After roaming around the collegiate scene for the past couple of years, Nine Lives is finally making the leap to the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Development League (MDL) after landing a partnership with Fnatic ONIC for Season 4.
Nine Lives will have the chance to prove their worth on a much bigger stage after showcasing their talents and gaining experience in numerous amateur tournaments.
“More than anything, we’re excited to see how our boys stack up against the mainstays of the MDL scene,” said team owner Atty. Carlos P. Garcia. Nine Lives will face reigning MDL PH champion RRQ Kaito and runners-up ECHO Proud.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanila, hindi biro ang talon niyo. Collegiate to MDL. Whatever happens, palag lang. Kapit sa motto. Can’t kill this,” he added.
Leading the way for the squad are core members Miguel “Sionnn” Alcantara, Les “Kryptonite” Parco, EJ “Awidz” Diwa, Jom “ST1NGGG” Fornis, and Eman “MZU!” Hilario.
During their time in the collegiate circuit, Nine Lives won multiple championships in the NCAA South ML:BB event and even earned a top-four finish in the Smart Giga Arena University Clash.
The squad also made it to the Top 16 of the SIBOL qualifiers for the 2024 IESF World Championship earlier this year, which RRQ Kaito won.
Nine Lives also added promising amateur prospects in former Team DX players AJ “Kayn” Sombilon and Edie “Kodrex” Figueroa for their maiden campaign in the MDL.
John Paul Lugtu, who was an assistant coach for TNC during MPL PH Season 11, will now take on the role of head coach, with Justin Ericson “Yecs” Yecla serving as his deputy.
Meanwhile, Milly Dolor, who previously managed ONIC PH, will return to the organization to oversee Nine Lives.
