As one of June Mar Fajardo’s early mentors, PBA great Mon Fernandez had insights on why the 8-time PBA MVP struggles internationally with Gilas Pilipinas.
June Mar Fajardo’s career trajectory was clear from the get-go, with valuable mentors that set him on the path of success even before making it to the PBA.
During his days in college at the University of Cebu, Fajardo had none other than Philippine basketball legend Mon Fernandez overseeing his growth. As a big man who had tremendous experience in the pros and internationally, Fernandez had loads to share with the young Fajardo.
Now well into the prime of his career, Fajardo has met tremendous success in PBA where he is an 11-time champion and a record 8-time Most Valuable Player.
But when it comes to international competitions, individual success is harder to come by for June Mar.
In FIBA-sanctioned events, Fajardo is averaging just 6.4 points and 4.3 rebounds from Gilas Pilipinas in stints starting with the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
On his recent interview with former PBA Commissioner Noli Eala and sportsman Jera Sison, Fernandez spoke about the main reason he thought Fajardo struggled when facing international competition.
At the end of the day, Fernandez said it was about an age-old disadvantage: height.
“Well, [it’s] because of the size of the players in the international competitions, in the international tournaments. As simple as that,” Fernandez said.
“Unlike here, nado-dominate niya talaga dahil walang kasing laki at kasing galing niya siguro dito, if there is man, one or two siguro. Unlike in the world stage, almost all teams have seven footers, or 6-10s, or 6-11s abound in their teams. So that’s kind of hard for him,” he continued.
During the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, June Mar played an average of about 16 minutes per game. He only normed 5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game — a far cry from his dominance in the PBA.
Though there are some flashes of brilliance from the long-time PBA veteran in some international competitions, notably during the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Fajardo's lower production abroad is certainly a rare down factor to an otherwise incredible career.
For Fernandez, he offered Fajardo a piece of advice that would’ve helped June Mar earlier on.
But as he deals with bigger and better opponents with Gilas and other international stints, Fernandez hopes Fajardo will be able to adjust.
[RELATED: PBA great Mon Fernandez gives take on Gilas’ struggles vs Oceania teams — ‘We just have to continue’]
“Tinuruan ko yan si June Mar when he was in college to do the sky hook and he was able to do that. But he never really mastered it. I was telling him, you’re gonna need that in the international competitions, when your opponents are much bigger and better than you. But then again, so be it. Ganyan lang talaga eh,” said Fernandez.
“So yeah, I think it’s the size of the players, mga opponents niya in the international competition that’s slowing him down if that’s the case. I cannot say exactly what [in detail], because I haven’t really been watching how the games are going and watching him play,” he continued.
Fajardo and the rest of Gilas Pilipinas will be back action again later this year when they go up against Guam in the first window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in late November.