Syyko and Dephh both touched on the latter’s evolution as an in-game leader in VALORANT during a press conference at VCT LOCK//IN.
VCT LOCK//IN is rolling on and the Omega Bracket is up next. Prior to the bracket's competition beginning, coaches and players took part in a pre-event style press conference. Two members of Sentinels, Don "Syyko" Muir and Rory "Dephh" Jackson, attended.
Both coach and player made their way to the partnered Sentinels roster from an XSET squad beaming with potential. Now, all eyes are on their opening match against FNATIC at VCT LOCK//IN, with world champs added to the roster on their home turf.
There's no doubt that this tournament may be the biggest test of Syyko and Dephh's careers thus far in VALORANT. Which is why Esports.gg asked the pair what they have to say about the in-game leader's development and evolution from their time on XSET to now.
Syyko doesn't believe Dephh gets enough credit as an in-game leader
In a coach-filled press conference, Syyko was looking dapper as usual. The man in the suit is no stranger to the big stage, but this is perhaps the biggest stage he'll step foot on with every region of the VCT represented.
Thankfully for him, his confidence in his team should show while they are in the server. This is especially true for the Sentinels IGL, Depph. When asked about how he has evolved as an in-game leader and adapted to the new team, this is what the coach had to say:
"He's always been a tremendous IGL. I mean, that's why I picked him up on XSET to begin with, his in-game leading ability. I saw him as a nine or 10/10 off the bat as far as in-game leading went. Then it was just a matter of adapting our strategies and gameplay around how he likes to call. Kind of flushing that out and adding the Cryo piece down the line on XSET.
"Here on Sentinels, I had a lot of faith bringing him in on the IGL role. I still think he's doing phenomenal. With Sacy and pANcada, we punched through that language barrier. They're reacting to his calls very well right now. I think that we're in a very good spot. Dephh in particular doesn't get enough credit individually for what he does.
"I think a lot of people look at IGLs and just see how hard they can frag. I don't think that's fair. It's all about team performance and wins. Rory led a team to top five/top six at Champions last year. He has no plans to stop right now. He's firing on all cylinders. The team's firing on all cylinders. We're ready to go."
Dephh's growth as an IGL happened mainly during his time on XSET
While Syyko kicked off the pre-event Omega Bracket press conferences, Dephh was in the final one. The British player, who finds himself in the Americas League, with two championship-caliber Brazilian players, has high expectations.
This is not just from himself, but from Sentinels fans all over the world. A tough match awaits against an always dangerous FNATIC roster, but Dephh believes the new-look Sentinels can hang with the best. The IGL stated he grew into the role on XSET and is ready to win with a roster of stars:
"I think I did most of my growth on XSET. With the addition of Sacy and pANcada, I feel like I'm learning a lot from them. It seems like the Brazilian guys have a different way of playing and seeing the game.
"It's just adding that level of a championship winning team and structure. Then adding it to the stuff I already learned on XSET. Just the addition of them guys and learning the in and outs of how they like playing, I think we're going to be really strong."
Stay tuned to Esports.gg for more esports news and VALORANT coverage. Check out our VCT LOCK//IN page for everything you need to know about the event.