Will the stars finally align for Aurora Gaming PH this season as they chase their long-awaited Immortal Cup crown?
Head coach Aniel “Master the Basics” Jiandani and assistant coach Dexter “Dex Star” Alaba certainly believe the time has come.
In an exclusive interview, the Aurora Gaming coaches shared insights into their ongoing preparations for the upcoming playoffs at the Cuneta Astrodome.
“Goods naman ‘yung preparation kasi hanggang ngayon hinahanap pa rin namin ‘yung possible na butas ng ginagawa namin,” Jiandani said. “Unti-unti na-sosolusyunan naman namin, and I think ‘yung meta ngayon, balanced para sa lahat.”
Having secured an upper bracket slot, Aurora Gaming now awaits their playoff opponent between Twisted Minds PH and TNC Pro Team. When asked about the playoff bracket, both coaches admitted they were caught off guard.
“Kahit sino siguro nasa posisyon nila, masasabing mas mahirap talaga sa kabila,” Jiandani remarked. “Kung titignan mo, ‘yung tatlong nasa kabilang bracket, puro nag-champion na. Dito sa bracket namin, mga hindi pa nag-cha-champion. Parang ‘championship bracket’ talaga ‘yung nasa taas — gulo-gulo sila doon. Kami naman dito, mga umaasa.”
Aurora Gaming ended the regular season on a 13-game winning streak, and Alaba believes that consistency and preparation give them a solid edge heading into the playoffs.
“Sa POV ng coaches, may idea na kami at may data na kaming makikita sa tatlong team,” Dex Star said. “Preparado kami.”
The former player–turned–coach also took a moment to express gratitude to their loyal supporters.
“Thankful kami kasi simula Season 14, kahit puro choke na ‘yung nangyari sa amin, nandiyan pa rin sila,” Alaba said. “Kung sino ‘yung mga nakita namin nung Day 1, nandiyan pa rin. Siguro, isama niyo na rin kami sa mga prayers niyo.”
