How love for family and FEU motivated Veejay Pre

The FEU Tamaraws finally broke through and earned a win in UAAP Season 87 by defeating the Ateneo Blue Eagles in a thrilling overtime matchup, 66-65.

Tamaraws ace guard Jorick Bautista greatly helped the team grab their first win, scoring 18 points and 5 rebounds. His clutch mid-range jumpers served as daggers against the Blue Eagles’ chances of a late-game comeback.

Rookies and former FEU high school standouts Janrey Pasaol and Veejay Pre also contributed 20 points combined for their team. Pre has had eyes on him since the start of the season, with high pressure and expectations for the youngster who has been loyal to FEU.

Pre, a candidate for UAAP Rookie of the Year, shared his excitement for his first win with FEU in the collegiate scene, explaining that it was something they really worked hard for.

“Syempre, masaya and matagal na namin hinihintay ‘to lahat, first win namin. Kahit sa practice pa lang, pinagta-trabahuhan na namin.”

According to Pre, Coach Sean Chambers and the team will be celebrating for a while, but will return to working hard as soon as possible for their upcoming game against UST.

Pre has been grateful and loving to his family, expressing those sentiments with his actions on the court. He wrote their names and a few others on his shoes.

On his left shoe are the names of his family and his teammates’ numbers. On his right shoe is his own number and the quote, “Prove them wrong.”

Pre said that the criticisms he read online from both fans and non-believers motivated him and his team to continue to do better.

“Syempre, sa first five games namin, nag-expect sila na mananalo kami. Ramdam ko ‘yung pressure, and nabasa ko ibang mga comments nila. Ginawa lang namin [motivation] ‘yon.”

His love and gratitude transcended his team as he also thanked FEU and its community for the support they have shown.

“Syempre, ‘yung FEU ‘yong tumulong sa’kin nung wala pa ako, and napagaling nila ako. Binigyan nila ako ng opportunity makapag-college, and ginrab ko agad ‘yon.”

He added:

“Unang una pala, nagpapa-thank you ako sa fans ng FEU. Thank you sa support niyo, manalo, matalo. Sa management ng FEU, kela Boss Anton, kela Sir Mark, sa lahat ng coach, thank you.”

The FEU Tamaraws will face the UST Growling Tigers on Saturday, October 5 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. This will be their last game for Round 1.

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