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Torn Between Home And Family: FEU's Veejay Pre Faces Emotional Tug-of-War Over His Future
Photo credit: Francis Veejay Instagram
It’s not every day that a UAAP star rookie gets caught in a battle that goes beyond the basketball court.
Far Eastern University (FEU) forward Veejay Pre—UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Rookie of the Year—is at the center of a heartbreaking family dilemma. The 6-foot-5 Pampanga native, who made waves with his averages of 13.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in his freshman year, now finds himself stuck between two powerful forces: the school and team he’s grown to love, and his family who’s urging him to leave.
“This is the most unique situation I’ve encountered in over 30 years in the UAAP,” said FEU athletics director Mark Molina. “Usually, if the parents push for a transfer, eventually the player agrees. But this time, the player is the one resisting.”
According to Molina, nearly every member of Veejay’s family—his father, grandparents, aunts, and uncles—has been pressuring him to leave FEU. And yet, Veejay has stood his ground.
“He told me, ‘Please help me. I don’t want to leave. I’m being forced to leave. I love my family, but I also love FEU,’” Molina shared.
That plea came just days ago, before a regular team practice. Veejay even spoke to team consultant Sean Chambers, expressing the same emotional burden. For weeks, he’s been consistent with his message: he wants to stay.
“He dreams of winning a championship with his friends—Janrey, Jed, Kirby. He’s not just playing basketball here; he’s building something,” Molina added.
But the pressure from home is growing. Pre’s father reportedly told him not to participate in the UAAP 3x3 tournament and hinted at an eventual transfer request. However, as of now, Veejay hasn’t submitted any formal notice to FEU.
“He’s of legal age. He can make his own decisions. And he’s told me many times he wants to stay,” Molina said firmly. “If he really wanted to leave, he would’ve done it by now.”
What’s confusing for FEU is the lack of a clear reason behind the family’s push. The only vague explanation given was that they believe FEU doesn’t develop players well—something Molina strongly refutes.
“We’ve built players from scratch for years. That’s what we do best,” he emphasized.
Unfortunately, the emotional strain is taking its toll on the 19-year-old. During the recent UAAP 3x3 tournament, teammates noted he wasn’t himself—he’d lost motivation, wasn’t sleeping, and had been in tears more than once.
Currently, Pre is back in Pampanga, having originally returned home to celebrate his sibling’s birthday. But he hasn’t returned to his FEU dorm since, leaving the entire situation in limbo.
Still, Molina made it clear: if Veejay chooses to stay, the university has his back.
“He’s a good kid. Very respectful. He doesn’t deserve to be going through this. If he stays, we’ll support him all the way. That’s a promise.”
For now, the ball is in Veejay’s court—but the decision he’s being asked to make goes far beyond basketball.
Far Eastern University (FEU) forward Veejay Pre—UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Rookie of the Year—is at the center of a heartbreaking family dilemma. The 6-foot-5 Pampanga native, who made waves with his averages of 13.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in his freshman year, now finds himself stuck between two powerful forces: the school and team he’s grown to love, and his family who’s urging him to leave.
“This is the most unique situation I’ve encountered in over 30 years in the UAAP,” said FEU athletics director Mark Molina. “Usually, if the parents push for a transfer, eventually the player agrees. But this time, the player is the one resisting.”
According to Molina, nearly every member of Veejay’s family—his father, grandparents, aunts, and uncles—has been pressuring him to leave FEU. And yet, Veejay has stood his ground.
“He told me, ‘Please help me. I don’t want to leave. I’m being forced to leave. I love my family, but I also love FEU,’” Molina shared.
That plea came just days ago, before a regular team practice. Veejay even spoke to team consultant Sean Chambers, expressing the same emotional burden. For weeks, he’s been consistent with his message: he wants to stay.
“He dreams of winning a championship with his friends—Janrey, Jed, Kirby. He’s not just playing basketball here; he’s building something,” Molina added.
But the pressure from home is growing. Pre’s father reportedly told him not to participate in the UAAP 3x3 tournament and hinted at an eventual transfer request. However, as of now, Veejay hasn’t submitted any formal notice to FEU.
“He’s of legal age. He can make his own decisions. And he’s told me many times he wants to stay,” Molina said firmly. “If he really wanted to leave, he would’ve done it by now.”
What’s confusing for FEU is the lack of a clear reason behind the family’s push. The only vague explanation given was that they believe FEU doesn’t develop players well—something Molina strongly refutes.
“We’ve built players from scratch for years. That’s what we do best,” he emphasized.
Unfortunately, the emotional strain is taking its toll on the 19-year-old. During the recent UAAP 3x3 tournament, teammates noted he wasn’t himself—he’d lost motivation, wasn’t sleeping, and had been in tears more than once.
Currently, Pre is back in Pampanga, having originally returned home to celebrate his sibling’s birthday. But he hasn’t returned to his FEU dorm since, leaving the entire situation in limbo.
Still, Molina made it clear: if Veejay chooses to stay, the university has his back.
“He’s a good kid. Very respectful. He doesn’t deserve to be going through this. If he stays, we’ll support him all the way. That’s a promise.”
For now, the ball is in Veejay’s court—but the decision he’s being asked to make goes far beyond basketball.
May 8, 2025
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