UAAP: Top recruit Jacob Bayla commits to UP

Fil-Am Nation’s Jacob Bayla. Photo from NBTC Philippines.

MANILA — University of the Philippines has added another top recruit as it continues to bolster its roster for the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

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The Fighting Maroons secured the commitment of Jacob Bayla, the UP Office of Athletics and Sports Development announced early Sunday.

"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 in a statement.

Jacob Bayla with UP OASD Director Bo Perasol. Photo handout/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.” 

"Aside from basketball, UP is a great academic school. I always took pride in academics and I know they have the tools to guide me to be successful on and off the court,” added the 18-year-old, who will be taking sports science in Diliman.

Bayla last played for Fil-Am Nation Select during the 2024 National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) National Finals, with the 6-foot-5 winger averaging 11.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in the team’s unbeaten championship run.

He also represented the Philippines during the 2022 FIBA U16 Asian Championship in Qatar, delivering 8.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in six games for Gilas Pilipinas youth.

"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 of their prized recruit.

"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 OASD Dir. Bo Perasol of Jacob’s capabilities. 

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Bayla will have five playing years for State U, and he will be eligible to play starting Season 87 later this year.