On the fourth of April, Florida Mayhem announced the release of Vytis “Mineral” Lasaitis and Youngsu “Yeah” Jung from their staff list. They then went on to publicize their plan for an all Korean roster with Damon “Apply” Conti, Kevyn “TviQ” Lindström and Caleb “McGravy” McGarvey being cut from the active roster. This was a major commitment from the organization, with many fans furious about the decision. However an important note for Florida Mayhem fans to recognize is that this represents a definite direction being taken. It represents the relinquishing of the final tether to their initial roster and a brand new start. In saying this, it is obvious that these changes will not immediately elevate Florida’s position in the Overwatch League standings. However, this decision will hopefully benefit them in the long run.
The announcement post also details the signing of Sang Min “Insight” Oh, formerly of team O2 Blast from Korean Contenders. This team and former iterations of this team have achieved great heights in Korea. At their peak, they were able to finish in second place during the first season of Korean Contenders. O2 Blast can also boast of their previous alumni, who are now celebrated in the Overwatch League. Players such as Gyeong-mu “Yakpung” Jo, Minki “Viol2t” Park and Seung-hyun “Ivy” Lee.
With the loss of two coaches and the addition of only one, there is a hole in their coaching staff in need of filling. Furthermore, the announcement also states that the Florida Mayhem are currently in the process of rebuilding. Both in terms of their coaching staff and their player roster. This was written in response to Florida’s announcement and to the general interest in their potential signings. For other community discussion on the topic, see Joseph “Volamel” Franco’s video.
Head Coach
Although the Mayhem have acquired the services of coach Insight, the team will need to sign a new head coach. This is a crucial role for the Mayhem to fill correctly. With some confidence issues arising from their poor performance, the coach will need to connect and inspire as well as coach.
Byung-chul “Moon” Moon
Moon has great experience on a winning roster during his time on the Los Angeles Valiant. Under coach Moon, the Valiant finished Season 1 of the Overwatch League as the second-best team. Prior to that, Moon coached korean Contenders team Mighty AOD. Mighty AOD was a team full of premier talent, now found in the Overwatch League. Moon is known for being a great player-coach as well as being disciplined and strong.
Nam-hun “Unread” Oh
Unread deserves to be mentioned here. He has been the sole head coach of the WGS Armament team since its inception. WGS Armament is a small organization without much of a backing, and has consistently found itself in the top four in every season of contenders they have participated in. This team remains untouched by the vultures of the Overwatch League, despite being one of Runaways only competitive rivals in recent seasons of Contenders.
Main Tank
Although Yoon “Swon” Seong-won has shown improvement recently, there are many higher caliber players available. With Kim “SNT” Seong Hun seemingly being benched permanently, the Mayhem should seek to replace Swon with a real team leader.
Eui-Seok “Fearless” Lee (Age 20)
Nobody is completely sure as to why Fearless is missing from the Shanghai Dragons. Regardless of any reason, his performances on Element Mystic and the Shanghai Dragons of last year speak for themself. He also has great synergy with another player suggested on this list in Dong-hyeong “DACO” Seo. Fearless may however be one of the more expensive options, as OWL teams generally demand exorbitant buy-out payments.
San-ha “Karayan” Choi (Age 17, birthday: April 19th)
With Karayan’s birthday coming up later this month, this young player should be considered for scouting. He has immense potential and is overlooked by many as he plays for WGS Armament. A team that deserves scouting. Watch this HUUUUUUGE shatter that helped bail out his team at a crucial moment.
Tae-hyeong “Umtae” Um (Age 20)
Umtae can be found playing for a small organization in North American Contenders. He carries this team in all of their games whilst playing on insane ping, against academy teams who are pumped full of resources. He has experience playing for Gen.g Esports in Korean Contenders and is a solid and cheap option for the Mayhem.
Honourable Mentions:
Ham “Oberon” Eun-sang (Age 19) – Playing great for Gen.g at the moment, also a legend from the Apex days for many other teams.
Ji-won “Stand1” Seo (Age 19) – Played for NC Foxes in Korea and now plays for San Francisco’s Academy team in NA. Great English which is irrelevant for the Mayhem, but may create competition for his services.
OFFTANK/FLEX
This is a very important position for the Florida Mayhem to upgrade in. Especially following the
departure of Mcgravy and the constant disappointment from Koo “Xepher” Jae-Mo. After his C9 against the Philadelphia Fusion last week, his stocks have never been lower than as of right now.
Dae-hyun “HOOMBABA” Lee (Age 22)
Hoombaba is an experienced and mature player. He has played for Detonator Korea and the very successful O2 Blast/Ardeont team that finished second in the first Overwatch Contenders season in Korea.
Dong-hyeong “DACO” Seo (Age 19)
Daco is an obvious choice for the Florida Mayhem. He was recently benched by the Atlanta Reign, despite coming into the league as perhaps the most promising offtank/flex player. He also has pre-existing synergy with other benched player Fearless. It would be a smart and rewarding decision to reunite this tank duo for Florida if they can buy or trade him away from Atlanta.
Ji-Yoon “Gogora” Lee (Age 19)
Gogora is an interesting choice as he currently plays in the Pacific region with Talon Esports. Talon has recently had both Yang “Persia” Zi-on and Go “V1LLAINY0” Yeong-seok poached by larger organizations, and are still proving to be the best team in that region. Gogora has great potential and great mechanical skill. As seen in this clip, where he eats an important Graviton Surge. This is a highly sought after skill in the big league.
Honourable Mentions:
Sung-jun “QoQ” Yu (Age 18) – Perhaps the best pick up available at this position, however it would be difficult to persuade such a valuable and well-loved player to join Florida.
Jae-hoon “Hoon” Choi (Age 18) – Everyone knows of his legendary carry Zarya, however more recently his D.va has really improved. Also has established synergy with Ha “Sayaplayer” Jeong-woo and Choi “Kris” Jun-soo from their time at Meta Athena.
Flex Supports
Although Jo “HaGoPeun” Hyeon-woo receives unecessary blame for this team’s failure, there are many alternatives that would improve Florida substantially.
Jung-geun “Rapel” Kim (Age 21)
Rapel has great mechanical skill and is wasted on the bench of Vancouver Titans. The Mayhem may want to see if they can poach Rapel for a reduced price.
Joon “Fielder” Kwon (Age 18)
Fielder has a very big upside. He plays a fragging style of Zenyatta that can help ease the burden of his team’s DPS players. Currently playing for GC Busan Wave, who finished first in Open Division, and third in Korean Contenders 2018.
Jung-won “Lastro” Mun (Age 18)
Played in the successful Stormquake team that finished 4th in the last season of Korean Contenders, now playing for Skyfoxes who are playing well in NA. Watch him pop some heads in this video from Contenders recently.
Honourable Mentions:
Nam-jin “Gangnamjin” Gang (Age 20) – Perhaps another unobtainable Runaway player, however he is a very good player on a dominant team. He will have teams making offers for his services at some point.
Hyeong-Geun “Revenge” An (Age 20) – He is not getting game time on the Hangzhou Spark despite being arguably on the same level as their starting flex support. The Spark may want to see what value they can receive in return for their benched support player.
DPS
Perhaps the position the Florida Mayhem need the least help with. Greater depth is needed however, following the departure of two DPS players in Apply and TviQ.
Min-sung “Water” Lee (Age 20)
http://www.globalesports.com/
Water will be a very popular scouting target. He is flexible and has a very high ceiling. Although it may be hard to attract Water with the Mayhem’s low budget, when there are potentially other options for him in the OWL. Watch his Genji highlight reel and reminisce about Dive Meta here.
Min-Seok “Arrow” Park (Age 18)
Arrow has previously played underneath new Mayhem coach Insight and has recently been missing from their lineup. This seems likely to be Mayhem’s first acquisition and it is a great choice. Arrow is highly flexible and was a crucial member of O2 Blast/Ardeont’s successful Contenders performances. Before that he was a member of WGS Armament.
Honourable Mention:
Ho-Sung “TTuba” Lee (Age 19) –
A very flexible player, not in favour at his current team. A young and mouldable player, with a high ceiling.
Conclusion
The Florida Mayhem are in dire need of new blood. Most importantly a new head coach, a new tank duo and a player or two to add further depth to the roster. Two players from O2 Blast, Arrow and Joy are rumored to be the first players to be added to this team.
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