Deft: Mid lane is the most crucial in LoL, I want to join a team with a strong mid laner
The Korean newspaper Guomin Daily released an interview with KT's bot laner Deft.
Q: What was your reason for choosing KT?
Deft: The main reason was a sense of achievement. I didn't feel that at all this year. So when thinking about where the biggest sense of achievement would come from, where I could play better or reach higher, KT was the best choice. I know Coach Hirai trusts me, and he values a serious and hardworking atmosphere the most, so I decided to join KT. Of course, Bdd is a significant factor in my decision as well. I believe the mid lane is the most crucial position in LoL, so I wanted to join a team with a strong mid laner.
Q: What are your impressions and style opinions on Bdd?
Deft: I've played against powerful mid laners and from an observer's perspective, Bdd is a strong player. He doesn't have any weaknesses in champions, his laning is solid, and he's good at reading the game. He's interesting outside the game too. Perhaps because he was with KZ (now DRX) before, he has a bit of PraY's influence, a sort of entertainer vibe. Zhao Qianxi and Pu Cheng are also quite interesting, while Hong Chang-hyun is striving to become more composed.
Q: You've reunited with players and coaches from your DRX days like Pyosik, BeryL, and Museong. Any behind-the-scenes stories?
Deft: When KT first contacted me, I immediately discussed it with Chang-hyun and expressed my interest in playing with him. After talking with the team, I ultimately decided to join KT. When I went to sign the contract, I mentioned Qianxi to Coach Hirai. As there will be significant changes in the game next year, to understand the meta or compensate for our weaknesses, I believe Qianxi is necessary. I addressed external concerns about Qianxi to the coach, and after speaking directly with him, the coach concluded he's a trustworthy player. Qianxi's determination is crucial; he doesn't care about money as long as it's a team that can perform well at Worlds, which I find admirable.
Q: You're back with Coach Hirai after 7 years. Any shared memories?
Deft: We have many daily memories. I remember when we were on vacation, the coach was always in the training room, so Min-seok and I would go to a Chinese restaurant for black bean noodles every weekend. Recently, during vacations, almost nobody stayed in the dorms for practice, which was a pleasant memory. During the season, he stressed fundamental skills a lot and was strict when we lost games due to not following those principles, which helped balance the training atmosphere.
Q: Second team's Perfect came up to the main team.
Deft: He wasn't rushed up; he had sufficient preparation time. You can tell he understands lane matchups well. The most crucial aspect is his strong desire to improve every day, putting in a lot of practice. I'm very satisfied. He looks shy on the outside, but now I find him cute.
Q: What goals do you aim to achieve with the current team?
Deft: Broadly, we're here to win the World Championship. Achieving our individual goals within that framework is important. My goal is to maintain my individual skill and maximize the role of an ADC. Our goal is to quickly join the ranks of strong teams like T1, GEN, and HLE and work towards that from the start of the spring split.
Q: After 7 years, with significant changes coming to Summoner's Rift, how do you see the meta shifting?
Deft: I'm experiencing it through scrims now. Regardless, 1v1 matchups in the lanes have become more critical since there's less room for jungle interference. Recently, ADC-support in the bot lane has been dominant, so it seems many terrain factors were added to counter this. In the competition for resources, we need further discussions on advantageous terrain, which will take time to adapt to.
Q: It's said the gap between the blue and red sides has reduced. Have you noticed this change?
Deft: Previously, the blue side could set the tone with better draft picks and easily take advantage in skirmishes around the dragon. Now, it's challenging to establish a team fight position or hold formations when contesting the dragon on the blue side, so I feel this balance was well done. Also, with the disappearance of the Bloodthirster, there's fewer jungle items, so there's a tendency to pick champions like Lee Sin or Xin Zhao, half-damage, half-tank. It's been a while since such a big change, so it's fascinating.
Q: Who do you think will be the most challenging team next year?
Deft: T1 is the most concerning. The players who've been performing exceptionally well haven't left the team and successfully renewed their contracts. With Coach kkOma joining the team, I believe they'll perform excellently. Besides, I think teams that have invested heavily in teamwork will naturally perform well.
Q: Lastly, a message to your fans.
Deft: It's been a while since my return to KT to meet everyone. Regardless of the results, I'll make sure to face everyone with integrity. I hope everyone can participate in this process and have an enjoyable season together.
