‘Future of UAAP’ Veejay Pre ‘can do so much more,’ says FEU coach

FEU’s Veejay Pre during a win over UE in UAAP Season 87.–UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University coach Sean Chambers has no doubt Tamaraws rookie Veejay Pre is the future of the UAAP and will someday represent the country as part of Gilas Pilipinas.

Chambers also believes Pre, who has been on a tear, especially in spearheading FEU’s resurgence in the second round, will win Rookie of the Year.

“Siyempre, talaga (Of course),” quipped the American coach when asked if Pre will be hailed as this season’s top rookie.

READ: UAAP: FEU boosts Final Four, topples UE

Chambers if Pre will win the Rookie of the Year: Siyempre. Talaga! He’s the future of the UAAP.#UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/ugVBOW4QdQ

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) November 3, 2024

Pre has certainly made a strong case for the plum. On Sunday, he led the Tamaraws to a 59-51 upset of the third-seeded University of the East Red Warriors with 20 points and eight rebounds.

Putting the league on notice, Chambers said Pre is only scratching the surface of his potential.

“Honestly, you still have not seen the best of Veejay. Veejay is tremendous. Hopefully one day he’s representing the country. I think Veejay is that talented. And he’s still getting comfortable. But he’s amazing. And he still hasn’t 100% shown his complete batch, as we say. He can do so much more. And he’s just getting there.”

“But what I was most proud of was his defense against guards out there. He was defending guards at his size and getting out there and challenging UE with their guard play. So I just think we’re still just seeing the beginning of what he’s capable of doing,” he added. 

When Pre tallied his career-high 31 points in their tough loss to UST last week, he said he watched his idol Kevin Quiambao score 33 points in La Salle’s dominant win over Ateneo on the eve of their game.

READ: UAAP: Veejay Pre posts career-high but not enough to lift FEU

Chambers is a firm believer that Pre will also reach the level of Quiambao. 

“I think so, absolutely. And I think he’s the future of the UAAP and the future of Philippine basketball, as well as other guys. But he’s definitely that talented because he can shoot the three-ball, although 0-for-3 today, but that’s okay. But he can shoot the three. He can put the ball on the ground,” said Chambers.

“And there’s still some moments where I can tell he’s looking for, what do you say, his kuyas to finish the play instead of him taking all the charge. But he’s the future of the UAAP for sure.”

The 19-year-old forward admitted he felt a bit of pressure hearing his coach rave about his talent and potential.

“Siguro sa performance ko, kumasa lang ako, pero ang pinaka-main goal ko talaga ay makatulong and manalo every game at mapakita sa tao na mananalo kami at kayang-kaya namin ito. Naging motivation lang sa akin yung mga pagkatalo namin. Sabi ni Coach Sean sa akin na I believe in you at parang na-realize ko nga na kailangan ko magpatuluy-tuloy,” said Pre, whose stellar play has helped FEU grab a share of fifth place at 4-7.

READ: UAAP: Rookie ‘happy’ with Baldwin praise, focused on helping FEU win

Pre said that he adjusted to the physicality of the game and atmosphere in the first round before finally getting his groove in the past few games. 

“Nagiging comfortable na ako at mas nag-eenjoy ako ngayon. Challenge yun para sa akin. Mas naging composed lang ako kasi sabi ni Coach Sean na wag ako maging mabilis,” he said. 

Facing his idol Quiambao and the defending champions again on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena, Pre vows to stand his ground for the Tamaraws.

“Siguro masasabi ko lang ay lalaban kami and di kami magpapatalo. Against KQ, makakaharap ko na naman siya. Marami na naman akong learnings and mag-e-enjoy lang ako at hindi magpapatalo,” he said.