MANILA, Philippines — FEU Tamaraws head coach Sean Chambers is convinced that his player Veejay Pre is locked for the Rookie of the Year award in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
Chambers made this comment after Pre logged 20 points and eight rebounds in FEU’s 59-51 win over the UE Red Warriors at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Sunday.
The Tamaraws improved to 4-7, tied with the Adamson Soaring Falcons from fifth to sixth places.
“Syempre talaga (Of course, he will win the Rookie of the Year award). I mean, and honestly, you still have not seen the best of Veejay, like Veejay is tremendous,” said Chambers.
“I won’t talk about it after the season, but hopefully one day he’s representing the country. I think Veejay is that talented and he’s still getting comfortable.”
Chambers’ 20-point and 8-rebound game was a fitting follow-up to his career-high 31-point and 14-rebound performance in a 70-79 loss to the UST Growling Tigers on October 27.
The 19-year-old Pre has averaged 25.5 points and 11.0 rebounds in FEU’s last two games.
As far as Chambers is concerned, the 6-foot-4 forward is just scratching the surface of his potential.
“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% shown his complete batch, as we say. He can do so much more. And he’s just getting there,” said Chambers.
“But what I was most proud of was his defense against guards out there today. He was defending guards at his size and getting out there and challenging UE with their guard play. So I just think we’re still just seeing the beginning of what he’s capable of doing.”
Can he reach the level of play of reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao someday? Chambers thinks so, too. He went as far as saying that Pre is the future of the UAAP and Philippine basketball.
“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,” said 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, what do you say, his kuyas to finish the play instead of him taking all the charge. But he’s the future of the UAAP for sure.”
Sitting next to his coach in the post-game presser, Pre isn’t overwhelmed with the projections Chambers just made about him.
“I’m pressured but only a little because the coaches are there and my kuyas are always telling me to enjoy the game and go with the flow.”
