Allen “Baloyskie” Baloy, now the back-to-back best roamer in the MPL Indonesia, credits former Onic Philippines coach Denver “Yeb” Miranda for his resurgence that began when he was recruited in the preseason of MPL Philippines Season 8.
“Tingin ko hindi naman magagawa ‘to kung hindi dahil sa mga turo ni Coach Yeb. Grabe yung nadala niya sa career ko,” Baloyskie on Yeb’s impact on his professional career.
“Yung Season 8, yun yung time para sa’kin na na-revive yung career ko dahil kay Coach Yeb kasi nga andami niyang naturo sa’kin. Tas na-hone niya ako sobra as a leader.”
When Coach Yeb took the reins at Onic PH for the MPL PH Season 8 campaign, Baloyskie was recruited along with Onic Esports Jungler Kairi “Kairi” Rayosdesol and Bigetron Alpha goldlaner Mark “Markyyyyy” Capacio. The squad finished second in the playoffs and went on to become runner-up at the M3 World Championship, behind compatriot Blacklist International.
The incumbent Geek Slate Indonesia captain considers the opportunity given to him by Onic PH as the one that led him to where he is now. Playing under the prolific coach honed not only his skills as a player but also as a leader for Geek Slate, leading the revival of the squad.
During his two-season tenure with the squad, Baloyskie, together with fellow Filipino Mark “Janaqt” Lazaro, piloted Geek Slate to franchise-best finishes in Season 10 and 11. Their stellar performances during the past two seasons have made the perennial cellar dweller into contenders, highlighted in Season 11 with a regular season sweep of multi-titled RRQ Hoshi.
For Baloy, it is also not surprising to see his former coach nab the Coach of the Season for MPL ID, as they joined Kairi in the Season 11 First Team.
“Nakuha na ni Coach Yeb nga yung deserve niyang award. Talagang sure akong siya yung best coach eh,” he said.
“Nakita niyo naman grabe yung performance ni Kairi. Kahit ng si Markyyyyy nung time na naglalaro pa siya,” he continued on Coach Yeb’s impact as a mentor.
“Testament talaga siya (yung award namin ni Kairi at Coach Yeb) na dominating kami nung time namin (sa Onic PH). Kasi kahit magkakahiwalay kami napakita pa din namin.”
