8th - Maza - UoN Archers - The Sniper
I originally put out an article that was wrong, there is a large divide between UKCS and University CS both in skill and playerbases, and I used Maza to showcase this divide in a negative light, when he is neither the cause of this divide and also suffers from the downsides of this divide. I apologise and here is my second attempt.
University CS is often graced with top end UK Players, with the likes of volt, moshi, MRHUI, crit and LVN in recent history. Maza came to UoN at the beginning of the 21/22 season and brought a wealth of talent, being one of the best UK Awpers at the time and a fast rising talent. It would have been inconceivable to see someone of this level compete in University CS. As fate would have it, a shoulder injury and a retirement later, Maza would be getting involved with University CS, fortunately for UoN but a loss for UKCS. Maza’s commitment has been sporadic to UoN Archers. However, when he has turned up he has been absolutely exceptional, dropping a ridiculous 1.56 rating across the season and whilst being an Awper has somehow managed to achieve the #1 ADR at 110.56. Maza describes himself as being able to “do it all” and plays whatever role he wants. This has varying levels of success and when they hit the ground running they absolutely dismantle teams, but when they meet a bit of resistance it does lead to this strategy crumbling and would see them fall in LB Round 2 to Hanno’s BKA.
Expectations are exceptionally high for Maza due to his ability and history which can lead to University CS being somewhat un rewarding. Victories have an asterisk to them and losses are heavily criticised. A majority of those at the top of University CS have spent years fighting to make it and it can be annoying when a player comes in and is instanteously the best. The pressure has unsurprisngly not affected Maza and he still consistently performs and still perseveres through the losses.
Through no fault of his own, Maza represents the issues of the connection between University CS and UKCS. While in the same domestic sphere there is very little crossover between the two worlds. The ceiling of University CS is far below even the mid level of UKCS and they have surpisingly different cultures. Maza is far above the average level of University CS, which can make competition feel pointless as some matches may present no challenge and no interest making it feel like wasted time. Additionally with ability comes opportunities, and this can clash with the regular unchanging schedule of University CS. When you get a good player at your University it feels like a blessing, but when you get a player who is too good it can cause difficulties with team cohesion, scheduling and availability. Its a fault of no side, but it can lead to teams being more chaotic and less smooth then a casual team of gold novas as those teams instantly sync up.
Understandably there has been ups and downs , but Maza's put the issues aside and tried to help his Uni, playing all games and helping secure a strong 9th-12th place finishing. A player with massive potential and pretty easily the second best player in the league on raw ability. Albeit a laid back approach but still easily secured a top 10 placing in the player rankings, and has a great understanding of the University and UK scene with a far more objective and less emotionally motivated opions then myself. I apologise to Maza as he has both accomplished far more than me and has probably slated me less (its close). He was rather begrudging at the start of his campaign in university CS but has massively improved and I should have acknowledged that more. A crazy talent and without doubt should be competing at a far higher level.
