The NBA 2K League APAC Invitational tournament will be held this weekend, Feb. 2 and Feb. 3, in Hong Kong. Season one league MVP OneWildWalnut will commentate the event, whose Sunday tournament will be broadcast live on Twitch. Several team officials, such as Pacers Gaming’s Cody Parrent and Pistons GT’s Adam Rubin, will join league officials in Hong Kong to help select several players for the season two entry draft pool.
While the league has not yet released the roster of 20 players who will be competing in the event, DIMER tracked down as many players as possible from the Australia and New Zealand and asked them three questions in advance of the tourney:
1. What does making the APAC tournament mean to you?
2. Did you follow the NBA 2K League last year? If so, by whom would you want to be drafted?
3. What sort of player are you? What can teams expect from you?
@xHermitude (SG/PF, Melbourne, Australia)
1. Making the tournament to me I think solidifies my spot as one of the best players in Australia/New Zealand. It makes the hard work and time I’ve poured into this game worth it, and a shot at the NBA 2K League playing NBA 2K for a living would be a dream come true.
2. I wouldn’t say followed as much I definitely watched a few games when I had the time. Getting drafted by any team would be a dream come true.
3. I am a very versatile player who thrives on pure shooters/primary shooting builds, but I can play 1-5 (PG being probably my weakest position), but I played on top teams in Australia/New Zealand for the last few years. I played C last season and we made the semis in the 2K Down Under League. At the moment, coming into the next season, I would say we are the top team in Australia/New Zealand with me on a pure sharp!
@Jaackos7th (SG/PG, Auckland, New Zealand)
1. It’s nice to be recognised individually but I’m more happy that our region is getting exposure. We’ve never had a single event organized by the NBA for Australia/New Zealand players, so its a big step for our scene.
2. Not as much as I’d like to, I wasn’t really a fan of the whole blow by and 5-Out meta that last year’s game had, so I didn’t follow it too closely if I’m honest. If I had a preference of who I could get drafted by, just preferably somewhere where I’m not going to freeze my cheeks off everyday! But obviously I’d be stoked to be selected by any team.
3. Normally I play as a secondary ball handler on my pure sharp. I’d probably best sum myself up as the X-factor player and hype man who can turn games around in three possessions.
@Kxrsh (SF/PF, Christchurch, New Zealand)
1. Of course, I’m excited like everyone else. The APAC tournament could be life changing. It’s my first-ever esports event I’ve been to or even invited to, so I’m super excited.
2. Yes, I followed the NBA 2K League last year, and like most people I preferred watching big-name teams like the Mavs and Celtics with big-name players like Dayfri, Dimez and Fab. I would have no preference and I would be equally excited for any team that would take the chance and pick me.
3. I’ve always been a role playing small forward/power forward and I feel like I could fit into any team well. I have always played Pro-Am at a high level, and I feel like I am good enough to compete with the best of the best.
@bradshortland (C, Newcastle, Australia)
1. Making the APAC tournament means a lot, because it’s my chance to prove I’m a top player from my part of the world, which also gives me the chance to prove that the top Austalia/New Zealand players can compete with anyone.
2. I’d be more than happy to be drafted anywhere, but I think Dallas would be a good fit. After a disappointing season last year I think I would be a good piece to help them get closer to being a championship team.
3. I’m a high-IQ, versatile player who excels at the center position with my high level rebounding, pick-and-roll offence and defense and good communication skills.
@SquareUpPencil (C, Wellington, New Zealand)
1. Making the APAC tourney is pretty cool for me. It means I get to travel playing the game I love and meet some of the people I’ve played with for a few years now, which is also pretty cool. It’s also a good chance to showcase some of the talent we have down in Australia and New Zealand, and there are still a lot of great players who aren’t here for various reasons.
2. I did follow the league last year, and I would like to be drafted by one of the newer teams, in particular Brooklyn [Nets Gaming Crew] as I’ve always had a liking for New York/Brooklyn. But I would be pumped to play anywhere.
3. For me, the main thing is being a team player, do what needs to be done, whether that be score or play a role which allows my team to score. I’m also good at receiving/giving criticism without taking it personally and I feel I communicate well on and off the court.
@Posteriser (PF, Brisbane, Australia)
1. The APAC tournament is a fantastic opportunity to be able to showcase my own skill as well as represent the APAC region to the world. Being able to travel to Hong Kong is something I would never have dreamed of and this tournament allowed me the opportunity.
2. I followed the NBA 2K League last year and that led me to want to be drafted in season two. I would be happy to play for any team that would choose me, but I have been a big fan of Blazer5 Gaming and their exceptional play in the first season.
3. I have always considered myself to be a team first guy. I take pride in contributing to wins no matter what role I have to play. Teams can expect to get an exceptional player with a level head who truly values the team’s success.
Also appearing at the tourney: LockUpMilo and JimBoh, profiled here.
