How UP Got Veejay Pre After FEU Exit | Inside the Transfer

Summary

In this podcast episode, the host delves into the dramatic recruitment of VJ Perez, the UAP Rookie of the Year, as he decides to leave FEU for UP Fighting Maroons. Despite initial preferences for Lasal, family influence and UP’s strategic pitch led Perez to choose the Maroons, who already boast a powerful roster. The move is framed as a pivotal moment in Philippine college basketball, with VJ’s potential to help UP secure future championships. The episode explores the complexity of player decisions, rivalries, and the lasting impact of Perez's commitment to UP.

Takeaways

• 😀 VJ Pre's recruitment journey was full of unexpected twists, with the final decision to commit to UP coming as a surprise to many, including La Salle fans.
• 😀 UP's recruitment strategy was timely and effective, securing VJ Pre at the perfect moment, showing their continued dominance in the college basketball scene.
• 😀 VJ Pre's decision to join UP strengthens their roster, with players like Pio Singh Maga, Jacob Bao, and Miguelas set to improve further.
• 😀 La Salle fans were initially hopeful for VJ Pre, but UP ultimately won the recruitment battle, making the decision a pivotal moment in the rivalry.
• 😀 The recruitment of VJ Pre adds significant star power to UP's lineup, with many predicting him to become a future MVP in the league.
• 😀 UP's potential for the future is strong, with a mix of promising recruits and existing talent, keeping them competitive beyond Season 88.
• 😀 The rivalry between UP and La Salle is likely to intensify in the coming seasons, with VJ Pre playing a key role in UP's championship aspirations.
• 😀 La Salle fans remain excited about other young players like Diet and Mikey Cortez, ensuring that the team is not left behind despite losing VJ Pre.
• 😀 VJ Pre's commitment to UP is a personal decision that was made with the full support of his family, marking the next chapter in his career.
• 😀 The speaker expresses admiration for college basketball in the Philippines, acknowledging its unpredictable and exciting nature, especially surrounding high-stakes recruitment.

Q & A

Why did VJ Pre cancel his campus visit to La Salle?

VJ Pre's family sent a text early on Friday morning to inform that they would no longer be visiting La Salle because VJ had decided to finalize his commitment to UP, with the press already preparing an announcement about his decision.

What does the speaker mean by saying UP has secured its next star?

The speaker is referring to VJ Pre, highlighting his potential to become a key player for UP, especially given his talent and recognition as the reigning rookie of the year. This acquisition is seen as significant for UP's future success.

How does the speaker describe the future of UP's basketball team?

The speaker describes UP's future as promising, with a strong roster that includes talented players like Pio Singh, Jacob Bao, and Miguelas, as well as the addition of VJ Pre. The team is expected to continue improving and be competitive for years to come.

What additional surprise does the speaker mention for UP in season 88?

The speaker mentions receiving a message from a trusted source stating that UP is not done recruiting and there might be another surprise addition to the team for season 88, though the exact details are unknown.

How does the speaker contrast UP’s recruitment of VJ Pre with La Salle's expectations?

The speaker suggests that La Salle had expected to secure VJ Pre's commitment for a long time, even preparing a jersey swap for him in their colors. However, UP won the recruitment battle by making their move at the right time, securing VJ Pre's commitment unexpectedly.

What is the significance of VJ Pre’s decision for the rivalry between UP and La Salle?

VJ Pre's decision to join UP adds another layer to the already intense rivalry between UP and La Salle. The speaker speculates that this rivalry could become even more important in future finals, with VJ potentially playing a key role in determining the outcome.

What potential does La Salle still have despite losing VJ Pre to UP?

Despite losing VJ Pre, La Salle is still seen as having a strong team, with new players like Diet and Mikey Cortez expected to contribute significantly. The speaker expresses excitement about La Salle's future potential.

What does the speaker mean by 'sliding doors moment' regarding VJ Pre's decision?

The 'sliding doors moment' refers to the idea that VJ Pre’s decision to join UP could have a significant impact on the future, particularly if it affects the outcome of future UP-La Salle finals. It suggests a 'what if' scenario where things could have played out differently.

Why is the speaker so impressed by Philippine college basketball?

The speaker is impressed by the competitive and unpredictable nature of Philippine college basketball, especially given the twists and turns in recruitments like VJ Pre's decision. The speaker highlights the excitement and drama involved in college basketball recruitment and team development.

What does the speaker hope for VJ Pre's future with UP?

The speaker expresses hope that VJ Pre will be happy with his decision to join UP and that his family will continue to support him. The speaker also acknowledges that the FU (Far Eastern University) community will cherish VJ's time with them, and they wish him well as he moves forward with UP.