Veejay Pre isn’t moving too far for his next basketball journey.
In fact, he’s just crossing Commonwealth Avenue.
The UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year is transferring to the University of the Philippines after spending just one season with Far Eastern University.
The Fighting Maroons made the announcement on Friday.
“We know naman yung kayang gawin ni Veejay. Magiging malaking tulong siya sa atin with his all-around game,” said Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde.
Initially, the Pre family did not include UP in their shortlist of potential destinations.
However, upon learning how many key players the Fighting Maroons would be losing after this season, the move to Diliman began to make more sense.
“What’s fortunate about all this is that hindi naman tayo nandun when reports and rumors began. We respected FEU, and kinausap lang natin si Veejay nung nakapag-decide at nakapagpaalam na siya sa FEU,” said Office of Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Francis Lopez, Aldous Torculas, and Denzil Walker have already departed during the offseason.
Meanwhile, seniors Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, Janjan Felicilda, and Reyland Torres are all playing in their final year of eligibility.
Pre, a 6-foot-5 forward from Pampanga, posted impressive numbers in his freshman campaign with the Tamaraws. He averaged 13.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.
He will sit out one year due to residency rules and is expected to suit up for UP in UAAP Season 89, where he will have two playing years remaining.
Pre is set to join James Payosing, Rainer Maga, and Arvie Poyos as part of the next generation of Fighting Maroons.
