University of the Philippines‘ Jacob Bayla. Photo from 19th FilOil Preseason Cup.MANILA — From being one of the highly touted recruits of his batch, Jacob Bayla has now embraced his role as one of the leaders of University of the Philippines (UP).
The 6-foot-5, 20-year-old wingman is already entering his third year ahead of UAAP Season 89 later this year, and Bayla knows what it takes to live up to his responsibilities in Diliman.
“I have to be a veteran,” said Bayla, as UP remained spotless in the 19th FilOil Preseason Cup. “There are a lot of new faces, new guys, so I need to set the standard for the rest of the team.”
UP is set to enter a new chapter, with Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, Reyland Torres, Terrence Fortea, and Janjan Felicilda now suiting up for their respective squads in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
On the other hand, recruits like Veejay Pre, James Payosing, and NCAA high school MVP Sean Franco are expected to take flight next year. For Bayla, integrating the team’s newest players is a challenge he welcomes.
“It’s for sure different. But we still have three or four players from our starting lineup, so we need to be an example,” he said. “And my coaches trust me more to make plays and decisions.”
Meanwhile, UP deputy coach Christian Luanzon said that for Bayla and the rest of the Fighting Maroons to continue building their new core, they must undergo the same growing pains that previously allowed the school to rule the UAAP twice in the last five seasons.
“We will only gain experience by going through [the journey] together,” he said. “There’s going to be ups and downs, but what’s important is the process. 'Yung trust, not only with the coaching staff but with the team, mabubuo 'yun.”
Making the most of their advantages is also key as they begin their redemption campaign for Season 89.
“We’re taller, so we’re just looking forward to maximizing whatever talent and advantages we have,” said Luanzon.