Pre’s Family Informs FEU of Decision to Leave University

In what could be arguably the most significant move of the college basketball offseason, young basketball standout Veejay Pre is now leaning towards leaving the FEU Tamaraws with the long-term plan of progressing his college career elsewhere moving forward, multiple sources, including those from Pampanga, have told me.

This was a decision made collectively by Pre’s family who informed FEU management of their intentions in person on Wednesday, May 7, at FEU’s Diliman campus.

FEU’s top decision-makers – notably athletic director Mark Molina, program head Denok Miranda, and head coach Sean Chambers, among others – remain hopeful they can persuade the Pre family that Veejay play out his collegiate career as a Tamaraw, as they believe that the reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year in his heart wants to remain with FEU.

Pre’s most recent practice with his teammates was on Monday, May 5. He is currently in his home province of Pampanga, spending time with family.

As of posting time, messages to Molina, Chambers, and Miranda have been left unanswered.

The next destination of Pre’s career is not confirmed at this point. Sources said there has been interest from reigning UAAP finalist La Salle, final four-caliber UST, reigning NCAA champion Mapua, and final four-contending NU. A source from reigning UAAP champion UP told me they could be in the mix if Pre is no longer enrolled and has firmly decided to leave FEU. Sources agree that La Salle is the early favorite in this potential race, but nothing is certain.

Update: FEU athletic director Mark Molina told me that after speaking to members of management from La Salle and UP, both schools have given guarantees not to recruit Pre.

This isn’t the first time top college basketball programs have expressed admiration for Pre’s talent. A handful of them tried to recruit him after he finished his impressive high school stint with FEU, but he remained loyal then went on to have a freshman campaign as great as those of former highly-touted local rookie prospects who would go on to win championships: Kiefer Ravena, Jeron Teng, Carl Tamayo, and Kevin Quiambao.

KQ, a two-time UAAP MVP, has a close friendship with Pre, and has played the role of a mentor in helping develop Pre’s skills, fitness, and nutrition.

Following UAAP Season 87, Pre expressed his desire to play all years of his eligibility with FEU. When asked why the change in thinking, sources opted not to go into specifics, but summarized it by saying that Pre’s family sees a potential opportunity in shifting teams right now that may not be available later. Playing for a winning program and getting the chance to compete for a championship were also mentioned.

Sources say Pre’s family believes playing for a winning program would give Veejay a better chance to play pro ball internationally.

A shift to another UAAP school would lose Pre two of his four remaining years of eligibility, plus a redshirt (sit-out) season in 2025 for residency purposes. A move to the NCAA would lose him (Updated) no years of eligibility, but with the residency.

FEU has long been respected as a UAAP Final Four threat in men’s basketball and is historically one of the league’s winningest programs, but in recent years, they’ve been in rebuilding mode. The Tams haven’t won a championship or made the finals in 10 years. They haven’t made the Final Four since Season 84.

With Pre and their other talented high school prospects, FEU believes they can return to Final Four contention, which is a reason why they remain hopeful to keep Veejay in a Tamaraw uniform.

This is a developing story. More details to follow.

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