Fil-Am Jacob Bayla has decided to take his talents to University of the Philippines and boost its rotation in this year's UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament.

The former Gilas Youth standout is set to begin his eligibility for the Fighting Maroons in the upcoming season in its redemption tour. 

Bayla, the 6-foot-5 wing who had starred for Valley Christian High School in California, confirmed his commitment to the Fighting Maroons during the FilAm Nation Select All-Star Classic.

"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 18-year-old averaged 11.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists in the Filipino-Americans' unbeaten run for a breakthrough championship in the 2024 NBTC National Finals.

Bayla also contributed 8.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists for the national youth team in the 2022 FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship where he joined forces with Jared Bahay, Andy Gemao and Caelum Harris that saw the Gilas Youth wind up seventh.

"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," he said, while also adding he'll be taking sports science in Diliman.

Captained by graduating guard JD Cagulangan, Francis Lopez and Harold Alarcon awaits him alongside fellow newcomers Gani Stevens and Dikachi Udodo in the loaded lineup. 

The State U had finished as back-to-back runner-up in the last three seasons following its historic championship victory in 2022 which ended a 36-year title drought. 

"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 every day in 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 Dir. Bo Perasol.