Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws’ homegrown rookies Jedric Daa and Veejay Pre showcased their skills among upcoming collegiate prospects in SLAM Rising Stars Classic 2024 last Sunday, July 28, at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City.

The two rookie teammates competed against each other at the exhibition game, as Daa was selected to play for Team Hype while Pre played for Team Punks.

Each SLAM Rising Stars team played two halves of exciting basketball that consisted of 12 minutes each.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, Pre expressed his happiness when asked about going up against his teammate.

"Sobrang saya kasi sobrang close kami niyan ni Jedric [Daa], hindi lang sa court kung hindi sa lahat. Ayun nga magkalaban muna kami, wala munang teammate-teammate. (I’m super happy because I am very close with Jedric Daa on and off the court, but this time we are going up against each other),” he said.

Additionally, Daa expressed his excitement at the thought of going up against his long-time colleague.

“Nakaka-excite kasi simula pa lang nung una, palagi na kami mag-teammates, kaya masaya rin ako na makakalaban ko siya (It got me excited since back then, we were always teammates, that is why I am also happy that I will get to compete with him),” the rookie stated.

Both teams were composed of notable prospects. Team Hype featured players like National University's Collins Akowe, Mapua University's Lawrence Mangubat, and La Salle Green Hills' Guillian Quines.

On the other hand, Team Punks' roster included players like Adamson University (AdU)'s Mark Esperanza, University of Santo Tomas' Kirk Cañete, and University of the East's John Alejandro.

The exhibition game was a back-and-forth battle, with Team Hype coming out on top in the last moments, 75-72. 

After leading his team to a victory, Daa was crowned as the Most Valuable Player of the exhibition. He later shared that he was just enjoying the game with the other players.

“Sobrang saya siyempre, pero hindi ko rin talaga in-expect kasi ang goal lang namin[g] mga players dito, is i-enjoy lang namin ‘yung game and i-entertain ‘yung mga nanonood (I am very happy, but I also did not expect the award, since our main goal here with the other players is to enjoy the game and entertain the viewers),” he stated.

Head Coach Allen Ricardo of Colegio de San de Juan Letran served as the lead tactician for Team Hype while AdU Baby Falcons head coach Mike Fermin was the mastermind for Team Punk.

SLAM Rising Stars Classic is an exhibition game that showcases the talents of top high school players in the country.

- Marcus Isaac D.G Bandong

(Photo courtesy of SLAM Philippines)