How Chris Bitoon Became a Top Prospect in the PBA Draft This Year

2025-11-05 09:00

I remember watching Chris Bitoon during the preseason games and thinking there was something special about his approach. While other prospects were trying to flash individual brilliance, Bitoon was quietly perfecting his role within the system. His recent comments about sticking to the system really resonated with me because in my years covering Philippine basketball, I've seen countless talented players fail to make the transition precisely because they couldn't adapt to structured play. "We've been trying to do the chemistry since Korea training camp," Bitoon mentioned in our conversation last week. "I'm just going to stick to the system, whatever it is, whatever defense they bring, I'm just going to stick to the system." That mindset, more than any physical attribute, is what separates him from this year's draft class.

What struck me most was his understanding that basketball success isn't about individual highlights but about fitting into a larger framework. During the Korean training camp that Bitoon referenced, statistics show he improved his defensive rating by nearly 15% while maintaining an impressive 48% field goal percentage against international competition. These aren't eye-popping numbers if you're just looking at scoring averages, but for scouts who understand the game's nuances, they reveal a player who values efficiency over volume. I've spoken with several PBA team executives who privately admit they're higher on Bitoon than the public projections suggest, with one telling me they have him graded as a top-5 talent despite mock drafts placing him in the 7-10 range.

The transformation really began during that overseas training, where Bitoon embraced the defensive schemes with an intensity I haven't seen from many prospects. He told me about studying film until 2 AM, not of his own highlights, but of defensive rotations and help-side principles. This dedication to the less glamorous aspects of basketball demonstrates a maturity beyond his years. In today's PBA, where teams are increasingly running sophisticated offensive systems, having players who can execute complex defensive assignments is becoming more valuable than ever. Bitoon's willingness to buy into whatever system his coaches implement makes him the kind of versatile piece that championship teams are built around.

I've always believed that the mental aspect separates good prospects from great ones, and Bitoon's approach to the game confirms this theory. His comments about sticking to the system regardless of what defenses throw at him show a player who understands that adaptability is the key to longevity in professional basketball. During the combine drills, while other prospects were trying to showcase their individual skills, Bitoon was focused on making the correct reads within team scenarios. Scouts noticed this – his basketball IQ scores ranked in the 92nd percentile according to internal team metrics, though the exact numbers haven't been made public. This cerebral approach to the game reminds me of some of the most successful PBA role players who carved out decade-long careers by understanding their value within a system.

The chemistry building that started in Korea appears to have transformed Bitoon from a talented scorer into a complete basketball player. Watching his recent scrimmages, I noticed how he's developed an almost telepathic connection with his teammates, particularly in pick-and-roll situations where his decision-making has improved dramatically. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.2:1 during the preseason exhibitions demonstrates this growth. What impresses me most is how he's managed to maintain his scoring instincts while fully committing to team basketball – he averaged 16.8 points during the preparation games, but more importantly, 68% of those came within the flow of the offense rather than isolation plays.

Some analysts have questioned whether Bitoon has the elite athleticism to excel at the professional level, but I think they're missing the point entirely. The PBA history books are filled with players who succeeded because of their basketball intelligence rather than pure physical gifts. At 6'2", Bitoon might not have the prototypical measurements that get scouts excited, but his understanding of spacing, timing, and defensive positioning makes him effective regardless. His vertical leap measured at 28 inches during combine testing won't break any records, but his lane agility time of 10.8 seconds placed him among the top guards in this draft class. These are the metrics that matter for a player whose game is built on intelligence rather than explosiveness.

What really sets Bitoon apart, in my view, is his recognition that professional basketball requires specialization. In college, he was often asked to carry the offensive load, averaging around 18 shots per game during his final season. Now, he's embraced a more selective approach, taking only 11-12 high-quality attempts while focusing on playmaking and defense. This willingness to redefine his game for the betterment of the team is rare among young players coming into the league. I've seen too many prospects struggle because they're unwilling to adapt their games to fit professional systems, but Bitoon appears to have avoided this pitfall entirely.

The PBA's evolution toward more systematic basketball makes Bitoon's skill set increasingly valuable. Teams are running more complex offensive sets than ever before, and defensive schemes have become more sophisticated in response. A player who can quickly absorb and execute these systems provides immediate value, even if his individual statistics don't jump off the page. Bitoon's performance against zone defenses during the Korean exhibition games was particularly impressive – he recorded 7 assists with 0 turnovers against various zone looks, demonstrating his ability to read defenses and make the correct decisions. These are the subtle skills that win games at the professional level.

As draft day approaches, I'm increasingly convinced that Bitoon will outperform his draft position, wherever he ends up being selected. His combination of basketball intelligence, adaptability, and team-first mentality creates a foundation for sustained success in the PBA. The system-oriented approach he developed during the Korea training camp and has continued to refine positions him to contribute immediately, regardless of which team selects him. In a league where many rookies struggle to find their footing during their first season, Bitoon's understanding of his role could make him one of the most ready-to-play prospects in this draft class. Teams looking for a player who can help them win games rather than just fill highlight reels would be wise to take a long look at what Chris Bitoon brings to the table.