FEU head coach Sean Chambers has no doubt his first-year player in Veejay Pre will emerge as the UAAP’s best rookie for Season 87.
FEU head coach Sean Chambers expressed utmost belief in first-year player Veejay Pre that he will be named as UAAP Season 87’s best rookie after back-to-back big performances for the Tamaraws.
Chambers, who is in his first year of coaching the Morayta-based team, said that Pre hasn’t even realized his full potential despite averaging 20 points from their last two games — including a 31-point performance over UST.
“Honestly, you still have not seen the best of Veejay, like Veejay is tremendous. I won't talk about it [until] after the season, but hopefully one day he's representing the country. I think Veejay is that talented. And he's still getting comfortable,” said Chambers after their win over UE on Sunday.
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“He's going to get in trouble for one play that I called for him, and he didn't finish it. But he's amazing. And he still hasn't 100 percent show his complete batch, as we say. He can do so much more. And he's just getting there.”
The coaching neophyte even went as far as comparing Pre to reigning UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao, who his player actually idolizes.
Giving FEU a complete arsenal on offense, Chambers said that he believes there’s a high ceiling for the 19-year-old player.
“I think so, absolutely. And I think he's the future of the UAAP and the future of Philippine basketball, as well as other guys. But he's definitely that talented because he can shoot the three ball — although 0-for-3 today, but that's okay,” quipped Chambers.
“But he can shoot the three. He can put the ball on the ground. And there's still some moments where I can tell he's looking for his kuyas to finish the play instead of him taking all the charge. But he's the future of the UAAP for sure.”
As for Pre, he said that there is some pressure after this particular stretch in his rookie year. But with the help of his coaches and teammates, he’s ready to take on the challenge.
“[May] onting [pressure] pero andiyan naman sila coach, yung mga kuya ko na sinasabihan ako palagi na enjoy the game lang and go with the flow,” he said.
He also isn’t about fanning his individual performance, rather he’s just doing everything he can for the Tamaraws to finish the season strong.
“Siguro sa performance ko, kumasa lang ako, pero ang pinaka-main goal ko talaga ay makatulong and manalo every game at mapakita sa tao na mananalo kami at kayang-kaya namin to,” said Pre.
“Naging motivation lang sa akin yung mga pagkatalo namin. Yun nga, sabi ni Coach Sean sakin na I believe in you at parang na-realize ko nga na kailangan ko magpatuluy-tuloy,” he added.
Another big game for Pre in their next outing will be pivotal for FEU, however, as they face the DLSU Green Archers next on Wednesday, November 6, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.