The UP Fighting Maroons added another talented player for their UAAP Season 87 squad with the commitment of Gilas Youth member Jacob Bayla.
After significant anticipation and speculation, Gilas Youth member Jacob Bayla has finally announced his choice to advance his college education at the University of the Philippines.
Despite receiving attention from esteemed American universities such as UCLA, UC Davis, and UC Santa Barbara, albeit as a walk-on candidate, Bayla ultimately selected UP to play in the UAAP.
Bayla highlighted the appeal of playing for one of the Philippines' top collegiate basketball teams as a key factor in his decision.
“UP has a great basketball program. They compete, they play hard, they play at a high level. I particularly love the coaching staff, as they’ve been coming to the US every year since I was 15 to come watch me play,” said Bayla.
“Ultimately, I believe UP will support and guide me throughout my basketball journey, help me improve my game, and hold me accountable. They’re the school that really believed in me since day one,” he added.
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The 6-foot-6 guard has been on UP's radar for quite some time, with coaches and scouts closely tracking his development during his high school years at Valley Christian School in California.
By committing to UP, Bayla is set to establish himself as a key member of the Maroons' roster, ready to bring his talents and athleticism to aid the team in their quest for a title once more in UAAP Season 87.
“Aside from basketball, UP is a great academic school. I always took pride and academics and I know they have the tools to guide me to be successful on and off the court,” said Bayla.
Bayla, who will be taking up Sports Science in Diliman, has already had an illustrious youth career, notably his participation in the 2022 FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship with the Gilas Youth team.
There, he impressed on the global platform, maintaining an average of 8.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.
Furthermore, Bayla contributed to the success of the Fil-Am Nation team, which secured victory in the 2024 Smart NBTC National Championship where he shared this triumph with Andy Gemao.
As early as now, coach Goldwin Monteverde and UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol are excited about what Bayla can bring for the Fighting Maroons.
“We’ve all seen naman what Jacob can do and how he has kept improving. Hopefully, magtutuloy-tuloy lang yan now he’s with us as we, as a team, also continue to be better everyday sa every practice, every game,” said Monteverde.
“Matagal na nating nakita yung potential ni Jacob. We are so glad na pinili at pinagkatiwalaan niya at ng family niya ang UP as the next step in his young career. With coach Gold’s guidance, we believe Jacob will reach his full potential,” Perasol added.