THERE'S NO SUCH thing as permanence in sports, as dynasties rise and fall, and teams undergo massive changes in their rosters, and this was something that Coach Kristoffer "BON CHAN" Ricaplaza highlighted in an interview with the media.
"Ayun iniwan ako ng mga taga-Bataan. Wala naman sigurong permanent sa esports, talagang nangyayari yan sa esports pati na rin sa basketball."
"Bakit si Kevin Durant nag-champion after lumipat diba?" he reflected.
Coach BON CHAN was referring to the recent events that have shook the MLBB esports scene. No longer does he have the Royal Duo of Johnmar "OhMyV33nus" Villaluna and Danerie James "Wise" Del Rosario nor does he have his previous stars like Renejay "Renejay" Barcarse, Kenneth "Yue" Tadeo, and Edward "Edward" Dapadap.
Even his coaching assistants have left him with Blacklist as Aniel "Master The Basics" Jiandani and Dexter "Dex Star" Alaba are gone. All of them have decided to take their talents to the new MPL PH squad, Aurora Esports.
But for BON CHAN, there's always a deeper reason as to why players come-and-go.
"Kapag may nakita kang isang magandang opportunity na palagay mo na pwedeng mag-improve ka sa sarili mo or sa growth mo, i-grab mo."
Walang personalan
But he wasn't the only one who shared the same sentiments as there were others from the Blacklist golden era squad that have also opted to stay. One of them is the gold laner Kiel "Oheb" Soriano.
"Trabaho lang walang personalan," said Oheb.
Oheb admitted that despite the farewells from his teammates, he was happy to see them take their talents elsewhere saying: "Sa akin masaya ako para sa kanila kasi masaya na sila ngayon kung nasaan sila e."
Then when ask about the prospect of facing his former teammates, he was filled with determination .
"Kaya gusto kong maglaro sa Blacklist kasi gusto ko silang (Aurora) makalaban. Feeling ko masaya. Kapag ganun kasi, sobrang nag-e-enjoy akong maglaro kapag may ano ako sa kalaban. Sa kanila ayokong matalo," Oheb reflected.
"Sure ako sila rin ayaw nilang magpatalo sa Blacklist."
Hadji trusts BON CHAN
And beyond Oheb, Salic "Hadji" Imam has also decided to stay with Blacklist. Ever since he joined the squad back in Season 8, Hadji's fortunes experienced a drastic change.
Together with Oheb and BON CHAN, Hadji finally became an MPL and World Champion.
Now the glory days have passed but Hadji decided to stay with the team who molded his legacy.
"Pinupusuan ko pa rin yung Blacklist e. Tapos nandiyan naman si Coach BON. Noong nalaman kong natira si Coach BON, nag-stay pa rin talaga ako," revealed Hadji.
In return, Coach BON CHAN reciprocated his trust.
"Sobrang na-appreciate ko yun kasi kahit na yung original teammates niya, unting-unting umalis, meron pa rin yung tiwala niya (Hadji)."
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