JJ Macam impressed for University of Santo Tomas on Saturday with a familiar face on the other side of the net.
Macam, a quick-rising rookie for the Golden Spikers, faced off against his former head coach when he was still in high school in University of the East — Raffy Mosuela, who is now calling the shots for Adamson University.
The 19-year-old outside spiker delivered a game-high 13 points on eight attacks, three aces, and two blocks. He also completed his performance with seven receptions and five digs.
More importantly, he led UST to a 25-18, 25-15, 25-23 victory over Adamson for their third straight win in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament.
“Overwhelmed po ako kasi dati magkasama kami ni Coach Raffy sa UE tapos ngayon, magkalaban na kami,” shared Macam.
“Gusto ko lang ilaro yung best ko talaga, siyempre maipakita ko kung ano na ba yung binuild niya na player nung high school.”
Mosuela was part of the group who molded Macam into who he is today — a sensational rookie for the Golden Spikers, who have secured back-to-back silver finishes in the men’s division.
Still a Junior Red Warrior then, Macam won 2nd Best Outside Spiker back in Season 85 while leading UE to the Finals of Season 86. However, they fell short of the ultimate goal of the championship.
Now on opposite sides, Mosuela sees a bright future for his former main gunner.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Well sobrang proud ako sa kanya, lalo na ngayon na binigyan siya ng time ni coach Odjie. Since first year pa lang siya nagtiwala sa kanya and binigyan niya naman ng magandang result,” said Mosuela.
“Sa tingin ko malayo mararating ni Macam kasi sobrang dedicated yan sa volleyball. Never na pinasakit ulo ko niyan outside the court sa studies niya and inside the court during high school. Siya talaga ang caliber player ko,” he added.
“Mataas ang pangarap ng bata na yan. Halos parang magulang na ako niyan, kaya masaya ako sa batang yan. Unti-unti nakikita ko na ung panahon na nagsikap siya.”
