US-based Fajardo vows to be available for Gilas Women callup

Gilas’ Ella Fajardo. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/FIBA

MANILA, Philippines — Despite being thousands of miles away, Ella Fajardo stressed she will always be on call for flag and country when asked.

Fajardo vowed that her commitment to Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), a US NCAA Division 1 school in New Jersey, won’t be of hindrance to her from suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas Women.

“Oh for sure, whenever coach Pat needs me or whenever the flag needs me, I’ll be there,” Fajardo, referring to Gilas Pilipinas Women head coach Patrick Aquino, said during the PSA Forum on Tuesday.

“I really do play to represent my country as much as I can.”

The 17-year-old guard, an incoming 12th grade and still has one year left at Gill St. Bernard’s School before going to college, represented the Philippines in the Fiba Asia Under-18 3×3 Tournament last year in Malaysia.

Fajardo teamed up with Camille Clarin, Kristine Cayabyab and Angelica Surada to bag the bronze medal.