JJ Macam became the fourth UST player in UAAP history to win the men's Rookie of the Year award, capping a stellar debut season for the Golden Spikers.
University of Santo Tomas rising star JJ Macam added another chapter to the school’s storied volleyball tradition by winning the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Rookie of the Year award.
The 19-year-old outside hitter made a huge impact in his debut season, placing third overall in the MVP race and becoming the fourth UST Golden Spiker in history to be named top rookie.
He joins an elite group that includes Marlon Macabulos in Season 69, Jayson Ramos in Season 70, and Josh Ybañez in Season 85.
Macam finished the elimination round with 146 points—15th among all scorers—and posted a spiking efficiency of 42.75 percent, placing him sixth overall. He also made his presence felt at the service line, finishing second in the league in aces with 0.36 per set.
His well-rounded play earned him a spot in the Season 87 Mythical Team as one of the two Best Outside Spikers with 259 ranking points (RP).
Prior to his breakout collegiate campaign, Macam was already making waves in the high school ranks, earning the 2nd Best Outside Spiker award in the Season 85 Boys' Volleyball Tournament.
However, Macam wasn’t the only UST standout to receive individual accolades this season.
Middle blocker Popoy Colinares delivered a breakout campaign of his own and earned one of the Best Middle Blocker awards. The third-year veteran ranked second in total blocks with 33 and was also third in service aces with 17, averaging 0.70 blocks and 0.36 aces per set to tally 227 RP.
Meanwhile, UST setter Dux Yambao collected his first collegiate award after being named Best Setter of the season. The crafty third-year orchestrator led the league in excellent sets with a 5.85 average per frame, totaling 180 RP.
Despite their Final Four exit this season, the Golden Spikers are poised for an even stronger showing next season with a strong foundation in place.
Other award winners include Ateneo's Kennedy Batas, who took home his first MVP honors, while fellow Blue Eagle Amil Pacinio was the Best Opposite Hitter. Adamson's Leo Coguimbal took home the other Best Middle Blocker award, and DLSU's Menard Guerrero as the Best Libero for the season.
[ALSO READ: Ateneo’s Kennedy Batas set to win breakthrough MVP in UAAP Season 87]