Fans were hyped for the return of Blacklist International’s main lineup for the upcoming Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines (PH) Season 10. However, fans did not expect the iconic youngbloods featured in the Sibol MLBB squad to be excluded from the team’s roster for the upcoming league season. The rookies debuted in the 31st SEA Games where they surprised fans with their dominant performance, helping the Sibol squad win the Gold Medal for the event. However, it looks like Blacklist International has other plans for the youngbloods instead of just being substitute players for the upcoming MPL PH Season 10.

BON CHAN explains why the Sibol youngbloods were excluded from Blacklist International’s MPL PH roster

Fans are happy to see the return of the V33Wise duo - Johnmar “OhMyV33NUS” Villaluna and Danerie “Wise” Del Rosario. This marks the comeback of the Blacklist International's championship form after an upsetting performance in the previous season.

However, fans were left asking why the iconic rookies - Dominic “Dominic” Soto, Howard “Owl” Gonzales, and Russel “Eyon” Usi were not included on the team’s roster for the upcoming tournament. According to a report from Tiebreaker Times, the team’s head coach Kristoffer “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza revealed the reason for this decision.

According to the coach, having the main five players of Blacklist International is more than enough for the team, and signing the rookies as substitutes would be a waste of their potential as young prodigies.

“Honestly, the reason why we did not include them in the roster is because… this decision is also hard for us because we all know that the main five, for me, are the best of the best in their respective roles… So, I don’t want the talent of the SIBOL boys to be wasted as just reserve [players]” said BON CHAN, as quoted by Tiebreaker Times.

He added that Blacklist International has plans for the youngbloods so fans need not worry about them leaving the team just to continue their career as competitive players. “As much as possible, we will use them, not in MPL but in other tournaments. We’re making them ready,” BON CHAN said.

With the Mobile Legends Development League (MDL) slated to be held in the first half of 2023, fans may be seeing the three youngbloods competing under Blacklist International’s development division. For now, fans will have to keep their eyes peeled for more updates in the future.