Making the Case for JamesPangks as Rookie of the Season
James “JamesPangks” Mendoza has firmly positioned himself as a top contender for the Rookie of the Season award in MPL Philippines Season 15. Even with AP.Bren facing a tough season, JamesPangks’ standout performances, impact plays, and leadership moments have made him one of the brightest young stars to watch.
Before stepping into the MPL spotlight, JamesPangks already made headlines by leading LAZY Esports to a title win in MDL Philippines Season 4. He earned both Regular Season MVP and Finals MVP honors, showcasing his aggressive style, strategic prowess, and dominance as one of the league’s best junglers.
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Rising Against the League’s Best
In Season 15, JamesPangks proved he could hang with the top talents. Against the unbeaten Aurora Gaming, he spearheaded AP.Bren’s surprising Game 1 win using Suyou, displaying his composure and adaptability. Though AP.Bren eventually lost the series, his performance stood out.
In another intense match versus Team Liquid PH, JamesPangks demonstrated excellent timing and control by securing a vital Lord, highlighting his mechanical skill and quick decision-making under pressure.
Beyond Mechanics: A Leader on the Rise
JamesPangks’ contributions go beyond flashy plays. His leadership qualities and tactical understanding have been crucial for AP.Bren throughout their challenging season. Analysts and teammates alike have praised his ability to read situations and make critical mid-game decisions.
Why JamesPangks Deserves Rookie of the Season
While AP.Bren struggled in the standings, JamesPangks’ personal growth and consistent high-level play cannot be ignored. His transition from MDL to MPL has been smooth and impressive, and his strong showings against top teams highlight his potential for stardom.
Other rookies in the league include AP BREN’s Chovskrt (Mid Lane) and Shizou (Gold Lane), and Twisted Minds’ Lamaj (Gold Lane). Chovskrt and Shizou have seen a lot of action this season, while Lamaj has been on the bench for most of the season. Although AP BREN has seen better days, JamesPangks is a bright beacon leading the charge.
Caster analyst Renmar “Reptar” Sta. Cruz summed it up best:
“A lot of eyes will have to be put on AP BREN, specifically JamesPangks… We haven’t had a lot of performances where The Man with a Million Moves shows those million moves, but I think I’ve seen enough to say that he should be the rookie of the season by the end of Season 15.”
