VEEJAY Pre knows that going head-to-head with your idol is hard to come by.
And with Kevin Quiambao’s future with La Salle uncertain after the ongoing UAAP Season 87, the young Far Eastern University rookie is just treasuring these rare chances to battle the reigning and defending Season and Finals MVP.
“Siyempre, masaya kasi last na naming paghaharap this season. Napakarami kong natutunan sa kanya,” said the Kapampangan forward.
Pre actually outscored Quiambao on Wednesday, recording 12 points and five rebounds against Quiambao’s 8-point, 13-rebound showing where the latter also shot 2-of-17 from the field.
Even so, the Green Archers - behind Mike Phillips - came alive late for a narrow 58-53 victory at Mall of Asia Arena.
READ: La Salle escapes FEU even with Kevin Quiambao struggling
Nonetheless, Pre gave himself a passing grade on how he was able to hold his own against Quiambao.
“Masaya ako kasi may times na nacha-challenge ko siya,” said the 6-foot-5 neophyte out of FEU-Diliman.
As it turns out, Pre was challenged by Quiambao himself even before the beginning of the season - and the two even wore the same jersey at one point.
“Before pa ng season, sinasabi na niya sa akin na mag-enjoy lang ako at ilaro ko yung laro ko,” he said, also recounting a time where they teamed up in an exhibition game.
“Noong offseason, naging kakampi ko siya sa ligang labas. Kahit hindi ako pinasok nung nasa loob siya, na-inspire talaga ako sa kanya at ang dami kong na-pick up sa mga tamang gawain sa court.”
MVPKQ's high praise for FEU's super rookie
Quiambao, for his part, agreed with Tamaraws coach Sean Chambers’ assessment that Pre will be the next big thing in the UAAP.
READ: Chambers calls FEU super rookie Pre 'future of UAAP, PH basketball'
“The future is bright para sa kanya. Nag-uusap kami ni Veejay kahit before ng UAAP at hanggang ngayon, kaya ang sinasabi ko lang sa kanya is ituloy niya lang yung ginagawa niya,” said the La Salle star.
As encouraging as Quiambao’s words were for Pre, the latter knows that what matters more than his personal numbers is the team’s success, all the more as FEU plots to make a late push to the Final Four and build the foundation of their bright future.
“Basta nananalo lang at makabalik kami sa Final Four. Yun lang ang goal ko,” said Pre.
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