How to stand out in the NBL Oz Gaming Tournaments

With the NBL Oz Gaming Tournament Series around the corner, coach Mootyy spoke with NBL Media on what he wants to see from players going into the tournaments. 

From October 13 - 22, draft eligibility and cash prizes are on the line, there is a lot at stake for players looking to make the professional leap to the NBA 2K League, and or a prize pool of up to $8,000 dollars. 

After Harry ‘RealHvzn’ Spierings took the team’s inaugural roster spot last season, players have a chance to follow in his footsteps and become the next player for NBL Oz Gaming. 

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Former 2K League player and now Coach of the Year Mitchell 'Mootyy' Franklin, has been researching and scouting the region for some time. 

Mootyy explained last year’s tournament was filled with potential, but he was expecting to take a player like xMiLo-, who is a seasoned veteran of the league. Coming out of the invitational, coach Mootyy took Harry due to his untapped potential and his skill level. 

He emphasised the importance of this tournament, not only for the ANZ region but for the league as a whole, stating the league will only grow for more players like Harry coming out of these tournaments. 

“I think it gives a great platform for exposure for the ANZ region,” he said.

“Obviously, we're going to take one of these guys, but hopefully, we're able to expose them and give them more light and have other teams interested in them and maybe get more drafted into the league. 

“It's no secret that we can continue to grow the league with the international scene and international players.”

Going into the Tournament Series, coach Mootyy explained what he wants to see from players competing and what they could do to stand out. 

“I'm really big on players that don't give up and are optimistic. No matter what's happening in a game,” he said.

“If you're playing badly or whatever, you can always do things that make up for the box score or stat sheet. Even if it's being positive or trying to be a vocal leader. 

“I think they can really separate themselves by obviously playing good, obviously winning is a lot of it, but I'm not going to sit here and bash a player or knock a player's rating down, if they're just losing games. As long as they're playing good, they're putting up a fight. They're showing heart and stuff like that.” 

Mootyy explained that trolling is something to avoid, even if the game is lost, the Coach of the Year explained the mental resilience to power through and play well, is an important aspect of winning in the 2K League and something that can define a team’s culture.

“That's a huge indicator (not trolling) because there's a lot of times in the league where you may want to quit or you want to troll because it gets so repetitive and draining. And I think it shows a testament to players that can really be locked in,” he said. 

“Stay locked in for that moment, because if you're not able to do that, you're not built for the league.” 

Learn more about the NBL Oz Gaming Tournament Series here.