Cone: June Mar Fajardo ‘wanted to retire’ from Gilas before return

Gilas Pilipinas center June Mar Fajardo.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Is June Mar Fajardo closing in on calling it a career with Gilas Pilipinas?

National team coach Tim Cone said Fajardo had already made plans to end his 13-year service representing the flag and country until he was persuaded to stay on for the fourth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

“June Mar wanted to retire, but we pulled him back in for the window,” Cone bared when asked about Gilas’ preparation for the Qualifiers and the Asian Games.

READ: June Mar Fajardo still in driver’s seat in PBA MVP race

Fajardo’s presence is sorely needed now with Quentin Millora-Brown still out and Mike Phillips set to skip the window to attend his brother’s wedding, according to Cone.

Gilas will take on Jordan and Iran on Aug. 28 and 30 at Mall of Asia Arena as it aims to improve its 2-4 record entering the second round, and with almost no room for error.

As for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in September, Cone expressed doubts about Fajardo’s availability for Gilas’ defense of the gold medal it won in 2023.

“He’s doubtful for the Asian Games,” Cone said. “So we certainly have our issues. It’s really on me to make sure we get all the best players.”