Veejay Pre says leaving FEU ‘hardest decision ever’

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

MANILA, Philippines — After a series of dramatic conversations between the school officials and his family, Veejay Pre bid farewell to Far Eastern University.

The UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Rookie of the Year, who has been surrounded by rumors of taking his act to another school, announced his departure on Wednesday.

READ: UAAP: Veejay Pre begs to stay in FEU amid ‘family pressure’–exec

“I believe that leaving and saying ‘goodbye’ is never easy and accepting things is the most painful part,” wrote Pre on his Facebook page.

“As an athlete, growth and improvement matter deeply. But there comes a time in our lives when challenges arise, pushing us to make difficult decisions. My family and I have come to a decision, and I’ve chosen to heed their wisdom and concerns,” he added.

Pre, an FEU High School product, believes his family knows what’s best for him.

“This made me realize how much they only want the best for me and I can’t deny that taking this big step forward has been the hardest decision ever,” he said.

READ: UAAP: After top rookie award, Veejay Pre eyes Final 4 next for FEU

Two weeks ago, FEU athletic director Mark Molina had said that Pre wanted to stay, but the young big man is allegedly being pressured by his family to leave despite pleas to remain.

“Please help me. I’m being forced to leave and I don’t know what’s going to happen because I have great respect and love for my family and I don’t want to cause conflict within our family. But I don’t want to leave so please help me. That’s his last message,” Molina told the reporters in the UAAP Esports two weeks ago.

Molina added in the same interview that they are willing to let go of Pre amid the unique situation, where the player wanted to stay but the family allegedly urged him to leave.

The 19-year-old forward from Pampanga shone in his debut, averaging 13.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in Season 87.

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

He saw action in the UAAP 3×3 amid the speculations of his departure. And it turned out to be his final game as a Tamaraw.

Pre expressed his gratitude to FEU including the officials, coaches, and his teammates, saying that he is “forever blessed and thankful he was once called a Tamaraw.”

“Allow me to express my deepest respect and gratitude to FEU. Thank you for the life-changing, wonderful experiences and opportunities you’ve given me and my family,” Pre said. “I owe FEU so much, and I will always treasure the good deeds, memories, lessons, heartbreaks, and laughter we’ve shared.”

“To my teammates, my kuyas and my brothers from high school to college: Janrey (Pasaol), Jedric (Daa), Kirby (Mongcopa), and Dwyne (Miranda), thank you for the endless support and for making these five years some of the most meaningful moments in my life. I have found family and lifelong friends in you,” he added.