Sharpening Claws: Talon adds experienced NA player b01 as new coach
Shifting East.
Pacific International League and Thailand representative organization Talon Esports has announced Aaron “b0i” Thao as the new coach of their Valorant roster. Head Coach Yuttanagorn “Zeus” Kaewkongyai has not been announced to be stepping down, hence, “b0i” will just be operating in the capacity of coach. Instead, “b0i” will be replacing recently-removed coach In “Creative” Moo-keun, who was removed from the coaching lineup following Talon’s disappointing start to the Pacific VCT season.
Spirits Grounded Early
Talon had a successful debut at the VCT LOCK//IN event earlier in the year, finishing in the semifinals of the Alpha Group, falling just short of DRX. The latter emerged victorious after successfully pulling off the reverse sweep against the Thai representatives, ending the series in 2-1 fashion in favor of DRX.
Their success at VCT LOCK//IN despite a stand-in boded well in the eyes of fans for their regular season performance, however, Week 1 of the Pacific VCT season has proved otherwise. In their opening match against Filipino roster Team Secret, Talon lost their own map pick in 13-5 fashion. Despite taking Secret’s map pick in semi-convincing fashion, they lost the decider map 13-3.
With early shakiness already visible on the squad, Talon elected to make early personnel changes to the supporting staff. Thus, the change of coach to “b0i”.
A Fresh Start
The American player most recently officially played for Zero Marksman Black and competed in the Tier 2 North American Valorant space. His last official game was for Happy2BHere in the Valorant North American Challengers League Split 1 Last Chance Qualifier. Happy2BHere lost in the Lower Bracket Round 1 of the LCQ to eventual semi-finalists Soniqs.
His most notable involvement in the North American scene comes in 2021, as a substitute player for NA powerhouse squad 100 Thieves. “b0i” performed well and has always historically been above the middle of the pack in terms of player performance and impact. Despite that, he has spent the majority of his time in the Valorant Tier 2 space. With the onset of the now established NA VCL in 2023, “b0i” failed to acquire a spot on a qualified organization.
This appointment on Talon will mark “b0i’s” first time in the capacity of coach. He is known for his calm, steady plays, and proficiency on stabled agents, which will lend him well on the analysis in coaching. However, time will tell if Talon improves with this latest addition.
Talon Esports is currently competing in the Pacific League. Follow Strafe Esports for weekly coverages on all the Valorant International Leagues and interviews.
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