UST’s JJ Macam captured a career milestone in UAAP Season 87 by claiming the Rookie of the Year award. Months later, he secured an invitation to the Alas Pilipinas training pool ahead of the Southeast Asian Games.
While he did not make the final roster, Macam said the experience with the national team boosted his confidence and helped sharpen his game ahead of his sophomore year with the Golden Spikers.
“Kahit na part lang ako ng training pool, nakakuha ako ng confidence,” he told the Varsitarian. “Kapag nakakasama mo sila sa loob ng court, may magagawa ka rin talagang iba. Magugulat ka na hindi mo nagagawa normally.”
“I hope, mapakita ko na ‘yong best version ko ngayong sophomore year na maglalaro ako.”
Macam began his collegiate journey with the Golden Spikers in Season 87 after his high school stint at UE.
He played a key role in UST’s bronze-medal finish, stepping into the lineup to address the positional gap left by Josh Ybañez early in the season.
He went on to claim the second Best Outside Hitter award on top of his Rookie of the Year honor, becoming just the fourth UST player to earn the recognition, joining Marlon Macabulos (Season 69), Jayson Ramos (Season 70) and Ybañez (Season 85).
“Kung ano ‘yong nagawa ko last year, siguro mas mag-improve ako, lalo na marami akong na-experience noong offseason. Kung ano ‘yong mga mali ko last year, siguro maitama ko na this season,” he said.
Macam also took part in a training camp in Japan, where the team faced collegiate opponents including Waseda University, a respected volleyball program.
“Patient players kasi ang mga Japanese. Like hindi mo sila basta-basta mapapatayan ng bola,” he said. “Hopefully this season ma-adapt namin ‘yong ganung sistema nga na Japanese system.”
The Golden Spikers will face the NU Bulldogs to open the season on Feb. 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Rich Harry A. Marbella with Miguel Angelo Marco
