Brehze on new lineup: "It's only up from here"
Ahead of the start of Evil Geniuses' match against NIP in the knockout stage of the BLAST Premier Fall Groups, Vincent "Brehze" Cayonte spoke with interviewer James Banks to provide some insight into the new-look Evil Geniuses. The two discussed the additions of Sanzhar "neaLaN" Iskhakov and Jadan "HexT" Postma, as well as the mentality of the squad with these new changes.
How would you describe this version of Evil Geniuses to me, because you've seen them all?
It's just a new EG, obviously we have a new IGL coming from the CIS region, and we have a younger player with new blood. Honestly, it's just a new feeling you know; I think the team is a little less experienced but I think in a good way because we have nothing to lose. The last two years have been pretty rough from us, so it's only up from here.
When it comes to neaLaN, how different is it to what he brings to the table, and how much has changed in terms of the way you guys learn how to play the game? Like you said, he comes from a completely different region from you guys.
Honestly I don't think there's too big differences. He kinda reminds me of how stanislaw used to call; it's very straightforward, easier to play, and kinda free-flowing. Obviously, he has a little mix of what he wants to do, but we're mixing it all together, trying to find our own playstyles right now.
It's been 447 days since you last beat a team in Europe, like you said it's been a long time since you've been able to find that success. Do you feel like this has mentally reset all of you guys because of these big changes coming through?
We're not really worried about how long it's been since we beat a team, we're looking at the now. We have a new lineup, I have high hopes for us. We're just gonna keep working hard, get to practicing, and we'll get that win soon enough.
When it comes to HexT, obviously coming to tier one is always very difficult for any player. Is there anything, in particular, you guys have done with him because he did look at least individually sharp?
Honestly with HexT I'm actually surprised with him. He's very confident; for a young player, you usually have to find that with games and with experience. Playing with HexT, he's very confident, he knows what he wants to do, and it's nice to see out of a young player. With the experience and tournaments that we're gonna be playing, I think he's only gonna get better.
Unfortunately for Brehze and the rest of Evil Geniuses, NIP bested the squad 2-1 in the knockout stage, sending the North American side out of the BLAST Premier Fall Groups in last place. Evil Geniuses have quite some time before their next scheduled outing, with the team set to start their run in Group D of ESL Pro League Season 16 on September 21st against Cloud9.
