Bon Chan on Blacklist’s S14 Run: ‘No Expectations’

After suffering a painful loss against Fnatic Onic PH, Blacklist International finds itself in an uncomfortable near the bottom of the standings of the regular season, with a record of 1-8 as of this writing.

Speaking with multi-titled Coach Bon Chan, ALL-STAR asked if this is where he is expecting Blacklist to be in Season 14. 

“No expectations, because majority of our lineup is new. We only retained two original players in Blacklist. I’m not really expecting anything. If I’m ever expecting anything good to happen is us going to the playoffs. Kasi, sino ba naman ang makakasabay sa mga team na matagal nang magkakasama?”

Is the roster change at the start of Season 14 a major factor in the losses that Blacklist is experiencing? 

“Sobra,” said Coach Bon Chan. He had a sober mood throughout the interview. 

“Mayroon kaming dalawang common with TNC, and that’s in our main five. Mayroong dalawang original players lang na natira.”

“So it feels like you’re managing a whole new team right now?” we asked. 

“Ganoon talaga, ganoon talaga. Expected ko naman before mag start ang season.” (“That’s the way it is. I’ve expected this even before the season started.”)

There was a little hint of sadness and regret with what Bon Chan said next. 

“Kanina parang abot-kamay na panalo na yun eh. Kailangan talaga nilang habulin kung ano mga dapat habulin in terms of skills, mechanics, chemistry. Halos lahat.”

(“We almost won earlier. We just need to work on whatever we need to improve, in skills, mechanics, chemistry. Everything.”)

But despite the major roster change that Blacklist experienced in Season 14, Coach Bon Chan accepted it wholeheartedly and had been expecting it to happen for a long time. 

“It’s something from the past na ineexpect ko na din na mangayayari kasi wala naman talaga na permanent sa esports,” Coach Bon Chan told ALL-STAR. “Kahit sa basketball, kahit sa anong sports. May mga players na lilipat sa ibang team kahit na maganda pa yung nilaro nila at okay yung mga kakampi nila, it’s something that’s expected.”

(“It’s something from the past that I’ve been expecting to happen because nothing is permanent in esports. Even in basketball or any sports. There are players who will transfer teams regardless of how good they play or who they played with.”)

Asa  multi-titled coach who has helped his team through multiple podium finishes and championships locally and internationally, Coach Bon Chan admits there are times he thought of blaming himself. 

“There are times na napapaisip ako ng ganoon pero hindi title yung kinokolekta ko, eh. Iyon ay gaano karaming players ang matulungan kong ma-fulfill yung mga pangarap nila. And I’m very satisfied, kahit kailan hindi ko ibinandera yung mga titles na iyon. Basta makita ko lang yung mga naging alaga kong maging successful, okay na ako roon.”

(“There are times that entered my mind, but I’m not after titles. I just want to help as many players as possible in achieving their dreams. And I’m very satisfied with that, I’ve never boasted of my titles. But to see my former charges becoming successful, that fulfills me.”)