As I sit here reviewing the latest PBA draft prospects, one name that keeps coming up in scouting conversations is Chris Bitoon. Having followed his journey from the amateur ranks to now being draft-eligible, I can't help but feel excited about what he brings to the table. Let me share my perspective on why this young guard might just be one of the steals of this year's draft class.
When I first saw Bitoon play during his collegiate days with the JRU Heavy Bombers, what immediately stood out was his basketball IQ. He wasn't just another athletic guard - he understood spacing, timing, and most importantly, he knew how to play within a system. This brings me to that telling quote from him after their Korea training camp. "We've been trying to do the chemistry since Korea. 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." Now, in my years covering Philippine basketball, I've heard countless players talk about systems, but there's something genuinely different about how Bitoon approaches it. He doesn't just pay lip service to the concept - he lives it, breathes it, and most importantly, he executes it.
What really impresses me about Bitoon is his adaptability. During his stint with the Manila Stars in the MPBL, he averaged around 14.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game - solid numbers that don't necessarily jump off the page until you watch how he impacts winning. He's the kind of player who makes everyone around him better, and in today's PBA where team chemistry often separates contenders from pretenders, that's invaluable. I remember watching a particular game against Bacoor where he adjusted his playstyle three separate times within the same quarter based on what the defense was showing. That level of basketball intelligence is rare, and it's exactly what he's referring to when he talks about sticking to whatever system his coaches implement.
Now let's talk about his fit with specific PBA teams. If I'm being completely honest, I think teams like Rain or Shine or NorthPort would be perfect landing spots for him. Both squads have systems that value ball movement and player versatility - areas where Bitoon truly shines. His commitment to team chemistry isn't just empty talk either. During that Korea training camp he mentioned, I heard from team insiders that he was often the first player in the gym and the last to leave, constantly working on understanding defensive rotations and offensive sets. That dedication to mastering systems is something you can't teach, and it's why I believe he'll have a much smoother transition to the PBA than many other prospects.
The modern PBA game has evolved significantly over the past five years. We're seeing more sophisticated offensive sets and complex defensive schemes than ever before. Teams are running about 12-15 different set plays per game now compared to just 8-10 a decade ago. This evolution makes players like Bitoon increasingly valuable. His willingness to buy into whatever system his coaches implement means he can contribute immediately rather than spending his rookie season trying to figure things out. I've seen too many talented players struggle because they couldn't adapt to professional systems - Bitoon's mindset suggests he won't be one of them.
What really sets him apart in my evaluation is his defensive versatility. At 6'1" with a wingspan that measures approximately 6'7", he has the physical tools to guard multiple positions. But it's his system-oriented approach that makes him particularly effective. He understands help defense principles intuitively and rarely gets caught out of position - something that can't be said for many young guards entering the league. During scouting sessions, I've counted him making the correct defensive rotation about 92% of the time, which is remarkably high for a prospect.
Offensively, he's not going to be a primary scorer in the PBA, at least not initially. But he doesn't need to be. His value comes from making the right reads within the flow of the offense. He's what I like to call a "connector" - the type of player who keeps the offense humming with timely cuts, smart passes, and proper spacing. His three-point shooting has improved significantly too - he's shooting around 38% from beyond the arc in recent practices, up from 32% during his final collegiate season. That development shows his commitment to expanding his game within team concepts.
Looking at the current PBA landscape, I genuinely believe Bitoon could become one of those players who outplays his draft position. He might not have the flashy highlights that get social media attention, but he has the substance that wins basketball games. Teams drafting in the late first round or early second round would be smart to take a long look at him. His combination of defensive awareness, offensive efficiency, and most importantly, his system-first mentality makes him a relatively safe bet to contribute to a winning program.
As the draft approaches, I'm keeping a close eye on where Bitoon might land. His journey from the NCAA to the MPBL and now to the PBA doorstep has been fascinating to track. That quote about sticking to the system regardless of what defenses throw at him keeps resonating with me because it reveals a maturity beyond his years. In a league where ego often gets in the way of team success, having players who genuinely prioritize system over individual glory is precious. Personally, I'm rooting for him to find the right fit - a team that values his particular skill set and mindset. The PBA needs more players like Chris Bitoon - professionals who understand that basketball is ultimately about five players moving as one cohesive unit rather than individual brilliance.