After homegrown talent Veejay Pre’s confirmation of his decision to transfer schools, Far Eastern University (FEU) expressed its farewell to the Tamaraw in an official statement today, May 21.

“You were a part of the family for five years and know that the entire Tamaraw community is behind you. We got you, Veejay,” the statement read.

The reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 Rookie of the Year (ROY) bid farewell to the institution in an official Facebook post earlier this midnight.

“As an athlete, growth and improvement matters 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. 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,” Pre said.

Rumors about the possibility of the Tamaraw leaving the University sparked after a SPIN.ph article last April 14, alluding to a ‘college rising star’ fitting Pre’s description looking to transfer.

However, the murmurs slightly dwindled with the ROY’s participation in the most recent UAAP Season 87 men’s 3x3 basketball tournament earlier in May, wherein the Morayta squad finished at sixth place with a 2-5 record.

The noise erupted yet again on May 8 as a Tiebreaker Times article confirmed the Pre family’s desire to have the upcoming UAAP sophomore move schools, as well as the cager’s contrasting hope of staying in FEU.

Afterwards, it was only a matter of time until Pre’s final decision was determined. 

In the same statement, the FEU administration made sure to honor the green-and-gold athlete’s contributions to its basketball program, highlighting his three-title stint during high school.

“Far Eastern University thanks Veejay Pre for his invaluable contributions to the FEU community. A true student-athlete and a champion, Veejay helped bring home three titles for FEU – Diliman and exemplified what it means to wear the green and gold,” the University stated.

FEU Advocate has tried to reach out to FEU Tamaraws head coach Sean Chambers, FEU head of basketball program Denok Miranda, and some of Pre’s green-and-gold teammates for their own statements, but has yet to receive a response.

As of writing, Pre’s new team is yet to be disclosed.

(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)