Veejay Pre has shown he’s growing more comfortable with Far Eastern University in the second round of the UAAP Season 87 collegiate men’s basketball tournament.
The 19-year-old rookie from FEU-Diliman has been on a tear in the Tamaraws’ last two games.
He first posted 31 points and 14 rebounds against University of Santo Tomas, followed by 20 points and eight rebounds against University of the East on Sunday.
Although his career-high performance against the Growling Tigers didn’t result in a win, it marked the second-most points scored by an FEU rookie since stats were computerized in 2003 – second only to RJ Abbarientos’ 33 points on April 4, 2022.
This time, though, Pre’s efforts helped the Tamaraws return to the win column with a 59-51 victory over the Red Warriors at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
With his recent standout performances, Pre has emerged as a strong contender for Rookie of the Year.
FEU head coach Sean Chambers shared in that excitement, predicting even greater achievements for Pre in the future.
“Siyempre talaga. Of course, and honestly, you still have not seen the best of Veejay,” said the first-year FEU tactician when asked if his standout player could be Rookie of the Year.
Pre has openly expressed his admiration for reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao, who plays the same position. Quiambao began as a dominant big man for Nazareth School of National University, later developing playmaking skills that led to his MVP title in UAAP collegiate basketball last season.
When asked if Pre could reach Quiambao’s level, Chambers felt confident.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“I think so, absolutely,” he responded. “And I think he’s the future of the UAAP and the future of Philippine basketball. He’s definitely that talented because he can shoot the three-ball, he can put the ball on the ground.”
But Pre’s Rookie of the Year campaign isn’t based solely on recent performances. He has scored in double figures in all of FEU’s 11 games, except for their opener.
The Tamaraws have also found success, holding a 3-1 record in the second round with wins over Adamson University and National University.
FEU will wrap up the elimination round with games against De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, and University of the Philippines.
