Veejay Pre’s rise through the UAAP ranks has been marked by a series of impressive performances, and the University of the Philippines forward continues to show why he is one of the league’s brightest young talents.
Pre first made his mark in the UAAP during his time with Far Eastern University-Diliman, where his potential was evident even before he reached the collegiate level.
The 6-foot-5 forward from Floridablanca, Pampanga, carried that promise into college, winning Rookie of the Year honors in Season 87 with Far Eastern University.
He then made a life-changing move to UP. And in his first season with the Fighting Maroons in Season 89, Pre has continued to prove just how special he can be.
The 21-year-old inside-out threat delivered a monster performance on Wednesday, powering UP to a thrilling 103-101, double-overtime escape of University of Santo Tomas at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Pre finished with 30 points, 16 rebounds, four steals, three assists, and one block in 42 minutes and 40 seconds of action.
He played all but seven minutes and 20 seconds of the 50-minute contest, scoring all seven of UP’s points in the second overtime to secure the Fighting Maroons’ fourth consecutive victory in the Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“‘Yung tiwala rin namin sa kanya, ‘yun naman ang importante doon. At the same time, we know as well na every day si Veejay is the hardest worker talaga sa team namin, before and after practices,” said head coach Goldwin Monteverde.
“Kapag makikita mo kasing may ganoon, hindi ka magdadalawang-isip na asahan eh.”
For Pre, the goal remains clear: to establish himself among the best. He understands that reaching that level requires relentless dedication, which is why he continues to put in the work that separates great players from the rest.
“Siguro ‘yun naman ang kailangan para maging great player ka. Nagtatrabaho lang ako para makatulong sa team,” said Pre.
His latest heroics propelled UP to solo first place in the standings at 6-2, moving ahead of idle National University.
Despite his game-changing performance, however, Pre remains grounded, recognizing that there is still plenty of room for improvement.
“Salamat sa mga coaches sa tiwala nila sa akin. Sinusuklian ko lang ‘yun. Masaya ako na ‘yung pagiging composed namin nakita sa game na ito,” said Pre.
“Sinusunod ko lang ‘yung game plan ng coaches. Nagtitiwala naman ako sa sarili ko kasi tinatrabaho ko naman, pero marami pa akong lapses na kailangan pang i-improve.”
