Far Eastern University finds itself in the middle of a tug-of-war as UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Rookie of the Year Veejay Pre faces a crossroads — torn between his loyalty to the school he calls home and the mounting pressure from his own family to leave.
The 6-foot-5 forward from Floridablanca, Pampanga posted averages of 13.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists across 14 games in his freshman year.
Now, he is caught in what FEU athletics director Mark Molina describes as “the most unique situation” he has encountered in more than three decades with the league.
“The father of Veejay, lola, lolo, tito, tita — they’ve all been convincing Veejay to leave FEU,” Molina revealed following FEU’s 2-0 win over Adamson in the UAAP Season 87 Esports Valorant Tournament on Thursday.
“The family of Veejay, father and mom, at least for the last two or three weeks, gusto na siyang umalis. But the kid doesn’t want to. That’s where we are now.”
According to Molina, while it’s not uncommon for parents to initiate transfer talks, this case stands out.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“This is very unique. In my more than 30 years in the UAAP, this is the first time I’ve experienced anything like this. Usually, even if the parents start it, eventually the player agrees. I don’t want to name names, but look at (Jerie) Pingoy — that was his case,” he recalled.
“At the end of the day, Koko wanted to leave and he formally asked permission. But this is different.”
Molina shared that this all started weeks before Holy Week, with Veejay’s father allegedly instructing him not to play in the UAAP 3×3 tournament and prepare to ask for release from the school. But Pre remained firm.
“Last Monday before practice was the last time Veejay talked to me. He also spoke to Sean (Chambers). He said the same thing: ‘Please help me. I don’t want to leave. I’m being forced to leave. I don’t know what’s going to happen because I respect and love my family, and I don’t want to cause conflict — but I don’t want to leave FEU,” he said.
“He told me, ‘My heart is there. My friends are all there. Kaunti na lang, malapit na tayo sa championship. That’s been my dream ever since — na mag-champion kami, especially kasama sina Janrey, Jed, Kirby (Mongcopa).’ He’s been consistent with that message. I’ve heard that from him for three straight weeks now. And he hasn’t changed his stance.”
Molina emphasized that FEU has not received any formal request from Pre himself.
“The father has called me to say na magpapaalam na si Veejay. But Veejay has not said a word about leaving. Hindi pa siya nagpapaalam. We even hoped we could talk things over as a group — kahit na pumunta ako sa Pampanga just to sit down and hear Veejay out. But when the family came to FEU recently, they didn’t bring him.”
Despite the family’s insistence, no clear explanation has been provided, Molina said.
“They have not really told us why. All we know is they want Veejay to leave. No logical reason. The only thing mentioned is that we supposedly don’t know how to develop players,” he said.
“Come on. Sa tagal ko sa UAAP, sino ba ang nagde-develop ng players from high school to college? Kami. We don’t even rely on recruits. We mold talent from the ground up.”
The emotional toll on the 19-year-old was apparent, struggling throughout the UAAP Men’s 3×3 Basketball Tournament last week.
“His friends, like Jed (Daa) and Janrey (Pasaol), said he’s been crying a lot. Nawalan ng gana. He’s not sleeping well. He’s confused,” said Molina.
As of May 5, Pre has yet to return to the FEU dorm and is currently in Pampanga, where he initially went home for his younger sibling’s birthday.
Molina stressed that Pre, being of legal age, is capable of making his own decisions.
“He’s very respectful, very obedient. He doesn’t want to cause conflict within his family. But he’s told me multiple times, ‘I don’t want to leave,’” he said.
“If he really wanted to leave, he would have done so already. Matagal na siyang umalis. But he hasn’t.”
FEU has made it clear that they will not stand in the way of any player who wants to leave. Still, Molina said they are ready to support Pre if he chooses to stay.
“Whatever it is, we will support Veejay. We know he’s very loyal to FEU. He’s a good kid. Napakabait na bata. He doesn’t deserve what’s happening to him right now. And as long as he wants to be here, we will do everything we can to help him.”
