Blacklist International is the hottest team in the MPL Philippines Season 7 right now, thanks to its deep understanding of the current meta that translates into masterful drafts.
Former player and now coach Bonn "BON CHAN" Ricaplaza said that Blacklist's drafting pattern, which drew praises from analysts, is not just his own call but a total team decision.
"Kung akala niyo ako lang nagda-draft, kaming lahat nagda-draft (If you think that I'm the only one drafting, no, we're all on it)," said BON CHAN in the Blacklist Bulletin press conference following their 2-0 sweep of Laus Playbook Esports last Saturday night, March 27.
BON CHAN mentioned sixth man Dexter "DEX STAR" Alaba and captain-mage/support Johnmar "OhMyV33nus" Villaluna for their exceptional contributions in the drafting process.
"Pero si Dex at si V33 mga katuwang ko and napaka-bright ng ideas nila especially ni V33. Kung akala niyong sa akin lang lahat nanggagaling ang ideas sa draft, hindi. Tulong-tulong kami (Dex and V33 help me a lot in drafting and they really have bright ideas especially V33. The ideas are not just from me. We're helping each other)."
Blacklist's unconventional yet successful drafts have kept them the only unbeaten team two weeks into Moonton's professional league.
Franco, a hero who is seldom used even in ranked games, proved to be instrumental at the hands of veteran tank Jayson "ESON" Gerardo in Blacklist's 2-1 season-opening win over Aura PH.
The Tier One Entertainment-owned squad also pulled out OhMyV33nus' mid Popol and Kupa in Game 2 of that series to force a rubber match.
Blacklist then heavily punished Execration's "hack-a-V33nus" strategy, securing the signature Yi Sun-Shin of DJ "Wise" Del Rosario, the almost unkillable Harith of rookie Kiel "OHEB" Soriano and the protective Mathilda of OhMyV33nus to score a 2-0 sweep.
Against LPE, BON CHAN and his crew utilized ESON's Aegis-equipped Diggie in Game 1 while also having V33nus' PNK and Edward "EDWARD" Dapadap's perfect Benedetta in the whole series.
Blacklist sits comfortably atop Group B with eight points on a flawless 3-0 record, ahead of Nexplay Esports (five points), Execration (four), Smart Omega (three) and LPE (two).
Heading into the third week of the regular season following the Holy Week break, can someone finally break the code against BON CHAN and the gang?