UAAP: Veejay Pre transfers to UP after dramatic FEU exit

Metro Manila, Philippines - The mighty got mightier.

Reigning UAAP men's basketball champions University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons have secured the services of Season 87 Rookie of the Year Veejay Pre, the UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development announced on Friday.

The 6-foot-5 Pre is expected to fill the shoes left by Francis Lopez and Aldous Torculas, who were both crucial in the Fighting Maroons' title redemption quest in Season 87.

Pre, fresh off a dramatic exit from the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, will have to sit out Season 88 and will be eligible to play for two more years.

UP made it clear that it was never in the recruitment conversation while the 19-year-old Pre was in FEU and only entered the picture when he and his family began entertaining offers.

“What’s fortunate about all this is that we were not there when reports and rumors began. We respected FEU and we only talked to Veejay when he had already decided to leave FEU,” UP OASD director Bo Perasol said in a statement.

Pre averaged 13.3 points on 40% shooting to go with seven rebounds, and 1.4 assists in his first year in the UAAP seniors rank.

“We know what Veejay can do. He’ll be a great help to us with his all-around game,” Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde said.

While Pre serves his residency, UP will be defending their throne with Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Jacob Bayla, and Rey Remogat.