Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws Veejay Pre and Mo Konateh have made their mark in their first year as Tamaraws, bringing home the Rookie of the Year and a Mythical 5 spot respectively with the release of the official statistics today, November 28.

Both players steered the Tamaraws in the hopes of a Final Four contention as rookies in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men’s basketball tourney.

Coming off from the junior green-and-gold team, Pre averaged 13.29 points, seven rebounds, and 1.3 assists, tallying 50.875 statistical points (SP) to edge out Ateneo’s bluechip recruit Jared Bahay with 47 SP for the Rookie of the Year honors.

The 19-year-old joined the likes of RJ Abarrientos, Terrence Romeo, Arwind Santos, and Johnny Abarrientos in the list of Tamaraws who clinched the coveted title.

Alongside Pre, Konateh led the league in both rebounds with 16.71 per game and blocks of 2.36 per game, finishing with 68.643 SPs in an impressive rookie campaign. 

After an impressive season, Konateh has secured his spot in the Season 87 Mythical Five, joining University of the Philippines’ JD Cagulangan, De La Salle University’s Kevin Quiambao and Mike Phillips, and University of Santo Tomas’ Nic Cabanero.

As for the other Tamaraws, Jorick Bautista finished 17th, Janrey Pasaol in 18th, and Royce Alforque rounded out the top 21, showcasing a well-rounded team effort alongside the standout rookies.

- Aine Peralta
(Photos by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)