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| June Mar Fajardo could call it a Gilas career after Sunday night's game against Iran. LA Arcin (file photo) |
MANILA—Will we see the last of June Mar Fajardo in a Gilas Pilipinas jersey on Sunday night?
All eyes may be on the reigning PBA MVP as Gilas continues its grueling late grind for a FIBA World Cup spot against Iran.
Before the national team began its training, coach Tim Cone said that the 6-foot-10 center, turning 37 this November, discussed the possibility of retiring from Gilas duties.
However, with Quentin Millora-Brown and Mike Phillips begging off this window, Cone and the rest of the team management successfully persuaded Fajardo to play.
In a recent interview, Fajardo confirmed that he is now pondering calling it a national team career.
"Posibleng last two games ko na ito sa national team," Fajardo said, adding that he too will not suit up in the Asian Games.
A national team stalwart since 2013, he reiterated that it has been an honor to don the Gilas blue for 13 years.
"Siyempre, isang karangalan na maglaro sa national team. Sobrang blessed ko na mapabilang sa national team," Fajardo further said.
Despite all of these, he acknowledged that he is already aging and it is high time to give way to the younger frontline led by Millora-Brown, Phillips, Kai Sotto, and AJ Edu.
"Ibibigay ko yung spot ko sa iba. Nakikita ko naman na marami namang mga younger," Fajardo said.
"Sobrang bright ng future sa national team."
However, if there is one guy he would love to see with Gilas, it would be Justin Arana.
Both mentored by Danny Ildefonso, many see the Converge center as the next in line to the San Miguel superstar.
Fajardo himself agrees.
"Sobrang taas ng potential na mapabilang sa national team," he said of Arana.
With Carl Tamayo hurt during Gilas' Friday night win against Jordan, Arana may be activated for the Sunday night match against Iran at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Many fans believe that Gilas may need more frontline stability over another point guard, thus preferring Arana over RJ Abarrientos.
Regardless of who becomes the replacement—or whether Tamayo would be replaced or not—one thing is for sure: the Gilas-Iran game could be the culmination of Fajardo's career as a Philippines international.
