Cover-Credits:
There are some major changes taking place in Team SMG's Dota 2 roster just days before The International 12 (TI12). Following the recent addition of Nigma Galaxy's Ivan "MinD_ContRoL" Ivanov as the stand-in offlaner, Team Secret's coach Lee "Heen" Seung Gon will be coaching SMG's Dota 2 roster at TI12. SMG revealed the roster update through a Twitter post. Due to Heen’s extensive experience in coaching and the fact that the team did not have a coach before, the move is expected to bring a significant impact on drafting and strategy development for SMG at TI12.
Team SMG adds coach Heen from Team Secret for TI12
“We are pleased to announce that Heen will be coaching us for this TI12 run, with his experience will prove to be invaluable to the team. Thanks to @teamsecret for helping us to make this happen,” SMG announced on Twitter.
The following members will be representing Team SMG at TI12.
Yeik "MidOne" Nai Zheng
Volodymyr "No[o]ne-" Minenko
Ivan "MinD_ContRoL" Ivanov
Tue "ah fu" Soon Chuan
Jaunuel “Jaunuel” Arcilla
Lee "Heen" Seung Gon (coach)
As one of the most successful Dota 2 coaches, Heen will join an SMG squad that not only looks solid on paper but has also been performing well lately. The 36 year old’s achievements include coaching Team Liquid to TI7 victory, being an integral part of Secret's dominant run in 2020, and impressive finishes at TI10 and TI11.
Meanwhile, SMG had become the most talked about team in recent days as a result of rumors swirling around about changes to its roster. Heen’s addition is a surprise but MinD_ContRoL was rumored to replace Natthaphon "Masaros" Ouanphakdee and it had also been speculated that Secret’s captain Clement "Puppey" Ivanov would replace Jaunuel.
As it turned out, MinD_ContRoL joined the team since Masaros was unable to obtain a US visa despite numerous attempts, while Jaunuel, who had been struggling with similar issues, took to Facebook to convey that he had been able to get a visa, which eliminated Puppey's chances of playing for SMG at TI12.
With the lineup now finalized, SMG appears to be a team to watch at TI12, however much will rely on how the team synergizes. Heen, who may not have had the ideal year with Secret due to the team's failure to qualify for TI12, will come in and play a huge part in not only providing top-tier drafts but also helping the squad synergize better and play as a cohesive unit.
TI12 is scheduled to begin on 12th Oct 2023.
