UAAP: UP title redemption bid gets boost with Veejay Pre in tow

FILE- Big man Veejay Pre reacts during a game against UST in UAAP Season 87.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—The University of the Philippines finally gets to parade crack center Veejay Pre in the upcoming UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.

After serving his residency last year, Pre will be making his much-awaited debut for the Fighting Maroons, looking to pick up where he left off following a promising one-and-done stint with Far Eastern University.

READ: La Salle and UP still UAAP teams to beat, but UST wants chance

UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon is confident Pre will make instant impact for the Maroons, who finished second to La Salle last season.

“Veejay has been in the UAAP for the longest time since he was in high school and when he came in with us, he had a year to adjust,” Luanzon said.

“He’s hardworking, he always has an open mind, not just with his coaches but also with his teammates.”

In his only season in Morayta, where he was named UAAP Rookie of the Year averaging 13.2 and 7 rebounds, Pre established himself as the future not just in the UAAP but Philippine basketball in general.

He then transferred to Diliman, where he will be a key piece of UP’s title redemption bid.

“Whenever someone new enters the team, we impart our culture to them so there’s always an adjustment.”

“But, even as an established player of the league, having won Rookie of the Year before, he listens to advice. He’s always all ears and looking for room to grow.”

Pre makes his UP debut on Sunday against University of Santo Tomas to cap off an opening tripleheader at Araneta Coliseum.