SAME STORY, SAME OUTCOME
TNC is once again at the bottom of the MPL PH standings with no hope of reaching the playoffs. For four straight seasons, TNC is dead last.
The changes that they've implemented before the season began had little effect. Even bringing two high calibre players in Jaylord "Hatred" Gonzales and Dean Christian "Raizen" Samagui couldn't bring them to the promised land.
Not even Ben Seloe "Benthings" Maglaque's transition to a coaching role could solve the crisis.
As a first time coach, Benthings looked back at the season and during the press conference, he was ultimately frustrated.
"Same pa rin ngayon e. Kung ano yung ipinakita namin, same pa rin. Mali yung mga decision late game. Alam yung gagawin pero hindi nagagawa. For example yung Hilda-X.Borg, kahit yung kaka-ML lang ng isang buwan, alam na alam kung sino yung tatapat sa lane, pero hindi namin ginagawa."
"Kaya bullsh*t lang yung nangyayari, palala nang palala," reflected the TNC head coach.
A rude awakening
It didn't matter if TNC was already out of the playoffs, as Benthings wanted his team to finish strong since the players need to show that they still belong in the league.
"Kumbaga para sa kanila na lang, kung papaano sila magpre-prepare sa mga ibang season, kung lilipat sila ng ibang team."
In previous seasons, TNC is considered to be a late bloomer where they showcase their prowess when the team has nothing to fight for.
But this season, TNC couldn't repeat the magic of the past.
"Super upset, sobrang disappointed ako. Kahit pinipilit, ayokong masaktan kasi wala naman e, hindi naman magma-matter."
"Ayaw pa rin nilang ipakita sa last two games na hindi na nagma-matter, pero same pa rin, hindi pa nakaka-decide ng sarili, iba yung ginagawa, etc."
Benthings' reaction was understandable as he devoted everything to bring the best of his team. But all of his attempts were futile.
Will Benthings stay with TNC?
"Yung gusto ko sa mga bata parang hindi ko ma-unleash yung full potential nila. Alam naman nila yung gagawin, hindi lang nila na-e-execute sa game. Hindi ko alam kung ano yung iniisip. Hindi ko rin alam kung ano yung pumipigil na gawin yung mga bagay na alam nila," Benthings emotionally expressed.
"Kahit ma-explain mo at naturo mo lahat, hindi pa rin magawa, parang ayokong hanggang doon na lang sila. Doon ako naiinis e."
Benthings knew that if the negative results keep on piling up, changes will be made. He tried everything to motivate his team, to get out of their slump.
"Hindi lang kayo ganyan, ipakita niyo sa stage, hindi sa practice, hindi sa RG, sa stage niyo ipakita kasi unang-una, kapag top 8 may adjustments diyan sa lineup, may mga matatanggal. Gusto kong ipakita nila kung ano yung maaambag nila sa team."
But despite his efforts, everything came crashing down on Benthings and TNC.
"Sa last two matches yan ang gustong makita pero hindi pa rin siya lumalabas kaya malungkot."
Yet even with TNC hitting rock bottom, Benthings is hoping that if he'll return as a player, he remains with the Phoenix.
"Yes pero gusto ko sa TNC. Kahit may mag-offer sa akin na iba, sa TNC gusto kong maglaro."
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