WHEN Veejay Pre stepped onto the court for his first season in the UAAP, the 6-foot-5 rookie from Far Eastern University knew he was following in the footsteps of someone he deeply admired — Kevin Quiambao.
Quiambao, a Rookie of the Year-turned-back-to-back Most Valuable Player, served as Pre’s greatest source of inspiration, as he looked to make his own mark in the seniors' division.
And he did.
Pre rose to the occasion, copping Season 87 Rookie of the Year honors himself, an award he got to receive alongside his idol in Quiambao.
READ: Veejay Pre worked - and his idol Kevin Quiambao is now a rival
“Unreal yung feeling na nakakuha ako ng award katabi niya. Dati, gusto ko lang siya maging kakampi o makalaban," he told SPIN.ph. "Ngayon, nakalaban ko na siya, dream come true yun.”
KQ as template for Veejay
Despite the fact that they were at the wrong end of the decision every time they faced La Salle, Pre made sure to take away valuable lessons from defending Quiambao.
“Pinapanood ko lahat sa kanya— the way siya mag-decision, umi-score, at pumasa. Ang sarap din niyang bantayan,” he shared.
“Yung laro ni KQ, complete package, gusto ko gayahin yun, sobrang idol ko siya.”
After averaging 13.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists for a total of 50.857 Statistical Points, the pride of Pampanga seems well on his way in following KQ's footsteps.
And who knows, sooner than later, it's him who will be idolized in going from RoY to MVP.
In Morayta alone, Pre joins the ranks of remarkable Tamaraws like Johnny Abarrientos (1989), Arwind Santos (2002), and Terrence Romeo (2010) — all of whom were the top rookies during their time.
As such, Pre has just become much more motivated to be at the forefront of the green-and-gold charge.
“Sobrang saya lang. Lalo akong na-inspire maglaro at galingan pa,” he added.
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