DARING, BRILLIANT, phenomenal, are only a few words that could describe Twisted Minds’ rookies who are currently making waves in the MPL Philippines Season 16. But how everything aligned for it to become possible?
The mastermind behind it was none other than Coach Kristoffer “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza.
The moment Coach Bon first met the former ONIC Nine Lives rookies during a tryout, he didn’t have second thoughts. He knew right away he had found something special.
It wasn’t just their skills that impressed him but it was their chemistry, insatiable hunger for glory, and potential for greatness that he can’t afford to ignore.
“Nung first na nag-tryout sila, sabi ko agad kinagabihan sa management, ‘Gusto ko itong team na ‘to. Di na ako magpapa-tryout pa ng iba,’ Sobrang nagustuhan ko yung chemistry nila, the way sila maglaro. Perfect na ito para makapalag tayo next season,” BON CHAN said in an exclusive interview with SPIN.ph.
Rookies unfazed by pressure
But the newcomers weren’t spared from the harsh realities of taking a big leap from MDL to the MPL stage, but instead of breaking under pressure, they chose to rise above.
“Pagdating naman sa scrims, syempre dumating din naman sa point na nag-struggle kami especially nung nagsisimula pa lang kami,” BON CHAN admitted.
“Pero mini-make sure namin na everyday dapat may learnings. Hindi pwede lumipas ang araw na nag-scrim lang kami for the sake na nakapag-practice. Dapat araw-araw meron kaming na-fi-figure out, natutunan, o nabubuo para walang nasasayang.” he added.
In a league where the smallest mistakes can cost everything and nerves run high, these young stars show that determination and unshakable spirit outweigh all doubt.
“Mas nangingibabaw yung determination nila. Never ko sila nakitang ma-pressure o kinabahan. Kada araw na may game kami, na may match kami, sobrang excited sila lagi,” Coach Bon Chan said.
It’s that exact mindset that has turned them into the rising dark horse of MPL PH Season 16.
Consistency is key
BON CHAN has built a legacy of mentoring world-class professional players, and with the next generation under his command, he continues to follow the same formula to greatness.
“Kapag may nakikita ako na bad habit na nabubuo, sinasabi agad namin o pinag-uusapan agad namin ng sa ganun hindi siya lumaki,” he shared making sure that his players are on the right path.
Coach BON CHAN has lived through the ecstasy of championships and the agony of defeat, and he instills the same mindset of trusting the process to his players.
“Hindi mahalaga kung paano kami nagsimula. Mas importante kung paano kami magtatapos,” he said with conviction.
As the season unfolds, the mission remains simple for Twisted Minds: be consistent.
“Maging consistent. Ituloy namin kung ano man yung ginagawa namin sa araw-araw at wag magpakampante,” he stressed, leaving no room for complacency.
Backed by a coach who never doubted them, the young guns of Twisted Minds are eager more than ever to prove their worth, building their legacy one win at a time.
Good thing BON CHAN trusted his gut—because today, Twisted Minds’ rookies are proving they were worthy to be given a chance.
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