"Coming into EG, I have that underdog mentality with a lot to prove for myself. I'm looking to play this year out with no regrets." Derrek on his transition to EG

Competitive VALORANT has finally returned for the 2024 season with VCT 2024 - Americas Kick-off kicking things off. Several teams spent the Off-Season restructuring their roster and bringing on new talent to improve their chances going forward. Evil Geniuses, who despite winning VCT 2023 - Champions in a rather shocking twist, too had a lot of new faces join the team. However, the team has not lost their touch as they proved their worth against G2 Esports in their first match of the season. Derrek "Derrek" Ha, who was part of the 100 Thieves roster last season, talked to THESPIKE.GG following their win.

THESPIKE.GG: How has the transition from 100 Thieves to Evil Geniuses been? How are you adapting to a new team and environment?

Derrek: I had a super rough season in 2023 and lot to prove to myself in 2024, whether it be through Challengers or through Tier 1. Luckily, I got into EG very last minute and I think coming into EG, I have that underdog mentality with a lot to prove for myself. I'm looking to play this year out with no regrets.

THESPIKE.GG: Do you think EG finishing top of the Champions in the last season kind of gives you an added pressure to perform?

Derrek: I don't think I do because I wasn't a part of the roster that won. So, I don't inherently have that pressure on me. The only one that stayed was obviously Jawgemo and Potter. I don't think the pressures on them either. But if it were to be on anyone, it would be on them

THESPIKE.GG: Do you have any thoughts on how EG performed last season and how you can see the coaching staff helping you find your game?

Derrek: EG had a rough start to the season last year, and I completely understand why they thrived so well with Potter. Working under her since late December, I don't really have to reiterate that she's good, obviously she's a world champ coach and she knows what she's doing. I think the things that she shows us in practice and just overall routine of coaching is an environment that me and the guys thrive under. We don't have a reserve roster like the 2023 roster had. So, it's literally just us and Potter.

THESPIKE.GG: G2 wasn't in Americas last year and the fact that they came out of a sanction and found themselves in a spot where they could compete against the best of the best. How do you think they stack up against rest of the teams?

Derrek: The last time I played G2 was formally when they were the guard in the 2022 LCQ and they still feel like the exact same team to me, except the presence of Leaf maybe. You can see why they won Ascension and I know those guys have been at it for so long and I think they're a super good team. I'm happy we beat them obviously but also think they'll make their way through lowers.

THESPIKE.GG: Coming on to your individual performance. What kind of role have you found yourself in this new sort of team and what is expected of you to perform?

Derrek: I mean, I'm still playing initiator. I still played Fade and Gecko. Obviously less Sova, less Skye. Skye got nerfed hard. I think the metal is shifting a little bit away from Skye. She's still playable in my eyes, but there's definitely the other initiators definitely can do way better in certain comps.

THESPIKE.GG: How do you think your today's performance kind of set the tone for what you expect of yourself going forward at the start of it?

Derrek: We needed this win to start off hot. I think it's good for confidence, especially for the new guys that haven't played on stage in a minute or ever.

THESPIKE.GG: Is there anything else you would like to add before we conclude this interview?

Derrek: Thank you for all the fans that came out or anyone watching from home. I understand this is not the same EG that won champs and I understand people's negative thoughts about EG regarding that. So, I hope that you can look at this as a new team and not just the old EG.