After much anticipation and speculation, highly-touted prospect Jacob Bayla has made his decision, choosing to further his collegiate career with University of the Philippines.
Bayla had garnered interest from prestigious American universities including UCLA, UC Davis, and UC Santa Barbara but as a walk-on.
He ultimately opted for UP, citing the allure of playing for one of the Philippines’ premier collegiate basketball teams.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
The 6-foot-6 guard has long been on UP’s radar, with coaches and scouts closely monitoring his progress throughout his high school career at Valley Christian Schools.
With his commitment to UP, Bayla solidifies his place in the Maroons’ lineup, poised to contribute his skills and athleticism to the Fighting Maroons’ pursuit of UAAP glory.
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“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,” he said, while also adding he’ll be taking sports science in Diliman.
Upon his graduation from Valley Christian Schools later this month, Bayla will waste no time in joining the UP squad.
He will be ready to represent the Fighting Maroons in the upcoming UAAP Season 87.
Bayla’s journey to UP follows a distinguished youth career, highlighted by his stint with the Gilas Boys team in the 2022 FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship.
There, he showcased his talent on the international stage averaging 8.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.
He was also part of the Fil-Am Nation team that won the 2023 Smart NBTC National Championship, alongside another UP commit Andy Gemao.
“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 head coach Goldwin 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,” added UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol.
