Veejay Pre made his much-hyped debut for the UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. And while it wasn’t exactly spectacular, he did help last year’s runners-up secure a 92-85 victory over the UST Growling Tigers in their opening game of the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Afterward, the 2024 Rookie of the Year recalled his coaches’ reminders to remain cool, calm, and composed as being crucial to his steady debut.
In-Game Adjustments for Veejay Pre
Both UST and UP exchanged leads throughout the first half. But as the two teams battled, Pre was noticeably struggling to score. In fact, before heading to the dugout, the UP forward was scoreless after coming off the bench and playing eight minutes of action. He did, however, contribute 2 assists and 2 blocks.
“Siguro nung first half, nagmamadali ako. Buti ‘yung coaches ko… sabi nila sa akin na composed lang daw ako,” said Pre in an interview with Rebanse. “Huwag lang daw ako magmadali, basahin ko lang yung sitwasyon and yun nag-adjust na ako.”
In the second half, UP asserted its will on UST and regained the lead, with Pre finding some semblance of an offensive rhythm. The 21-year-old finished the game with 7 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks in 20 minutes, showing he can impact the game beyond scoring.
Stick to One No Matter the Adversity
Veejay Pre also stressed the Fighting Maroons’ “stick to one” mentality, no matter how difficult the challenge may be.
“Siguro nandoon na ako, pero ‘yun nga sabi nila coach na kailangan talaga namin mag-stick and kahit mahirap, stick to one lang kami para manalo,” said Pre.
After some initial hardships against an inspired and talented UST squad, the Fighting Maroons stuck together until they finally gained control in the early goings of the final frame. And Veejay Pre, for sure, did his part.
