JC Macalalag may not be the first name that comes to mind in La Salle's 2026 graduating class, but the Green Archers' guard is making a strong case as one of its most intriguing guard prospects.
Against the UST Growling Tigers, Macalalag showed just how dangerous he can be as both a spot-up shooter and an off-ball scorer.
The 6-foot-2 shooting guard erupted for 28 points on an efficient 10-of-16 shooting, including a scorching 6-of-8 clip from 3-point range, to go with three rebounds and three assists as La Salle turned back UST on Sunday night.
He did it in 33 minutes and without dominating the ball. With Jacob Cortez sidelined by injury, rookie Joaquin Tovera took charge of the Green Archers' offense, leaving Macalalag to make the most of his opportunities.
Macalalag credited his development within La Salle's system, from high school through college, for helping him emerge as an intriguing prospect in the 2026 class.
"I've learned patience. You won't get things right the first time," Macalalag told ESPN. "You have to go through different experiences before you can reach your goals."
"I've improved my game and learned to be patient while waiting for opportunities. I'm also thankful to my coaches for guiding me and to my teammates for being there with me."
Macalalag knows how to pick his spots, and his shooting numbers reflect that discipline. The left-handed guard is shooting 45.45% from 3-point range through nine games in UAAP Season 89, albeit on just 2.44 attempts per game.
He has never been a high-volume shooter as last season, when La Salle captured the UAAP championship behind Jacob Cortez and Mike Phillips, Macalalag converted 41.18% of his 3-pointers on just over two attempts per game.
Now 23, Macalalag has posted a 65.10% true shooting percentage this season, the second-highest among La Salle players averaging at least 18 minutes per game.
He has also embraced his place in La Salle's offense as his 14.88% usage rate is the lowest among the regular rotation players under former PBA head coach Topex Robinson.
Nevertheless, Macalalag has shown he does not need the ball in his hands to make an impact.
"It's always about the opportunity. Whatever opportunity comes your way, you just have to do your best and give 100% in everything," Macalalag said. "I'm grateful to be surrounded by great players in La Salle."
"I just want to be a superstar in whatever role my coaches give me."
That mindset could serve him well at the next level, whether in the PBA or in neighboring Asian leagues, where efficient role players who understand their strengths can be valuable additions.
Macalalag offers way beyond a shooting threat as he can attack defenders who rush to close him out and time his cuts to the basket, giving a team another scoring option without taking possessions away from its primary playmakers.
While he has yet to decide whether to enter the PBA Draft, opportunities abroad could also await him after college. For now, he continues to refine the off-ball skills that make him effective, finding gaps in defenses and capitalizing on shots opponents might otherwise overlook.
"Having five years here at La Salle has been a big help. This is where I molded myself as a player, recognized my weaknesses, and worked on improving them. I've also worked on my strengths, especially on every role I've been given," he said.
"Every day, I just keep trying to improve. That's my goal."