Gilas Pilipinas Revives World Cup Hopes, Bids Farewell to Fajardo
For 13 years, June Mar Fajardo wore the Philippine jersey through victories, losses, and everything in between. On his final night with Gilas Pilipinas, he left it all on the floor for one last time, walking away with a win and a World Cup dream still alive.
Four straight losses had left Gilas Pilipinas with little room for error. Entering Window 4 of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, the Philippines desperately needed a win to keep their hopes of qualifying alive. Missing naturalized forward Justin Brownlee, who was sidelined due to injury, Gilas responded with a crucial 82-81 sweep against Jordan in overtime last August 28 before overcoming Iran, 68-56, two days later at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The sweep brought Gilas back to an even 4-4 record in Group E and snapped an 11-year winless drought against Iran, which had dominated the Philippines for over a decade. More importantly, it gave Fajardo a fitting final chapter wearing the national colors.
When Fajardo checked in at the 3:41 mark of the second quarter, the packed home crowd erupted in cheers and chants of “MVP”. The nine-time Philippine Basketball Association Most Valuable Player (MVP) immediately made an impact by scoring six points and grabbing two rebounds within just seven minutes on the floor.
For Fajardo, it was a full-circle moment. He debuted with Gilas in that same arena back in 2013, beginning a 13-year national team run that included a gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games. Thirteen years later, he walked off the same court for the final time with a victory, closing a chapter of his career against a team that had haunted him for over a decade.
“Sobrang blessed ko na nakasama ko 'yung past, present, at future ng Gilas,” Fajardo reflected.
But Fajardo’s farewell was only half the story. To reach that point, Gilas had to survive two tough games in their qualifying campaign.
The Philippines opened Window 4 against Jordan. Gilas fell behind by 18 points in the first quarter, a deficit that looked set to extend their losing streak to five. But the Philippines fought their way back.
CJ Perez became instrumental in the comeback, relentlessly attacking the basket in the final four minutes of regulation. His late-game push helped the Philippines force an overtime with the score tied at 72.
Kevin Quiambao delivered the go-ahead three-pointer with 11.7 seconds left in overtime, and Kai Sotto sealed it with a buzzer-beating block in Jordan’s final possession, securing the 82-81 win, capping off a double-double night of 18 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks. Perez also finished with 16 points, 14 of which came from the fourth quarter and overtime alone.
Two days later, on August 30, Gilas faced Iran. Iran came out aggressively, jumping to an early 18-7 lead in the first quarter, before Gilas answered back with a 29-16 in the second quarter to take the lead. Iran slowly fought back to 54-54, but Gilas closed out the game on a 14-2 run to finish 68-56.
Dwight Ramos led the charge with 16 points, seven rebounds, and two steals; Juan Gomez de Liaño added 16 points; and Sotto controlled the boards with 13 points and a game-high 16 rebounds.
The two victories meant more than simply improving the Gilas’ record. They marked the start of a new chapter, with a rising young roster as one of its longest-serving players stepped away. Fajardo left behind a decorated national team career, but he expressed confidence in the other players who will carry Gilas to the next chapter.
“Gilas has such a bright future. We can clearly see that. As long as they stay healthy, they are the ones who will carry the team,” Fajardo said. “They represent the present, so they are the future as well.”
That future is already taking shape. Sotto has emerged as a force in the paint, controlling the board in both games. Quiambao delivered one of the most crucial shots of the window against Jordan, while Perez provided the spark that brought Gilas back with his fourth-quarter scoring. AJ Edu continues to add size to the frontcourt, and Carl Tamayo is developing into one of the program’s key pieces.
This is the group Fajardo is leaving behind to keep the World Cup dreams alive. He lit the spark. Now, it's their turn to keep it burning.
As Gilas will enter Window 5 this November with a 4-4 record and renewed momentum in Group E, the road to the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup remains open.
As Gilas moves forward without Fajardo, his final game could not have ended on a better note: back at the Mall of Asia Arena, with a victory over Iran, and a final night surrounded by the players who will carry Gilas forward.