The sixth man and analyst looks back on how much he and his team have grown in just one season.
It’s been an eventful season, to say the least, for Aurora Gaming and their sixth man and analyst Ben “Benthings” Maglaque. From finishing fifth in the 1xBet Supernova tournament early in the season to bringing Fnatic ONIC PH to seven games at the MPL PH S14 grand finals, Aurora have shown momentous growth in just a few months.
“Feeling ko na nakuha namin yung gusto namin makuha this season,” said Benthings, reflecting on the team’s debut. “Kasi kahit bagong team kami grabe talaga yung grind na ginagawa namin. Kahit bago kami, sobrang gutom kami mag-practice. Nagpupuyat kami maglaro ng Mobile Legends.”
There’s an understandably bittersweet tone to Benthings’ voice since they did lose to Fnatic ONIC at the grand finals. He attributes the loss to a lack of experience, which may sound odd considering that Aurora has veterans like Edward Dapadap and Jonard “Demonkite” Caranto leading the team.
Benthings elaborates that it’s about “yung experience as a team, na silang lima nandyan sa grand finals. Kasi per player, may experience na yan ng grand finals pero hindi pa as a team.”
Backline Support
Last season, Benthings was the head coach of TNC Pro Team. Despite another eighth-place finish for TNC that season, many praised Benthings for his deep knowledge of the game. That’s primarily why he was called in by Aurora, for his analysis and insight, but it took a while for him to get in the groove of things.
“Nung lumipat ako sa Aurora, medyo naging matagal yung adaptation ko kasi gusto ko malaman paano sila maglaro. Di pa ako nagbigay ng opinion ko kasi baka mag-conflict yung gameplay nila. Inaral ko yun tapos unti-unti akong tumulong kay coach [Dexter “Dex Star” Alaba] and coach [Aniel “Master the Basics” Jiandani].”
Whenever the coaching staff had a split opinion, he would give his input to help resolve the issue. For the players, he offers more on advice and guidance.
“Kasi yung mga pro players, alam na nila yung mga mechanics,” said Benthings. “Pero sa sobrang dami ng alam nila, minsan meron silang nakakalimutan. So yun yung binibigay ko sa kanila, more on reminders para hindi makalimutan ng mga players ang alam na nila na dapat ginagawa.”
All in all, it’s been quite that successful move for Benthings. From eighth place to grand finals and a shot at the M6 World Championship, Benthings couldn’t be happier at the progress he’s made. “Yung risk na ginawa ko, parang na validate na wag ako matakot mag risk. Alam ko talaga yung ginagawa ko as a MLBB player and coach.”
Though, if given the choice, he wouldn’t mind taking the reins as a head coach once again. “Gusto ko talaga yung madaming responsibilities,” said Benthings with a smile.
Going God Mode
With M6 on the horizon, Aurora has some time to prepare and shore up their weaknesses. With Aurora already so close to winning a championship, Benthings feels there’s only one thing left for the team.
“Ito yung lagi sinasabi ni [Elrasec “Boss Rada” Ocampo], kailangan mag-god mode ng lima,” explains Benthings. “Ibig sabihin nun ay lahat ng players ay nagste-step up. Yun talaga yung lagi naming pina-practice para mangyari. Para yung limang players ay talagang consistent and composed hanggang matapos yung tournament.”
Banner photo from MOONTON Games.