Veejay Pre is making the most of his residency year at UP, drawing valuable mentorship from former Fighting Maroon Carl Tamayo.
Veejay Pre is settling in well with the UP Fighting Maroons, and a big reason behind his adjustment is the guidance he’s getting from KBL star Carl Tamayo.
The former FEU standout, who made the shock transfer to UP and is currently in residency, shared how Tamayo has been a hands-on mentor during their training sessions together.
“Si Kuya Carl kasi, kasama ko siya nagta-training ngayon and binibigyan niya rin ako ng mga advice,” Pre said. “Tinuturuan niya rin ako—sa mga decision-making and 'yung mga mali ko sa practice.”
[ALSO READ: UP’s pursuit of Veejay Pre started only after FEU departure — source]
Tamayo is coming off his first KBL title victory with the Changwon LG Sakers back in May.
Even before that, the 24-year-old forward has seemingly won at every level, whether it was with the NU Bulldogs in high school, or UP in college, and even with the Ryukyu Golden Kings in the Japan B.LEAGUE.
That's why Pre has been soaking all the knowledge he can get from the Gilas Pilipinas stalwart.
“Sobrang saya kasi knowing Kuya Carl is winner siya and 'yung kung paano siya mag-isip is nashashare niya sakin. Sobrang laking bagay nun,” Pre added.
Despite having to sit out a year due to transfer rules, Pre remains optimistic as the reigning Rookie of the Year plans on using his residency to improve his game and get ready for UAAP Season 89.
“Maging patient lang ako and 'yung residency ko, i-improve ko 'yung mga kulang ko dun para next year talaga ready ako pag naglaro na ako ng UAAP,” he said.
Having seen how competitive UP has become over the years, Pre believes he’s in the right place to grow.
“Sobrang saya ko kasi nakapag-adjust na ako and nilo-look forward ko 'yung paano ako makatulong sa team and paano ako mag-improve,” he added.
As for chasing a title with the Fighting Maroons?
“Kaya naman basta pagtrabahuan,” said Pre.
@onesportsphl ‘NILO-LOOK FORWARD KO ‘YUNG PAANO AKO MAKAKATULONG SA TEAM’ ? Although Veejay Pre won’t be playing next season because of residency requirements, he is training for UAAP Season 89 with the UP Fighting Maroons, making the most of every learning opportunity with the help of seasoned player Carl Tamayo. | via Aivan Episcope/One Sports #UAAPSeason88 #OSOnTheSpot ? sports moments - Degedias_Beats
(With reports from Aivan Episcope/One Sports Digital)