Tamaraws wish departing Pre well

Far Eastern University (FEU) has no hard feelings after one of its rising stars — Veejay Pre — announced his departure from the Tamaraws late Tuesday.

The school expressed its gratitude to Pre for his contributions to the Tamaraws program, which he led to three titles in the juniors division of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

The 19-year-old Pre has yet to announce his next destination.

“Far Eastern University thanks Veejay Pre for his invaluable contribution 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 school said in a statement released on Wednesday.

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

Despite failing to advance to the Final Four of Season 87 men’s basketball tournament, Pre was considered as one of the cornerstones of the rebuilding Tamaraws program.

In fact, he averaged 13.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists to emerge as Rookie of the Year of Season 87. He further boosted his stocks by dropping a career-high 31 points in the Tamaraws’ 70-79 loss to University of Santo Tomas (UST) last October.

But his stint with the Tamaraws didn’t last long as sideliners claimed that his family was pushing him to make a move.

Still, he thanked the school for giving him a platform to hone his skills and prepare him for the next chapter of his collegiate career.

“I owe FEU so much and I will always treasure the good deeds, memories, lessons, heartbreaks, and laughter we’ve shared. I will be forever grateful as a ‘Tamaraw’ and to have experienced the colorful life that FEU and its community bring,” Pre said.

“Once a ‘Tamaraw’ will always be a ‘Tamaraw.’”

Meanwhile, UST center Mo Tounkara also formally announced his departure as he is set to join his home club, Stade Malien, in the African Pro League.

“Thanks also to the UST community, coaching (staff), management, teammates, and all the fans for the unforgettable memories and love I received throughout my journey out there,” Tounkara said.