18/08/2026
You've come a long way Abai!
Well that 13 year journey was quick. Started from the floor of Cebu Coliseum for the University of Cebu to the floors of diffrent courts around the world.
After 13 years of representing the Philippines, nine-time PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo is set to bid farewell to the Gilas Pilipinas national team. And he sure left when the countries big man role is in good hands.
Fajardo is expected to play his final two games for Gilas later this month in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers 4th Window against Jordan and Iran at the Mall of Asia Arena.
And what a journey for you Bai!
-Dominated in Cebu for UC during CESAFI tournaments.
-Refused to be pushed over against imports for SMB in the ABL
-GOATED yourself in the PBA
-13 YEARS representing Gilas Pilipinas
-3 FIBA World Cup appearances
-Helped break the Korean curse in 2013
-Part of the team that ended the Philippines’ 40-year wait for a World Cup victory
-Gilas pull off a stunning upset over world No. 6 Latvia
From a tall lanky kid from Pinamungahan Cebu to being the young big man who first answered the call to now the veteran who became one of the pillars of Philippine basketball, Junemar Fajardo’s Gilas journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
The 13 years were not always good. There were tests along the way. Injuries, bashers and fatigue. But one thing is certain, in those 13 years, if JMF is capable of playing, he will play.
Now, it is down to
One final call.
One final tour of duty
One final window.
One final chapter.
One final mission.
Thank you, Junemar.
WE’VE COME A LONG WAY.
