TWISTED Minds and Team Falcons know that in order to move forward, they’re going to have to shake things up a bit entering the MPL Philippines Season 17.
After near-misses and turbulent campaigns, both squads are betting on bold moves—one leaning on continuity and reunion, the other on star power and championship experience—to reclaim their place at the top.
For Twisted Minds, the story is one of homecoming and growth.
Gold laner Lee “Owl” Gonzales returns from nearly two years abroad, bringing international experience, sharpened macro discipline, and a renewed connection with the coach who helped launch his career.
Team Falcons, by contrast, is pressing the accelerator.
After a rollercoaster Season 16 that nearly cost them a playoff spot, the organization added midlaner Salic “Hadji” Imam and reinstated veteran coach Francis “Ducky” Glindro—moves designed to restore consistency, leadership, and championship pedigree.
A Homecoming Years in the Making
Owl’s overseas journey was extensive. He first suited up for Team Flash KH in MPL Cambodia Season 6, moved to Red Esports MY in MPL Malaysia Season 14, and spent 2025 in China with Guangzhou Gaming (formerly Radiance Legend Gaming).
His last international appearance came at the M7 World Championship, where his squad finished 17th–18th.
While results abroad were mixed, Owl’s exposure to diverse playstyles strengthened both his mechanics and strategic decision-making. More importantly, he will reunite with Kristoffer “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza, the coach who guided him at the 31st Southeast Asian Games and later with Blacklist International (Seasons 11–12).
The reunion of a veteran player and coach could accelerate Twisted Minds’ climb in a league that punishes slow starts.
Twisted Minds’ lineup blends continuity and flexibility. Here is the complete lineup:
Lance “Lansu” Misa - EXP Lane
Michael “MP the King” Endino - Jungle
Miguel “Sionnn” Alcantara - Mid Lane
Mico “Nosia” Guevarra - Gold Lane
Lee “Owl” Gonzales - Gold Lane
Carlo “Caloy” Roma - Roam
Mark “Eson” Gerardo - Assistant Coach
Kristoffer “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza - Head Coach
Rather than getting a fixed starter, Twisted Minds plans a situational approach—leveraging Owl’s international poise in select matchups while using Nosia’s established synergy in others.
This dual-gold lane system gives BON CHAN drafting flexibility and could force opponents to prepare for two distinct playstyles each week. Season 17 will hinge on execution: how quickly MP the King stabilizes the jungle role and how seamlessly Owl integrates into BON CHAN’s system will determine whether this roster evolves from promising to threatening.
Falcons Reload: Hadji Arrives, Ducky Returns
Team Falcons is taking no chances this season.
After limping into the playoffs last season, the organization added midlaner Hadji and brought back head coach Ducky, while veteran roamer Rowgien “Owgwen” Unigo assumed captaincy duties.
Hadji brings deep playoff experience, international campaigns, and a reputation as one of the region’s most cerebral midlaners. His ability to control tempo and perform under pressure addresses Falcons’ consistency issues from Season 16.
Ducky’s return focuses on structured training, incremental improvements, and aligning short- and long-term goals.
“We’re focusing on small daily improvements—short-term steps toward our long-term vision,” he explained.
His track record includes leading the same roster (then AP.Bren) to the historic M5 World Championship title in Manila.
Named Team Falcons’ Southeast Asia Head Coach in May 2025, he oversaw the franchise’s multiple teams and was last seen coaching Saudi Arabia’s Team Falcons to a 22nd–23rd finish during the MSC 2025 Wild Card phase.
“The reason why I came back was because we were in a grave spot last season. So, it was time for me to come back to remind the boys why we are here, push them harder beyond their limits,” Coach Ducky said during the media interview.
“We’re not yet there, we are getting there. With the new training structure and regimen we implemented, while still experimental, are showing good results and I hope it continues. We are basically focusing on small incremental changes—daily improvements. That’s what we are aiming for, aligning short-term goals with our long-term vision,” he added.
Falcons’ Season 17 lineup:
David “Flap” Canon - EXP Lane
Edferdz “Ferdz” Fernandez - EXP Lane
Michael “Kyle” Sayson - Jungle
Marco “Super Marco” Requitiano - Gold Lane
Rowgien “Owgwen” Unigo - Roam
Francis “Ducky” Glindro - Head Coach
Mohammad “Moody” Samal - Assistant Coach
Vrendon “Vren” Pesebre - Analyst
Bringing back a coach who has already guided them to the top indicates Falcons are leaning on proven chemistry rather than a full rebuild.
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