FORMER St. John Paul II College of Davao standout Dariel James Bayla, a 28-year-old native of Lupon, Davao Oriental, was picked in the fifth round at the PBA Season 48 Draft held at the Ayala Malls Market Market in Taguig City, September 17, 2023.
Bayla, originally from Lupon, Davao Oriental, was the second pick in the fifth round by PBA Team Blackwater Bossing.
He was the lone player from the Davao region to be drafted as the three others - Renzo Devera Galdo and Lean Martel, both from Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) Crusaders and Darrel Gabi Manliguez, who previously played for Mats College of Technology, failed to make the cut.
Bayla is an alumnus of Arellano University.
He has played for various teams in the Philippines. He began his professional journey with the Pasay Voyagers in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) before moving on to the Mindoro Tams-CDO Idol Cheesedog in the same league. He later joined the Pilipinas Super League (PSL) with the Cagayan de Oro-PSP squad.
Bayla also ventured into 3x3 basketball, joining the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA 3x3 competition. He continued his journey with the Blackwater Smooth Razors, showcasing his versatility and dedication to the sport.
In this year's PBA draft, 79 out of 124 players were selected. The first overall pick was 31-year-old professional basketball player Stephen Holt, drafted by Terrafirma Dyip.
The first draft round was marked by the inclusion of Filipino-foreign players, with Christian David joining Blackwater Bossing and Luis Villegas and Keith Datu becoming part of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
Other notable picks include Zavier Lucero and Cade Flores by NorthPort Batang Pier, Kenneth Tuffin joining Phoenix, Richard Rodger selected by NLEX, and Brandon Bates acquired by Meralco.
Converge added Schonny Winston and BJ Andrade, while Taylor James Miller became the last pick of the first round for Terrafirma. ICE