila lagi,” Fajardo said.
“Nakakatuwa. Nakakataba ng puso kasi sila na yung magdadala sa national team eh.”
Fajardo played just five minutes and 27 seconds, but his limited stint proved pivotal as he helped spark Gilas’ second-quarter turnaround. His presence helped the Philippines take a 36-34 lead into halftime after trailing by as many as 13 points early in the game.
With a perfect home stand, the Philippines closed the gap in Pool E despite remaining in fifth place at 4-4. Jordan and Iran, tied for third and fourth, respectively, are just one game ahead at 5-3.
“Siyempre, kung ano yung puwede kong maitulong, ibibigay ko,” said the now-Gilas legend.
“Solid. Solid yung last game ko.”
The fifth window is set for November 27 to 30, with the Philippines scheduled to face Iran and Syria.
