BAKA RENEJAY ITO!
Ever since he first bursted into the scene, fans would oftentimes applaud Renejay “Renejay” Barcarse for being one of the most charismatic players not only inside the Land of Dawn but even outside the spectrum.
But as soon as his career progressed, fans saw the other side of ‘the Hitman.’ The player who was once viewed as a social media phenom evolved into one of the best players in the scene, a perfect way to turn his career around.
The sudden shift wouldn’t be possible had Renejay not taken that leap of faith by joining Blacklist International and later Aurora Gaming.
And his evolution could be attributed to one person, coach Aniel “Master The Basics” Jiandani.
Renejay’s arrival to the Codebreakers happened in a period when Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna was reaching the twilight of her career, and Renejay had the daunting task of following her legendary footsteps.
Many were skeptical as Renejay had a rough final run with Nexplay EVOS back in Season 10 and it likewise didn’t help that his first few games with the Codebreakers back in the SIBOL qualifiers drew criticism from the community.
Renejay didn’t even receive a lot of playing time in Blacklist’s run in Season 11 and MSC 2023 especially with OhMyV33nus leading the charge, and the Hitman wondered if he was worthy to go with the team overseas.
But Coach MTB saw something else, which he revealed in an exclusive with SPIN.ph.
Unlocking his hidden strength
“Una kong nakita sa kanya is yung potential niya. Kailangan mo lang gisingin. Parang may natutulog within. At that time swerte kami kase at that time noong MSC (2023) ayaw niyang sumama.”
“Wala naman akong gagawin sa MSC kasi 6th man ako,” said Renejay.
Perhaps there was logic to Renejay’s thoughts back in 2023, but a window of opportunity awaited the Hitman. During the tournament, there were talks that the Royal Duo might take their leave.
“Sabi ko at that time, ‘Nagsabi na ang V33Wise na magpapahinga sila next season. Jay eto na yung opportunity na in case na ito ang magiging huling season ni V33 as a pro, eto na ata yung last season mo para mapanood si V33, malalaman mo kung ano yung ginagawa niya as utility,” revealed Coach MTB.
He further explained to Renejay: “Kaya kong ituro sa iyo pero mas maganda kung actual. Nakikita mo at nalalaman mo kung papaano siya mag-shotcall. Pinag-aaralan niya mismo.”
Hindi ako susuko
As the Royal Duo took their break in the scene, it was time for Renejay to finally redeem himself. After a prolonged absence from playing the game, plus the fact that he needed to integrate fully with the team, it was a struggle for the Hitman.
“Pagdating ng Season 12 syempre hindi pa rin ganoon madaling i-apply. Kahit ano pang aral yung ginawa mo sa isang bagay, importante pa rin na may mag-ga-guide.”
But his relentless determination combined with the coaching staff propelled him to a renaissance.
“Yun yung ginawa namin ni Dex na i-guide siya. Sobrang hirap pero dahil Renejay siya, kinaya niya. Yun yung gusto ko, hindi siya sumuko. Sobrang hirap niya to the point na dumating sa punto na huwag kaya natin ipilit kapag hindi kaya,” highlighted Coach MTB.
“Pero siya mismo willing na sabihin na, ‘Hindi mag-a-adjust ako. Kaya kong gawin yan.’ Siya mismo yung dedicated sa work niya.”
The Heal-man arrives.
And ultimately, the Hitman evolved his game to the point where the community lauded his transition to the Heal-man.
In the end, the player who was once criticized and viewed as a laughing stock is now one of the most well-rounded roamers who revolutionized his team’s playstyle.
This was all according to plan.
“Before namin siya kunin as roam, sinabi namin yung conditions. Sabi ko, ‘Jay yung gusto kong roamer is yung wala pang nakakagawa kahit saang league. Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Kaya mong maging Yawi pero hindi mo kayang maging V33,” revealed Coach MTB.
He further elaborated: “Pero kapag nagpagsabay mo siya, ikaw lang yung makakagawa niyan. Kahit saang league, wala pang nakakagawa nun. Meron Yawi sa ibang team, meron ngang V33 sa iba, pero wala pang nakakapasa as both. Ikaw lang.”
But this was also possible due to Renejay’s faith in the process.
“Nandidito kami ni DEX, na kaya namin ituro sa iyo pareho. Meron kang guide pero nasa iyo pa rin. Lahat ng credit nasa kanya kasi kahit gaano kahirap, dinaanan niya.”
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