Interview with Shing: "Playing for a sponsored team puts more pressure on myself to perform as best as I possibly can."

Alex 'Shing' Rosa is one of the three new members on the Team Dignitas Smite roster. He joined the team as the news came before the LAN that AnatoLiy would be stepping down from solo lane to become the coach and sub for the team. Shing has been in the Smite competitive scene since it's early beginnings and is mechanically one of the best players in Smite.

He has joined the roster alongside the two recent changes of support and mid laner from ShadowQ and TheBest to DaretoCare and Gnaw.

 

Shing, was it difficult for you to leave Snipe after such a long time with your team?

Shing: At first it was, but after thinking long and hard about it, it ultimately came down to the fact that Team Dignitas wins more consistently and has the upper hand when it comes to a shot at 1 of the 2 spots for the Smite World Championship.

You used to be a jungler, has it been strange turning your specialisation from that to the solo lane and has this affected your performance?

Shing: Honestly, yes it has. As a jungler, I was used to being the playmaker and trying to make things happen for my team. Now, I just have to focus on my lane, warding, making sure I rotate properly and scale well into the late game. Also..being a jungler I mainly played assassins, but now that I am a solo laner, I have to focus on playing mainly mages and warriors. Although the occasional assassin counter-pick can come into play.

Shing and Lassiz at the NA Kick off LAN.

You used to be known for your very aggressive play style in the jungle, will you carry that with you over into your new role?

Shing: Absolutely. I am an aggressive player, and changing that aspect would be difficult even with a change in roles. Overall my play style may develop changes, such as making sure I play passive when I see someone near my wards, but I'll mostly maintain the aggressive style that best suits me.

How has it been for you to play with a team that were so comfortable with another player in solo with a different type of play style?

Shing: It's been a great experience. The team always does a good job in making me feel comfortable and treating me like I've always been apart of the team. Although, it has proven to be a challenge to adjust to my play style versus their previous solo laner, especially when it comes to my god pool; however, Zapman, Lassiz and I have played together in the past, which I feel will result in becoming more comfortable with one another’s play style.

Playing with a sponsored team, is there a different type of pressure on you to perform when it comes to tournaments and games etc?

Shing: Definitely. Playing for a sponsored team puts more pressure on myself to perform as best as I possibly can because I am representing them and not just myself. I do not want to disappoint them or their fans.

Shing on the far bottom right with Snipe at the Smite Launch Event!

As we know players like Lassiz and Zapman find enjoyment in working out at the gym, what is it you like to do when not practicing for Smite?

Shing: Well, once I joined the team and visited them in Florida, I have honestly began to workout myself. They really provided a positive experience for me while I was there and helped motivate me to try and better myself physically, which in turn would boost my confidence.

Will we see you moving in with Lassiz, Zapman and AnatoLiy in the future?

Shing: I definitely see this as a possibility, especially if we perform well and make our way to the Smite World Championship.

As of the current meta who do you think are the strongest solo laners?

Shing: Chaac, Zhong, Aphrodite, Ra, Vamana...and many more. Alot of times the pick comes down to counter-picking, so it’s hard to count out any god from being played.

We saw you playing Ymir in the pro league against Snipe, there are a few other solo laners such as Xaliea who play Guardians in the solo lane, do you think there is much room for them in solo lane and does playing them there lose their potential as tanky late game characters?

Shing: I do, especially if we have a team composition that has plenty of damage already. The Guardian in the solo lane can provide that CC and support for the team, and with a character like Ymir, you have high base damage to boot. Sadly, as shown by that game, you have to really know what enemy matchup and team composition you need to be against in order for the Guardian pick to work.

Thank you very much for your time Shing and good luck to you and the rest of the team in the Smite Pro League!

Shing again on Lassiz' shoulders, this time in China where he subbed for TSM's Qvofred.

Remember to follow Shing on twitter @dignitasShing and on twitch at www.twitch.tv/Shing37.

Karma out!