TNC Benthings, From Benchwarmer to Potential Superstar
Ben “Benthings” Maglaque debuted in TNC Pro Team’s MPL-PH Season 8 roster as an addition to the acquired Work-Auster Force squad from MPL-PH Season 7. He didn’t see much playing time in his debut season since Dylan “Light” Catipon manned the starting spot as the roamer.
The only times we saw Benthings play were in TNC’s final moments before the playoffs of MPL-PH Season 8 started (which they failed to qualify for). They ended that season in 8th place–a huge gap from the success the former Work-Auster Force squad attained during MPL-PH S7.
via TNC PRO TEAM ML
With franchise player Frediemar “3Martzy” Serafico leaving the team for ECHO and Clarense “Kousei” Camilo transferring to RSG PH with Light, only Benthings and Daniel “SDzyz” Chu remain in the squad.
A question I had in my head was this: “Why keep Benthings part of the roster when he barely even saw playing time last season?”
Watching TNC Pro Team’s games in Week 1 of MPL-PH Season 9 gave me answers to questions I didn’t even think I had. From plays made by their exceptional rookies, to crisp decision making from SDzyz, and macro/micro outplays from Benthings, TNC’s opening week was an eye-opening experience after seeing them fall so low in MPL-PH Season 8.
As the new captain of the squad, it was apparent that his leadership was an effective anchor for the rookies and SDzyz to shine the most during Week 1.
They already took down two international champions in their first week: MSC 2021 Champions Omega Esports and M3 World Champions Blacklist International. Who knows what they could pull-off for the next coming weeks of the regular season? Did they shine too bright to the point that they might burn out too quickly? I still have so many questions inside my head–but one thing is for sure: I’ll be excited to watch every TNC game this MPL-PH Season 9.
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