After winning the UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year Award as a member of the Far Eastern University, Veejay Pre now finds comfort from his new teammates at the University of the Philippines.
A Shocking Switch: Green to Gold
Last May 21, 2025, the entire UAAP community was shocked as Veejay Pre announced that he would be transferring to UP after being in FEU during his high school years and in his collegiate freshman year.
“I believe that leaving and saying goodbye is never easy, and accepting things is the most painful part.”
Veejay said in a heartfelt message, which was also covered by a report by Matthew Li in his story from Tiebreaker Times.
In his rookie year, the former Baby Tamaraw champion recorded a statline of 13.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game but it wasn’t enough for the Tamaraws to make it to the postseason.
Initial Test as a Fighting Maroon: Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup
After his emotional farewell message, he was quickly tested in wearing the maroon uniform as he made his debut game against the NCAA champions, Mapua University.
The 6-foot-3 guard had 12 points and 5 rebounds along with a 5/10 shooting from the field as he gets his first win with the defending UAAP Season 87 champions.
Brotherhood in UP
As reported by Ernest Tuazon in his story at Tiebreaker Times, Veejay was able to draw strength from his kuyas Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, and fellow transferee Rey Remogat.
“Masaya at na-feel ko na agad na welcome ako. Yung pagdalaw ko pa lang sa practice, nung in-approach nila ako, sobrang welcome na agad ako kasi nag-offer agad sila ng guidance at leadership,”
“Sa una, mahirap pero kailangan ko mag-adjust at nakakapag-adjust na ako mabuti. Masaya ako na nakakasama ko yung mga kuya ko dito at tuloy-tuloy pa rin yung improvement ko at growth ko here… Sabi nga nila kuya Harold [Alarcon], nandiyan lang yung pressure at i-handle mo lang ng maayos. Nandito lang kami lagi para gabayan ka, ganon sinabi niya.”
But aside from feeling the warm welcome, he mentioned his excitement at being coached by the defending champ, Goldwin Monteverde.
“Excited pa ako lalo sa kung ano matututunan ko sa kanila at especially next year. Rine-ready ko yung sarili ko sa residency kasi gusto ko makatulong sa kanila and sa team, especially sa magiging improvement.”
“Nakapaglaro na at masaya na ako na nakapaglaro na ako for UP, pero marami pang need i-improve pa rin.”
Veejay would sit out the entire UAAP Season 88 as he must follow the “Residency Rules” of the collegiate league. His debut is still set in 2026 during UAAP Season 89.
