The Piltover Post

Behind every team you encounter is a great coach. That person is in charge of helping players perform to the best of their ability and seeing the big picture. Team Liquid has Jake “Spawn” Tiberi. Luminosity Gaming has Mervin-Angelo “Dayos” Lachica. When he’s not coaching the NACL split 1 champions, you might find him with his collegiate team over at St. Louis University. While a lot of coaches start off as players and transition into coaching the newer talent, Dayos has always found himself as a coach. We got to talk to him and get a better look at what goes into being a coach.

Q: As the reigning NACL champions, do you feel a lot of pressure to keep up that level of performance?

A: For us, it’s less about keeping up that level and instead shooting above it. There’s always an expected dip skill level wise when the season starts again, but we want to make sure our baseline is higher this time.

Q: Do you think that having five players who were formerly in tier one sets up high expectations for the team? How do you handle that?

A: Without a doubt it sets up high expectations. Especially considering the fact that Tomio, FakeGod and Zeyzal have a previous championship under their belt. In terms of handling expectations we actually had a big meeting about it at the start of the year. Ultimately, including myself, there’s a reason we aren’t competing at the tier 1 level. This year is all about making sure that we work on those reasons and come back to the League of the Americas (LTA North) a better and improved version of ourselves

Q: How often do you end up having to switch up your draft due to enemy picks and bans?

A: As a coach, I personally like to be really prepared so rarely does the enemy team throw a big wrench into our plans with an unexpected pick. However, for larger series of fearless the picks matter a lot considering each time the enemy picks a new champ it’s gone for the rest of the series HAHA. I would say the most important thing about handling those scenarios is to always remember the champs you’re practiced and confident on.

Q: Do you prefer best of 1 or best of 3? Why?

A: 100% best of 3. I think it gives the best practice of playoffs. It also gives more opportunities for the better team to win. The thing about best of 1’s I dislike is that it disincentivizes risk because each game matters so much more. Though to be fair, LG did lose a lot of games last split so the best of 3’s were really helpful.

Q: What is something about the coaching role that not a lot of people anticipate?

A: When people think about league coaching, I think they focus a lot on the strategic elements like items, builds, macro and drafting. All of those things are extremely important but the thing I consider the most important is the people aspect. Ultimately, coaching is a job centered around people. Managing emotions, teaching people, and creating a great practice environment is equally important.

Q: When you’re not coaching, how do you find yourself spending your time? 

A: I have a lot of hobbies that keep me randomly busy. I play the guitar, hang out with my siblings, spend time with my gf (playing Battlegrounds or Stardew Valley), study the game, go on runs or walks with my brother after scrims and play some league. Think it’s good to have a solid amount of things to give you space from the job so you can come back fresh.

Q: If you have to kiss, marry, or kill three members on your team, who would they be and why?

A: Uhh, I think kissing or marrying my players would be weird. I’m gonna have to go with the death penalty. Goodbye to FakeGod, Tomio, and Zeyzal. Carries gotta carry.

In memory of the three players mentioned above, we will be holding a funeral service for them on Saturday August 9th, 2025 at 5:00pm EST in the baron pit on Summoner’s Rift. In lieu of flower arrangements, we ask that you donate bloody petals to your teammates.