Offseason Overview — Minnesota Rokkr

It's been a season of what-ifs for the Minnesota Rokkr. If Minnesota had found some ice during many of their Game 5s this season, the ending outcome could have been significantly different. However, since the team failed to win many of the game 5s, the franchise once again misses out on the Call of Duty World Championship. Let's take a look at what's ahead for the Minnesota Rokkr this offseason.

The Minnesota Rokkr's roster & coaching staff to end the season consisted of:

○ Kenneth "Kenny" Williams
○ Justice "Estreal" McMillan
○ Dylan "Nero" Koch
○ Giovanni "Gio" Webster
○ Daniel "Loony" Loza (Coach)
○ Alex "Alexdotzip" Purpora (Coach)

📸 Photo by @Spribs_

On paper, this roster would get Rokkr excited about a full season, but after failing to achieve the expected results, changes will surely needed to be made. I suspect the team will stick together for the Esports World Cup, so these changes are projected to be prompted by yet another poor performance in Riyadh.

I anticipate that the organization will start with a coaching change after multiple seasons with the same core staff. After unsatisfying results for the last three seasons, it seems reasonable to move on from the head coach Loony if the organization does not have confidence in the future. While he may be a competent coach, the results simply do not reflect that in his tenure.

Possible Coaching Changes

Option 1: Ricky "Atura" Lugo

Atura has had an impressive season coaching OMiT, leading the team to multiple event victories, including the MW3 Challenger Champs. The former Florida Mutineers coach took a break before last year's MW3 championships, but since his return, it's been nothing but winning.

Option 2: Ehsan "DREAL" Javed

DREAL could bring proven results and methods that his team trusts. He emphasizes teamwork both in and out of the game, which is crucial for teams on a smaller budget that cannot consistently out-talent the top teams. While last season didn’t meet expectations, one season shouldn’t define anyone.

Who to Keep

I believe it makes sense for the organization to build around the 2 time World Champion, Kenny. If Kenny is happy to keep Gio as his AR duo for the future, that would be ideal for the team's foundation.

However, the SMGs for Rokkr are both talented but inconsistent, so I feel they should only keep one.

📸 Photo by @Spribs_

Possible SMG Options for Rokkr This Offseason

Option 1: Jovan "O4" Rodriguez

O4 is expected to be a free agent this upcoming offseason and could be the perfect addition to the Rokkr roster. He has the potential of a player like Nero or Estreal. While he might have a lower floor at times, he plays a more team-oriented and fundamental style of Call of Duty, which would suit a Kenny-led team.

Option 2: Matthew "KiSMET" Tinsley

After a tough season with M8s, a complete rebuild seems likely for them, which may make KiSMET available to a team like Rokkr. It would be hard to find a player with a higher ceiling for a budget-conscious team. KiSMET, a Champs MVP, would elevate this roster across the board and relieve some IGL pressure from Kenny’s shoulders. With two young talents alongside them, it could be a very dynamic roster.

Option 3: Thomas "TJHaLy" Haly

TJHaLy might not be the flashiest option on paper, but there is clear upside here. Recently, he has had his best overall season in a long time. TJ and Kenny almost teamed up in the past on the Carolina Royal Ravens before Kenny joined Minnesota. They have experience in MW and Cold War, and while their previous results didn't work out, their willingness to team again this season suggests that old issues have been resolved. Though TJ may not have the highest ceiling out of the available options in respawn, he would certainly elevate the team in SnD.