It seems like the entirety of SIBOL is going to be very busy for the next few months.
Even as the Southeast Asian Games await us at the end of the year, SIBOL’s Jab Escutin is busy with the search for more prospective esports athletes.
The SIBOL General Manager revealed during the MPL PH S16 playoffs that there’s plans to have multiple MLBB national teams. This is part of their preparation for the Asian Games next year which is featuring MLBB for the first time.
“Well, alam mo naman yung level ng Asian games,” said SIBOL’s Jab Escutin. “This is life changing for athletes, and syempre when it’s life changing the risk is so big. So I want to minimize the risk by getting as many athletes that I can.”
The thought process isn’t about quantity over quality. It’s about ensuring that when the time comes, we are sending our absolute best to play on the international stage.
“The problem right now is that everything is still so early,” continued SIBOL’s Jab Escutin. “With esports, six months is a long time especially for pro teams. They can be top three and then suddenly be last place. We’ve seen that happen and that’s just the reality of things.”
This searching process doesn’t just involve players but coaches as well. Many successful overseas teams have Filipino coaches in their roster and Boss Jab has been talking to them, seeing if there’s a way to get them to come home and help with the preparations.
Supporting the Process
If SIBOL’s plans push through, the need for the combines becomes even more apparent. While it can be said that the MPL PH teams are where the best players are, they’re not always available for the needs of the national team. But the Philippines has always had a deep pool of MLBB talent and all that’s needed is a process to find them.
“I think we’re getting to a point where people are understanding what this is for,” said SIBOL’s Jab Escutin. “It’s really about opportunities talaga. I can say that while I’m here, I will provide the opportunity for all Filipinos to join and represent the Philippines. That’s always been the main purpose.”
And of course, SIBOL will need the proper support for their endeavors so they’re leaning on the government for aid.
“Asian Games medals are really rare, especially for the Philippines,” said SIBOL’s Jab Escutin. “I think our current government understands that this is our chance to get another gold medal in another field. Right now our Executive Director Marlon Marcelo is working very hard with our stakeholders in the government to provide us with support. That includes equipment, a place to play, all of that stuff that hopefully we can get as soon as possible. That takes a lot of political will and this time they’re open to it. They understand this is a big chance and we’re getting a lot of enthusiastic support from the government. So I’d say we’re on the right track.”
Banner photo from MOONTON Games.