Veejay Pre wants to stay despite family’s desire to switch schools, says FEU official

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FEU athletic director Mark Molina says prized Tamaraws forward Veejay Pre is being persuaded by his family, particularly his father, to transfer schools

MANILA, Philippines – Veejay Pre has expressed his desire to stay with the FEU men’s basketball team despite growing pressure from his family to leave the Tamaraws and transfer schools, university athletic director Mark Molina said on Thursday, May 8.

According to Molina, Pre has maintained his stance to remain a Tamaraw before FEU lost contact with him since he left his dormitory last Monday, May 5, following the conclusion of his stint in the UAAP Season 87 3×3 basketball tournament.

“Monday before practice was the last time Veejay talked to me and to (FEU head coach) Sean (Chambers) and he said the same thing. ‘Please help me. I don’t want to leave,” Molina said during the UAAP esports competition.

“[Veejay said], ‘I am 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 my family.'”

Since rumors of his departure started swirling over a month ago, Pre — Molina said — has made it clear that he wants to stay with the team, having played for FEU since high school.

According to the school official, Pre still has hopes of winning the UAAP crown with his longtime teammates Jedric Daa, John Rey Pasaol, and Kirby Mongcopa, believing that the Tamaraws have what it takes to get the job done.

Molina said Pre is being heavily persuaded by members of his family back in Pampanga, particularly his father Ely, to switch schools.

“The father of Veejay, his grandmother, grandfather, uncle, and aunt, they have been convincing Veejay to leave FEU,” said the longtime school official.

“This is very unique,” Molina added. “In my more than 30 years in the UAAP, this is the first time I’ve experienced anything like this.”

Molina said Pre’s father went to FEU earlier this week to inform the team that his son will soon bid the Tamaraws goodbye.

The older Pre allegedly claimed that the Tamaraws are unable to develop their players, but Molina countered that the school’s grassroots program has produced top talents, having Pre — the Season 87 men’s basketball tournament Rookie of the Year — as a prime example.

Emotional distress

One of Pre’s teammates even disclosed to Molina that the 19-year-old forward has gone through sleepless nights and cried numerous times because he was torn between sticking with his decision and following his family’s advice.

At Pre’s request, Molina, along with FEU basketball program director Denok Miranda, trooped to Pampanga to discuss things with Pre’s family.

Molina said Pre’s father at the time “admitted that they were talking to other schools, but there were no plans yet of leaving FEU.”

FEU is fine with Pre leaving, he noted, but since the player is bent on staying with the school, the Tamaraws want to help him convince his father.

“We will not prevent anybody who does not want to play for FEU. But as long as you are telling me that you want to stay with FEU, as FEU’s athletic director, coach Sean as our head coach, coach Denok as our program director, we will do everything in our power to keep him in FEU,” said Molina.

“Because that is your desire. That has always been our stand.”

Molina also lamented Pre’s situation, as the young standout has always been a dutiful son.

“It’s unfortunate if an athlete will be forced to do something that he doesn’t want to do,” said Molina.

“Whatever it is, we will support Veejay. We know he’s very loyal, loyal to FEU. I have nothing bad to say about him,” he continued.

“He does not deserve what is happening right now… We will just do whatever we can still do to help him.” – Rappler.com