Wise Admits to Being Intimidated by Hadji's Arrival in Blacklist International
Cover-Credits:
Blacklist International’s jungle specialist Danerie “Wise” James Del Rosario admits to having felt intimidated back when Salic “Hadji” Imam joined the team for the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines (PH) Season 8. In a YouTube series titled “Turning Point” hosted by the co-owner of Blacklist International, Tryke Gutierrez, it was revealed that Hadji was recruited under one condition: Wise will remain as the main Jungler while Hadji will take care of the Mid Lane or Roamer position. This decision was made because Tryke did not want Wise to doubt his own capabilities as the team’s jungler. Hadji’s acquisition was to improve the team’s performance and not to replace anyone.
Wise was skeptical about Hadji joining Blacklist International
Despite being one of the best junglers in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports scene, Wise was criticized for allegedly having a very limited hero pool. The pro player rarely uses assassins and mostly opted to use marksmen heroes which made him quite predictable. However, according to BON CHAN, Wise’s hero picks were part of the team’s strategy.
Tryke revealed a glimpse of what happened behind the scenes during the acquisition of the team’s roamer and mid laner, Hadji. According to him, Wise’s morale could have been harmed, considering that Hadji is also an exceptional Jungler.
“This wasn’t made public but I told Rada (Elrasec "Radacars" Ocampo) before Season 8 began that ‘there will be players, one or two of them that may think Hadji should be the one (jungler)’,” he said.
He added that this might pressure Wise into thinking that maybe Hadji is better than him at being a jungler whenever he makes mistakes. Wise then echoed in agreement to Tryke’s statements that he did lack confidence back then.
“That’s what I was thinking before. My problem back then is my confidence, I feel like I was lacking that before,” stated Wise.
It added more to his concerns that even his longtime partner Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna, also pushed the idea of acquiring Hadji for the team. Despite his skepticism, Wise trusted his partner and went along with the team’s decision to welcome Hadji into its lineup.
To assure Wise, Tryke had a discussion with Blacklist International’s team manager, Radacars, that the team should understand that Wise is the main jungler and will not be replaced.
“I don’t want my team having doubts because that’s what will kill us (Blacklist International),” he said.
Wise and Hadji eventually became good friends
When Hadji joined Blacklist International in the MPL PH Season 8, the pro player became crucial to the team’s success, earning MVP titles and praises from other MPL PH teams. Meanwhile, Wise maintained his position as the team’s jungler and the reliable partner of OhMyV33nus in executing the team’s iconic Ultimate Bonding Experience (UBE) strategy.
In time, Wise’s insecurities and issues with team chemistry faded. He also admitted that he and Hadji have become close friends.
“I did not expect to be so close with Hadji. I just wanna share, Hadji is my whole MPL. It’s like, I don’t see any bad attitude, when you see him, you feel happy,” he said.
Wise is proud to have OhMyV33nus as the love of his life
Nearing the end of the interview, Tryke asked Wise’s opinions about his teammates. When Tryke asked about OhMyV33nus, Wise expressed his romantic feelings for his partner OhMyV33nus.
“Well, love of my life,” said Wise to which Tryke responded with “It’s over guys! The comment section will be destroyed, and the Internet, and Twitter.”
As predicted by Tryke, Wise’s statements about OhMyV33nus garnered a great deal of attention from fans on Twitter.
It’s undeniable that Wise is one of the best junglers in the world. Even pro players from other regions such as MobaZane admired Wise’s playstyle and took inspiration from it. While fans will not be seeing the dynamic duo of Wise and OhMyV33nus in the upcoming MPL PH Season 9, the two will be competing in the upcoming 31st SEA Games which is set to kick off on 12th May.
Subscribe to AFK Gaming's Newsletter
Get a weekly recap of all the latest developments in the global esports industry with our esports business insights newsletter: AFK Weekly
Subscribe for free to receive insights, analysis, and opinions on the biggest developments in the esports business, provided by our team of experienced journalists in collaboration with thought leaders across the industry.
