By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons just added another huge name to its already talented roster after securing the commitment of high school hoops star Jacob Bayla.
UP’s massive off-season player haul was confirmed last May 5, 2024, after the UP Office of Athletics and Sports Development announced Bayla’s arrival to their basketball program.
“Without a doubt, Jacob Bayla will boost the UP Men’s Basketball Team’s bid for a UAAP Season 87 bounce back!” the UP Office of Athletics and Sports Development official Facebook page posted.
An athletic wing who can do it all inside the hardwood, Bayla’s relentlessness and high motor will now be witnessed once he sets foot on the UAAP stage.
Bayla’s last long-lasting impression was during the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) Grand Finals stage where he led the Fil-Am Nation Select to the championship title.
During that championship game, Bayla teamed up with another Filipino high school superstar, Andy Gemao, to dispose the star-studded Adamson high school basketball program.
Before playing in the NBTC, Bayla was already familiar with the PHL style of play after rendering his services to the Gilas Boys Under-16 squad during the 2022 FIBA Asian Championships.
Bayla immediately turned heads during that tournament run and was able to showcase his fearlessness in driving down the lane and also did well against the taller forwards of the international scene.
The six-foot-six star just graduated from Valley Christian Schools and was being eyed by UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Davis before choosing UP.
“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,” said Bayla.
