FROM COACHING a team with a 0-13 record, to transforming Onic as championship contenders, to now becoming the Vice President of the Onic Esports franchise, Coach Paul Denver "Yeb" Miranda has made leaps and strides in his esports career.
With his new role, Coach Yeb is now in charge of both Fnatic ONIC teams and his experience as a head coach could guide him in his new role.
"Sobrang challenging siya pero baka mas magiging bridge ako kasi syempre galing ako sa pagiging coach e. Naintindihan ko yung mga teams, yung players," Coach Yeb revealed in an exclusive with SPIN.ph.
Now that Fnatic ONIC Philippines is competing in the M6 World Championship stage, Coach Yeb's first test as Vice President begins.
Coach Tony "Ynot" Senedrin and Coach Yeb have been on opposite spectrums back when the latter was still serving as the Head Coach of Fnatic ONIC Indonesia, but now they're serving under the same banner.
"Yung additional help and support in a sense na binibigyan niya (Coach Yeb) ako ng ideas kasi ganun naman talaga kami ever since, pero syempre dati iba e. Nandiyan pa yung mga panahon na nagtatalo kami, mga pride, magkakampi kayo, pero as you grow older, [we end up] being more professional," Ynot started.
But Yeb's impact isn't just limited to his discussions with Ynot, and as he mentioned earlier, his connection with the players could serve as an edge.
Coaching is in his blood
"At the end of the day, alam natin na si Coach Yeb, sobrang decorated na yan e. So nakakatuwa in a sense na nandiyan din siya as someone na pwedeng lapitan ng players ko," revealed FNOP's head coach.
Ynot didn't hesitate to tell his players to constantly consult with Coach Yeb and ask for advice, and while it may seem like this could serve as a slap to his reputation, Coach Ynot would say otherwise.
"Sinabihan ko rin players ko, 'Huwag kayong mahiyang lumapit kay Coach Yeb, huwag kayong mahihiyang magtanong sa kanya ng mga bagay na minsan hindi ko nadi-discuss sa inyo,' kasi 'di ko nararamdaman na inaapakan niya ako."
"Hindi ako ma-o-offend kasi at the end of the day, isa lang gusto namin mangyari lahat e. Under one banner, gusto namin mag-champion," reflected Ynot.
Yeb also has the experience that could guide the team, and he has been through a lot of ups and downs that would build his character, which would translate to his teams.
"Kasi nakailang international tournaments na siya e. MSC na napanalo, M-series na nabilitin. 'Pagdating sa akin naman, mga kaunting discussions sa hero picks, pero yun nga gusto ko sa kompare ko. Hindi siya yung parang dikta lang, it's more on healthy discussions," said Ynot.
And with Yeb's guidance, the team could learn how to handle the immense pressure of playing in one of the biggest stages in MLBB esports, as seen with how they dealt with Falcon Esports in the M6 upper bracket knockouts and against Aurora during the S14 finale.
"Yun talaga yung pinukpok ever since. Yun nga e yung sinabi ko before na it was a blessing na umabot kami ng Game 7 with Aurora since it really gave us a perspective kung papaano i-handle ang pressure," Ynot looked back.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
