Doran: The goal is ambitious, aiming to become the MVP next year
Xsportsnews interviewed Doran, the newly joined player for HLE in the upcoming season.
Before starting the interview, Doran reflected on the 2023 season, expressing regret about the international tournament results, despite the team's good form and momentum. He mentioned the successful unity within GEN during the 2023 LCK Spring and Summer Split, despite low expectations for the team's performance.
Having achieved three LCK championships with Gen.G, Doran transferred to HLE after the Worlds. He felt a change might be needed post-Worlds and decided to join HLE without much hesitation.
Within the HLE team, Doran reunited with former teammates Peanut and Deligh from the 2023 season and his past GRF teammate, Viper. He found it interesting to reacquaint himself with familiar faces and observed the interesting process of getting closer to colleagues during the initial phases of collaboration.
In the 2024 Spring Split, Doran anticipates competing with Chovy for the "LCK Four-Peat." He acknowledged the ambitious nature of aiming for such a feat, hoping for good processes to yield positive outcomes. Although in different teams now, Doran respects Chovy's achievements and looks forward to friendly competition.
Post-transfer period, predictions suggest T1, GEN, and HLE will be the top three teams. Doran believes in HLE's potential and high expectations within the team, acknowledging the competition from other formidable lineups, making it difficult to predict the strength of teams in the upcoming LCK.
The significant changes in the new season make it hard to predict the LCK landscape. Doran emphasized the necessity for players to study the updated version, runes, and itemization meticulously, requiring more effort than previous seasons.
Doran's focus on the Rift centers on the Void Spawn as a valuable map resource, aiding in turret takedowns, usually appearing around the five-minute mark, likely leading to earlier skirmishes.
His experience in professional play led Doran to recognize the importance of team coordination and strategy, often surpassing individual prowess, narrowing the gaps even for teams considered relatively weaker.
Regarding awards, Doran expressed his ambition to win the MVP award next year, aiming high after a long hiatus from winning accolades.
After giving a speech in his hometown, Doran aimed to be a role model for younger players until his retirement, taking inspiration from the professional players who laid the groundwork during the StarCraft era.
Finally, Doran addressed the increasing expectations from fans as the team forms, assuring that HLE aims to live up to those expectations, promising a dedicated preparation to exhibit an impressive performance starting from the opening match next year.
