Veejay Pre has officially made his next move as he joins the UP Fighting Maroons come UAAP Season 89.
The UP Fighting Maroons have officially won the Veejay Pre sweepstakes.
The 6-foot-5 versatile forward will sit out the upcoming Season 88 before becoming eligible for two years for the Fighting Maroons as a much-welcome plug-and-play big for head coach Goldwin Monteverde.
"We know naman 'yung kayang gawin ni Veejay. Magiging malaking tulong siya sa atin with his all-around game," said the champion coach.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Veejay Pre bids emotional farewell to FEU, calls it 'hardest decision ever']
Pre's transfer transpired with a bit of help from luck for State U, which was never in the picture when he and his family began entertaining offers to move.
In fact, representatives from both UP and La Salle reportedly informed FEU Athletics Director Mark Molina that they had no plans to pursue Pre during the early stages of his potential transfer.
As the saga dragged on, however, UP made a late push to secure the services of the UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year who is set to be a ready-made replacement for high-flyer Lopez and energizer Torculas.
"What's fortunate about all this is that hindi naman tayo nandun when reports and rumors began. We respected FEU, and kinausap lang natin si Veejay nung nakapag-decide at nakapagpaalam na siya sa FEU," said Office of Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Janrey Pasaol, Jedric Daa remain supportive of Veejay Pre despite FEU departure]
A few weeks ago, Pre was dead set on remaining a Tamaraw, which was contrary to his family's advice. Last Wednesday, he then acknowledged that his parents in particular "only want the best" for him in his farewell to the Morayta-based school.
[ALSO READ: Sean Chambers speaks on Veejay Pre’s departure from FEU: ‘We all have to move on’]
Now, the Pampanga product will bring his all-around game to the maroon-and-green, hopeful to build on his averages of 13.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in his first year in college.
While Pre serves his residency, the Fighting Maroons' sights are still set on defending their title with Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Jacob Bayla, and Rey Remogat at the forefront.