On the final day of UAAP Season 87, Veejay Pre made a life-changing decision.
The season’s Rookie of the Year announced at midnight on Wednesday that he is leaving Far Eastern University, marking the end of a chapter in his young basketball career.
“I believe that leaving and saying goodbye is never easy, and accepting things is the most painful part,” Pre wrote in a heartfelt message.
“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.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Pre, a product of FEU-Diliman, turned heads in his freshman year, averaging 13.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game — numbers that earned him the Rookie of the Year award.
However, his breakout year was followed by a difficult offseason.
According to FEU Athletic Director Mark Molina, Pre found himself at a crossroads — remain with the Tamaraws alongside his childhood friends, or follow his family’s advice to pursue another path.
Ultimately, it was his father, Ely, whose counsel proved most influential.
“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,” the 19-year-old native of Pampanga shared.
“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 extended his thanks to the FEU management and coaching staff, led by team manager Anton Montinola and athletic director Mark Molina.
“To my coaches—Coach Sean (Chambers), Coach Johnny (Abarrientos), Coach Vic (Pablo), Coach Marc (Pingris), Coach Muriel (Garcia), Coach Denok (Miranda), and Coach Allan (Albano)—thank you for believing in me since day one. You kept me in shape and molded me into a better, more disciplined player.”
During his time with FEU-Diliman, Pre helped the Baby Tamaraws win two championships — one in 5-on-5 play and another in 3×3 basketball.
But for him, more than the titles, it’s the bonds he formed that he’ll carry moving forward.
“To my teammates—my kuyas and my brothers from high school to college: Janrey (Pasaol), Jedric (Daa), Kirby (Mongcopa), and Dwyne (Miranda)—thank you for the endless support and for making these five years some of the most meaningful moments in my life. I have found family and lifelong friends in you,” he said.
“Forever blessed and thankful that once in my life, I was called a ‘Tamaraw.’ Once a Tamaraw, always a Tamaraw.”
