June Mar Fajardo ready to pass the torch, says Kai Sotto and QMB the future of Gilas 

June Mar Fajardo has carried Philippine basketball’s hopes for more than a decade — but now, the country’s most dominant big man is preparing to share the spotlight, and eventually, to pass it on.

As the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers approach, the 35-year-old San Miguel Beer star is set to team up with 25-year-old Quentin Millora-Brown, a 6-foot-10 forward-center who represents the next wave of Filipino talent.

 For Fajardo, the addition of the young big man symbolizes something much bigger than roster depth — it’s a sign that the national team’s future is in good hands.

“Mas okay ‘yun,” Fajardo said when asked about Millora-Brown’s inclusion in the Gilas pool. “Kailangan natin mag-train ng bata kasi sila na ‘yung future. Ako, wala na ako. Ilang games na lang ako sa Gilas.”

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Young Kai Sotto posting up against PBA 4-time MVP June Mar Fajardo | @gerardmos pic.twitter.com/7nXwAAh8XU

— SPIN.ph (@spinph) November 26, 2018

It was a candid acknowledgment from the nine-time PBA MVP, who has served as the Gilas frontline anchor since his debut in 2013. Known as The Kraken for his unmatched dominance in the paint, Fajardo has long been the program’s constant presence through coaching changes, FIBA windows, and continental campaigns. But with time catching up, he knows the torch must soon change hands.

“Puwede nang ibigay sa mga bata. Sila na ang future. Dapat mga bata na ‘yung tine-train para sa future ng national team. Excited ako na makasama siya,” he added, referring to Millora-Brown.

The former Vanderbilt standout, who also played for Gilas during training camps in Europe earlier this year, joins an increasingly youthful lineup. The expanded 16-man Gilas pool now features a strong mix of young stars, including Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, and Carl Tamayo, alongside returnees Ange Kouame and RJ Abarrientos.

While Sotto will miss the upcoming window due to an ACL injury, the frontcourt remains formidable — a reflection of the program’s commitment to grooming the next generation of versatile bigs who can complement each other and learn from veterans like Fajardo.

“Tingin ko malapit na ako. Nandiyan naman sila Kai na, ‘yung mga bata. Sila na ‘yung national team. Dapat ipasa na sa kanila, di ba? Para sa future ng national team,” Fajardo said.

Gilas Pilipinas will face Guam in a home-and-home series on November 28 and December 1, with the final game to be held at the Blue Eagle Gym. It’s another chance for the national team to blend experience and youth — and perhaps one of the last opportunities for fans to see Fajardo lead from the front while mentoring those who will soon take his place.

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