SBTC Esports had a disastrous match against Saigon Buffalo in the early game on March 28, during the VCS Spring 2021 group stage. Losing 2-0 to a team performing exceptionally well this season like Saigon Buffalo is not surprising, but what stands out is the attitude of the players.
Right after the match ended, at the end of the day, Coach Duong Nguyen “Tinikun” Duy Thanh – who, along with Coach Ngo “Violet” Manh Quyen, is steering the “ship” SE to the playoffs, posted an extensive status update on his personal page. In this, besides sharing the difficulties with Coach Violet, the well-known voice in the Vietnamese League of Legends scene also pointed fingers at the individuals most negatively impacting the entire team: Yijin and Zeros.
All attention is focused on SE’s top laner as he also took to social media to admit his mistakes. While there are still some comments defending him, the overwhelming sentiment from Zeros’ fans, and SE fans in general, is one of disappointment.
Recently, Coach Nguyen “Ren” Van Trong of SGB has also spoken out about Zeros’ attitude. It can be said that although Coach Ren is not currently directly coaching Zeros, he has been alongside the “Ma Vuong 2k” since his early days competing in net tournaments and the lowest tier competitions, all the way to the pinnacle of glory in the Phong Vu Buffalo jersey (the predecessor of SGB). And as Ren revealed, he is the one who frequently advises and has the most patience with Zeros.
According to Ren, Zeros has historically exhibited an attitude toward gameplay that is sometimes lacking in seriousness. His youth, combined with achievements, has led one of the best top laners in the VCS region to become somewhat arrogant and always eager to showcase himself, regardless of the team.
However, as an older brother and teacher, Ren still sternly advises, even warns Zeros: “Can you imagine that with your personality, one day everyone turns their back on you, and no matter what you do, no one will care, earning a salary of about 5 to 6 million a month, can you live with that? I’m asking honestly…
Whatever you do repeatedly becomes a habit, and habits repeated become instinct, and once it becomes instinct, it’s very ‘hard to fix’, ‘hard to fix’ but not impossible. The important thing is your determination, Loc.”
In conclusion, Coach Ren reaffirms that Zeros is very talented, but he hopes this player does not let his nature affect him negatively.
Coach Nguyen “Ren” Van Trong is currently the coach of SGB – the team that just defeated SE in the VCS Spring 2021, and following that match was a series of status updates from Tinikun and Zeros about SE’s situation. Notably, SGB is considered the youngest team in this year’s VCS Spring with three members of the main lineup making their debut in the highest arena of the VCS.
As a young and inexperienced team, SGB managed to “outplay” SE – a team composed entirely of star players with extensive experience in the VCS. Moreover, if luckier in the first round, SGB could have even secured a 2-0 victory (in the first leg SGB won SE 2-1). SGB’s gameplay has also garnered admiration from other teams and fans, showcasing impressive discipline and tight macro play, especially when key players (BeanJ or the duo Arrietty – Taki) have not had much experience but displayed a chilling composure in critical moments – something that SE and Zeros completely lack this season.
As for Coach Ren, he has also undergone remarkable changes compared to his former self. After the defeat with Dashing Buffalo, Coach Ren was forced to adapt, and his progress (in terms of mindset, drafting skills, directing, motivating players…) has contributed 50% to SGB’s success this Spring.
Compared to SGB, what SE lacks is the strongest point of the “Young Buffaloes”: discipline, seriousness, cohesion, and tight macro from the players. Although they have gathered some of the brightest stars in their respective positions, SE lacks any sense of cohesion. More importantly, as Tinikun pointed out, SE players do not exhibit professionalism or discipline in their attitude toward gameplay and practice. This is what causes SE – more seasoned but completely outperformed by the young stars of SGB.
With what he has shown before or in this season, Zeros remains a skilled top laner who can outplay any player. However, the lack of professionalism in his attitude towards gameplay and practice may harm him and cause significant losses to the Vietnamese League of Legends scene, as Zeros is still young and has the potential to contribute for a long time to come.