Zaqueri “Aphromoo” Black has officially joined 100 Thieves, the team announced on YouTube today.
Reports came in last week stating the possibility of Aphromoo, one of North America’s most successful support players, joining 100 Thieves, the new NA LCS franchise run by esports influencer Matthew “Nadeshot” Haag. Nadeshot and head coach Neil “Pr0lly” Hammad released a video to explain the decision behind locking him down.
The team’s goal for their new roster seems to be valuing experience over any sort of up-and-coming rookies or new players with potential. Aphromoo joins the team alongside William “Meteos” Hartman, Yoo “Ryu” Sang-wook, and Kim “Ssumday” Chan-ho, three seasoned veterans that haven’t found much success on their previous teams in the most recent LCS splits.
Combining the three players—under the leadership of Aphromoo—may yield exceptional results, as each player has proven that they’re still capable of playing well individually. It’s possible that they may walk away from their first season in the franchised NA LCS with a victory. It’s also possible that the exact opposite happens.
While all of these players are skilled and considered top tier talent when they’re at their best, they’ve all been playing for quite a while. Fans need to consider the fact that the 100 Thieves roster might not have much room to grow compared to a team with more rookies or younger players, which means they could fall short even with a new team and coach.
Ryu took time off during the Summer Split because he was feeling burnt out, and Meteos seemingly retired from the pro scene altogether for the same reason before returning in the spring.
It’s realistic to assume those feelings may creep back up, but if they don’t, this roster could be particularly powerful in 2018.
