UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year Veejay Pre is leaving Far Eastern University after his breakout year.
The 6-foot-5 big man, 19, a product of FEU-Diliman High School who joined the Tamaraws last year, bid farewell to FEU yesterday but didn’t divulge his destination.
Make no mistake about it, however, he is headed to another collegiate team, which could be La Salle, University of the Philippines, or National U.
“I believe that leaving and saying ‘goodbye’ is never easy and accepting things is the most painful part,” said Pre, who earlier this month was reported pondering his future with the Tamaraws.
“As an athlete, growth and improvement matter deeply. 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. 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 said.
In his first year with the Morayta-based crew, Pre made heads turn, averaging 7.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game and finishing 13th overall in the statistical race with 50.857 SPs.
However, the Tamaraws failed to make it to the Final Four, finishing sixth with five wins and nine losses.
“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. 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.
Pre also thanked the FEU management, his coaches, and teammates for their support, saying: “I have found family and friends in you. You all have a special place in my heart.”
If Pre joins another UAAP school, he will have to sit out the coming season and will only have two years of eligibility in accordance with the league’s transfer rules.
Pre said he is “Forever blessed and thankful that once in my life, I was called a ‘Tamaraw.”
