There is still a 99.9% chance we can make it to the playoffs – Master the Basics
Blacklist International have already secured their place in the hall of fame for competitive Mobile Legends. Securing back-to-back domestic championships and winning the M3 World Championships all in one year–they no longer have to prove anything to the world.
Entering MPL-PH S9, Blacklist International shocked the world by announcing that the famed duo of Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna and Danerie James “Wise” Del Rosario, otherwise known as “VeeWise”, would take the season off to rest and focus on other aspects of their lives.
Apart from adding rookie jungler Kent Xavier “Kevier” Lopez, and moving Dexstar Louise “Dex Star” Alaba and Mark Jayson “Eson” Gerardo back into the active rotation of players, they also added Aniel “Master the Basics” Jiandani to assist head coach Bonn “Bon Chan” Ricaplaza. This was a veteran filled lineup that was meant to fill the gap of the Qu33n’s absence.
From left to right: Edward “Edward” Dapadap, Hadji “Hadji” Imam, Bonn “Bon Chan” Ricaplaza, Kiel “Oheb” Soriano, Mark Jayson “Eson” Gerardo, Aniel “Master the Basics” Jiandani, Dexstar Louise “Dex Star” Alaba, Kent Xavier “Kevier” Lopez via Blacklist International
A Fighting Chance
The last time Blacklist International won a series was a sweep against Bren Esports in Week 3. Entering Week 6 with an 1-8 W/L record, Blacklist still managed to secure 9 points by winning a game in almost all the matches they’ve played. They only got swept by ECHO Philippines and TNC Pro Team.
“Winning a game in every match really helps us to stay in the competition. It also means that we have a fighting chance against all teams,” Master the Basics says, emphasizing that those small wins add-up to their survival inside the harsh landscape of MPL-PH S9.
Finding the New UBE
With the VeeWise duo out for the season, Master the Basics had to work with the remaining players and find a new recipe for success. Gone are the days of the “Ultimate Bonding Experience” or the UBE strategy–especially with the in-game nerfs and the matriarch of the strategy taking a leave for this season with his king.
“The first thing we had to do was to find the best strategies that will work with the new roster. If the team knows that there is a strategy that might work, they will still be competitive,.” Master the Basics says, making sure that he involves the entire team in the process.
The process may have been longer than expected, with Blacklist International struggling in the bottom half of the standings. They are currently in 6th place, literally a point away from potentially not making it to the playoffs.
The shocking regular season struggle for the world champions has spawned new critics. However, Master the Basics thinks that it’s not a big deal. “We are open to being criticized. I think the negative remarks don’t affect the team much because there are more positive words of support from the fans,” he says, highlighting the love and support coming from the agents.
99.9% Chance to Enter Playoffs
“For me, there is still a 99.9% chance we can make it to the playoffs because of how the team is growing every week,” Master the Basics confidently conveys.
Though there isn’t much tangible data to measure the level of growth for an entire squad, a simple look at the match results would show you that they haven’t been swept since their loss against TNC Pro Team in Week 2. Consistently scoring points, the M3 World Champions seem to be grinding their way to the playoffs through turbulent seas this season–a very different landscape compared to the smooth sailing of Season 7 and 8 for them.
This Week 6 will be a crucial week for Blacklist International. They will be facing the uprising Nexplay Evos on March 25 (Friday) and ECHO Philippines on March 27 (Sunday).
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