In his first-ever match-up against his collegiate basketball idol, Far Eastern University rookie Veejay Pre held his ground against De La Salle University ace Kevin Quiambao in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Despite the Tamaraws suffering their fifth consecutive loss, Pre contributed 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists in a narrow 62-68 defeat to the defending champions.
“Idol ko siya. Kaya rin ako na-iinspire maglaro ng mas mabuti ay dahil sa kanya. Ang sarap sa feeling na ‘yung dating tinitingala ko, ngayon kalaban ko na,” shared the 19-year-old forward.
Having drawn comparisons to the reigning MVP before the start of his rookie campaign, Pre admitted that he still has a long way to go to match Quiambao’s skill and standard.
The Floridablanca, Pampanga native highlighted Quiambao’s all-around play, which stood out in their first encounter in the UAAP’s senior ranks.
The 23-year-old do-it-all forward posted 12 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and three steals in La Salle’s win over a struggling FEU side.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Ang daming learnings kasi napakagaling niya; hindi lang siya nagsco-score, rumerebound, and may assists din. Yun yung mga gusto ko makuha sa kanya, and talagang idol ko siya,” Pre revealed.
“Ang layo, sobrang layo pa. Pero sana, ma-meet or ma-exceed ko pa yung level niya.”
Aside from his solid performance in the close loss to the Green Archers, Pre took pride in how the young Tamaraws team fought against what he described as the best team in the UAAP.
After trailing for the first three quarters, FEU mounted a fierce comeback. A Miguel Ona putback gave the Tamaraws a slim one-point lead, 52-51, early in the fourth quarter.
However, they couldn’t sustain the momentum.
Despite the loss, Pre remained confident in FEU’s ability to bounce back after the tightly contested game against La Salle, believing the team learned valuable lessons.
“Ganon ang resulta kapag sumunod kami sa game plan. Pag nag-go hard kami and may disiplina, ganon magiging resulta,” said the UAAP Season 86 3×3 Boys’ Basketball MVP.
“Naisip talaga namin na kaya namin sila, and hindi lang kami basta-basta kahit wala pa kami panalo. Magtatrabaho pa rin kami para makuha ‘yung first win namin.”
