JUST a few hours after the UAAP wrapped up its 87th season with a spectacular closing ceremony, Veejay Pre stunned the basketball community, which is already tucking their sheets for a good night’s sleep.
After months of rumors, the Rookie of the Year announced at midnight on Wednesday that he is leaving the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, marking the emotional conclusion of a chapter in his young basketball career.
Pre had a standout career with the Baby Tamaraws and seamlessly transitioned to the seniors stage under first-year head coach Sean Chambers, averaging 13.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.
Since last season, FEU has given Pre the keys, expecting him to lead the Tamaraws back to glory days alongside his high school teammates Janrey Pasaol, Jedric Daa, and former Juniors MVP Kirby Mongcopa.
PREssured Choice
Throughout Season 87, Pre received high praise from across the league, as he resembled UAAP champion and two-time Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao’s style of play.
While the Tamaraws missed the playoffs with a 5-9 win-loss record, there was plenty of optimism at Morayta about the future of their men’s basketball team, particularly with Pre at the helm.
“I believe that leaving and saying ‘goodbye’ is never easy and accepting things is the most painful part,” Pre opened his lengthy social media post. “As an athlete, growth and improvement matters deeply.”
On May 8, FEU Athletics Director Mark Molino revealed that Pre has been struggling to decide his path forward in Morayta, claiming that his father “has been telling him to leave” his current team.
Despite being forced by his family to continue his collegiate career elsewhere, the 6-foot-5 forward made it clear that his heart belongs at FEU. However, things quickly changed, and he has now officially announced his departure.
“But there comes a time in our lives when challenges arise, pushing us to make difficult decisions. My family and I have come to a decision, and I’ve chosen to heed their wisdom and concerns,” he said.
“This made me realize how much they only want the best for me and I can’t deny that taking this big step forward has been the hardest decision ever,” he went on to explain.
Always A Tamaraw
Nonetheless, Pre ended his message on a positive note, thanking everyone who supported him throughout his career and the hazy process of deciding his future with the Morayta-based team.
“Now, allow me to express my deepest respect and gratitude to FEU. Thank you for the life-changing, wonderful experiences and opportunities you’ve given me and my family,” be said.
“I owe FEU so much, and I will always treasure the good deeds, memories, lessons, heartbreaks, and laughter we’ve shared. I will be forever grateful as a ‘Tamaraw’ and to have experienced the colorful life that FEU and its community bring,” he went on to say.
Pre also thanked the FEU management and coaching staff, led by team manager Anton Montinola and athletic director Molina, for guiding him since his time with the Baby Tams.
“To my coaches, Coach Sean, Coach Johny, Coach Vic, Coach Marc, Coach Muriel, Coach Denok, and Coach Allan; thank you for believing in me since day one. You kept me in shape and molded me into a better and more disciplined player,” he said.
“To my teammates, l appreciate your big support for me and making these five years one of the most meaningful memories in my life. I have found family and friends in you. You all have a special place in my heart.”
“Forever blessed and thankful that once in my life, I was once called a ‘Tamaraw.’ Once a Tamaraw will always be a Tamaraw,” the now ex-Tamaraw ended his statement.
Meanwhile, it remains unclear where he will play next. According to Naveen Ganglani, sources say at least three UAAP teams and one NCAA contender have already contacted Pre’s family.
However, if Pre chooses to play for another UAAP school, he will only have two years of eligibility left due to the new transfer rule implemented in Season 87.
Aside from the year of residency, the UAAP’s new rule deducts an additional playing year from a player who transfers from one member school to another.
