University of the Philippines gains a new muscle at the forward position after highly-touted Veejay Pre transferred to the Fighting Maroons.

It was a welcome switch for the reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball champions following the departures of Francis Lopez and Aldous Torculas.

UP now has a formidable replacement at the No. 4 spot in the Season 87 Rookie of the Year Pre, who took off his Far Eastern University jersey for a maroon one.

The 6-foot-5 versatile forward will sit out the upcoming Season 88 before being eligible for two years as a plug-and-play big for head coach Goldwin Monteverde.

“We know what Veejay is capable of. He’s a big help for us with his all-around game,” the architect of UP’s two titles in the past four seasons.

The Pampanga native had a solid debut season after averaging 13.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists.

Office of Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol was elated with Pre’s decision to transfer to Diliman despite UP not being in the picture for his possible move.

Just a few weeks ago, the 19-year-old player expressed his intention to stay as a Tamaraw, contrary to his family’s advice.

However, he acknowledged that his parents, in particular, “only want the best for me” in his farewell to the Morayta-based school last Wednesday.

“What’s fortunate about all this is that we’re not in the picture when reports and rumors began. We respected FEU, and we just talked with Veejay after he made his decision and formally parted ways with FEU,” Perasol said.

Pre is set to be a ready-made replacement for high-flyer Lopez and energizer Torculas once he completes his residency.