CIL Season 5 Draft Analysis

CIL Season 5 Draft Analysis

(Guess who is coming back)

Another Run

Before giving my take on the latest LA Nidoking team, want to take a moment to reflect on some the notable milestones. In the 2nd season of CIL, the LA Nidokings made a great run going undefeated in all battles in the regular season. There were some great battles I had in this league such as from KantoCastBlue, RealMikeMadness, MightMamoswine, the commissioner (or should I say Kevimissioner), and of course Chase from in our finals battle. I know most of these people have come and went in the league over the past year and a half, though do want to give a shoutout nonetheless for making this league happen. Do find it engaging that everyone comes together to play some Pokemon and at the end of the day have fun. With that said, here are the main rules of the draft.

CIL Draft and Rules

Here are the following rules and overall sturture of the CIL League. Will a link to KevinVGC's blog since it has the complete rules to the League, though will explain the main points.

• The CIL League has a 10 people drafting up to 11 Pokemon, which includes a Mega Evolution. 
• For CIL Season 5, the draft itself will be a snake draft with a "Free Draft" style. Basically no restriction in any selections aside predetermined Pokemon and abilities that are banned in standard Singles play.
• There will a total of 6 battle weeks in the CIL. As mentioned on site, a CIL week is actually 2 weeks IRL to accommodate for scheduling and time.
• There will be 1 Z Crystal user in each team and can be change once per season (separate from transactions). 
• Each team has a total of over 4 transactions including trades and free agency add/drops. 
• The top four teams from the CIL will advance to the playoffs. 
• 1st seed and 4th seed will faceoff as will the 2nd and 3th seeds.
• Winners of each battle will move on to the CIL Championship Finals who will decide the overall winner of the season. 
• For more clarification, see KevinVGC's blogspot page.

LA Nidokings Team

Now that the rules of the CIL have been discussed, its time to this season's LA Nidoking roster. For the draft lottery, the Nidokings were in the 6th spot, or effectively in the middle of the draft, which was the first time we've been in such a situation. Given this will be the must "even out spot" in the draft, felt the probability to get the mons I'd want was "high", but maybe not getting certain cores. At least I don't have to wait as long during the who selection process, especially how this is a free draft. Do want to mention how there are only 10 people this time did effect drafting given most people will go for the high tier picks and focus less on the moderately good stuff. This meant most of the CIL team will be stacked as hell this time around, though everyone was probably aware of this. For my first pick, didn't know what to select but maybe between Tapu Koko, Mega Scizor, Landorus-T, but in the end decided to go with this pick.

1st Round: Mew

Type: Psychic

Base Stat Total 600 - HP: 100 / Atk: 100 / Def: 100 / Sp. Atk: 100 / Sp. Def: 100 / Spe 100

Weaknesses: Dark (x2), Ghost (x2), Bug (x2)

Resistances: Psychic (1/2x), Fighting (1/2x)

Ability: Synchronize

For our first selection, Mew the first pick for the LA Nidokings mainly because of curiosity. What I meant there is this is the first time Mew was available to be selected by myself and the opportunity to select this unique Psychic type. What makes Mew exceptionally unique is how this little cat can learn nearly TM and Move Tutor moves in the game along with some interesting event options. Factoring it the base 100 stats across the board and you have one of the most versatile pokemon in the game who can essentially fulfill any roles for the LA Nidokings. As mention, Mew learns all setup based moves such as Sword Dance, Rock Polish, Calm Mind, Bulk Up, Tailwind, and Nasty Plot and has the movepool to hit everything in the game with neutral coverage. Alongside the usual Psychic STAB, Mew is one of the few Pokemon who have access to Aura Sphere, a 80-based Fighting-type move that forms a strong offensives coverage. There are other moves to take note of such as Reflect-type to change its type, Baton Pass to pass any boost to one of my mons, and Transform, which in of itself can create some interesting mind games by turning into the enemy Pokemon. Lets not forget Mew one of the most annoying defensive support Pokemon in League which access to reliable recovery, Knock Off, Will-o-Wisp, Dual Screens, Defog, and Volt Turn for pivoting. In terms of the ability, Synchronize might not seem as optimal, but at least Mew can inflict the same burn, paralysis, or poison status back, which can be helpful for defensive builds. In short, Mew was not just a 'safe' first-round selection to chose from, but also perhaps one of the better Pokemon to select in a Draft League. IMO, there are few Pokemon who can can be either an offensive user, a bulky pivot,  a defensive mon, or a setup user as best as Mew. Definitely going to consider Mew and use it to the fullest extent for every battle when it presents itself. 

2nd Round: Manaphy

Type: Water

Base Stat Total 600 - HP: 100 / Atk: 100 / Def: 100 / Sp. Atk: 100 / Sp. Def: 100 / Spe 100

Weaknesses:  Electric (x2), Grass (x2) 

Resistances: Fire (1/2x) , Ice (1/2x), Water (1/2x)

Ability: Hydration

In terms of the draft, did not expect Manaphy to fall to my hands once again mainly because felt someone would select the blue angle Pokemon, yet somehow I got it for this league. To be honest, Manaphy in tandem with Mew is probably the best offensive core I got started up mainly because both can setup in some fashion, especially Manaphy with Calm Mind and Tail Glow. As one of the pixie Pokemon, Manaphy has a base stat total of 100s across the board with an moderately great special move pool with Water-type moves like Scald, Surf, and Brine respectively. In terms of coverage, Manaphy has some fantastic special moves such as Ice Beam, Dazzling Gleam, Energy Ball, Shadow Ball, Psychic, Ancient Power, Signal Beam, etc. There are plenty of interesting roles Manaphy can fulfill for this team such as being a defensive wall, a setup sweeper, a CM Hydration tank, Duel Screen, and pivoting options. To be honest, Manaphy is a great 2nd round pick for this team given how much of a threat it is in terms of draft league. Just one well timed Tail Glow and Manaphy can go for a sweep or possibly wall break the enemy team to make a possible win much easier. Despite the mainly positive traits about Manaphy, the only issue with this Water-type is that it kinda needs that initial setup to be threatening, however Manaphy's bulk should be able to allow for a Tail Glow or Calm Mind boost. 

3rd Round: Zapdos

Type: Electric / Flying

Base Stat Total 580 - HP: 90 / Atk: 90 / Def: 85 / Sp. Atk: 125 / Sp. Def: 90 / Spe 100

Weaknesses:  Ice (x2), Rock (x2)

Resistances: Bug, Fighting, Steel, Flying, Grass (all 1/2x)

Immunity: Ground

Abilities: Pressure / Static 

To be honest, this was another Pokemon I was extremely amazed fell this into my hands, alongside many other viable Pokemon like Latias, Kyurem-B, Clefable, etc With that said, Zapdos is one of the most versatile Pokemon thanks to its great Electric/Flying-typing that allows it to be a threat from the offensive, but defensive standpoint. As the 5th time I've selected this Pokemon, Zapdos's Electric/Flying-typing cannot go understated with a resistances powerful offensive types such as Fighting-, Steel-, Flying, and even an immunity to the ever present Ground-type. While do admit Zapdos might not have the "best" stats in its defense, this isn't much of an issues Roost to not only replenish its HP by half, but also remove its Flying-type to gain a resistance or neutrality to Electric-, Rock-, and Ice-type moves. If it wasn't clear, the main reason for selecting Zapdos wasn't just for it defensive capabilities, but for pivoting options like Volt Switch / U-turn, hazard removal to relive Mew from this role, and access to a powerful Electric-type mon with an incredible 125 Special Attack. Zapdos has a plethora of Electric-type moves to abuse and an decent coverage options from Thunderbolt, Discharge, Heat Wave, Air Cutter, Thunder Wave, Dual Screens, Baton Pass, Toxic, etc. In terms of abilities, Zapdos has to interesting abilities in Pressure and Static that surprisingly give the thunder bird its defensive capabilities. With Pressure, Zapdos can continuously waste vital power point values on a move which can put my opponent in an unfavorable position should the battle drag out. Static can be more "immediate" certain situations if my opponent's Pokemon make contact, there's a 30% chance they'll be inflicted with paralysis, thus giving me a shocking, yet effective speed control option.  In all, Zapdos is one of those Pokemon certainly haven't been disappointed using at all, and know this will solidify my defensive cores to come. 

4th Round: Excadrill

Type: Ground / Steel 

Base Stat Total 508 - HP: 110 / Atk: 135 / Def: 600 / Sp. Atk: 50 / Sp. Def: 65 / Spe 88

Weaknesses:  Fighting (x2), Fire  (x2), Water (x2), Ground (x2)

Resistances: Rock (1/4x), Dragon, Bug, Fairy, Steel, Flying, Normal, Psychic (all 1/2x)

Immunity: Electric, Poison

Abilities: Sand Rush, Sand Force, Mold Breaker

With three specially inclined Pokemon already drafted onto this team, its time to start picking out some physically attackers to balanced this out. Took awhile to see what Pokemon was available, but then noticed Excadrill wasn't selected, which actually fit my team exceptionally well. Funny part about this pick is I never actually used Excadrill in a draft league, yet it always gives me trouble in almost any draft league, so at least its on my hands. In terms of offensive prowess, man Excadrill is one of the most feared Pokemon in any thanks to having Sand Rush to double its speed and potentially breaking or sweeping a team with powerful Earthquakes. For a Ground / Steel-type, Excadrill is an unusual amount of resistances and immunity listed above can make it difficult to revenge kill at times. For instances, Excadrill resists all three of the dubbed "fantasy core" with Steel-, Dragon-, and Fairy-typing respectively and can take advantage coming in on Electric- or Poison-type moves unharmed. As mentioned, Excadrill has a powerful 135 attack stat while plenty of coverage options such as Earthquake, Drill Run, Iron Head, X-scissor, Rock Slide, Rock Tomb, Shadow Claw, Brick Break, or even Sword Dance to heighten its attack power to the nth degree. Even from a defensive standpoint, thanks to its typing and amount of resistances, Excadrill can take advantage of some defensive or support qualities such as Stealth Rocks, Toxic, or the coveted Rapid Spin, (not to mention giving me three viable hazard removals options this early!) In terms of possible abilities. Sand Rush is very powerful on Excadrill thus doubling its somewhat middling speed stat to frightening levels and can revenge kill, or possibly sweep / break opposing teams. Another decent ability for Excadrill is Mold Breaker, which ignores the opposing abilities of any Pokemon, which can come in handy facing Levitate or Magic Bounce Pokemon. Sand Force isn't that great since it gives the mole a Life Orb boost kinda, but its not as reliable as Sand Rush or Mold Breaker. Do think Excadrill is a good value pick up this deep at this point, offering the team vital offensive roles or defensive capabilities that can't go understated.

5th Round: Clefable

Type: Fairy 

Base Stat Total 483 - HP: 95 / Atk: 70 / Def: 73 / Sp. Atk: 95 / Sp. Def: 90 / Spe 60

Weaknesses:  Poison (x2), Steel (x2)

Resistances: Bug, Fighting, Dark (all 1/2x)

Immunity: Dragon

Abilities: Cute Charm / Magic Guard / Unaware

So this pick has a story to tell. Originally I was going to select Tyranitar or Hippowdon as my 5th Pokemon to complete my sand core. However during the inter period selection, both of them got pick, especially T-tar who almost one selection away before getting it. Kinda scrambled at first trying to find a good replacement Pokemon to get instead and noticed few of the Fairy-types (save Tapus) were chosen, so decided now its a good time to pick one up. Honestly there couldn't been a better Pokemon than Clefable who is one of the best defensive Fairy-type Pokemon in the game, especially when considering its many valuable traits this pink star has. To start off, Clefable has access two of the best defensive abilities in Pokemon in Magic Guard and Unaware, which both have there uses. Magic Guard basically prevents any form of residual damage on Clefable, and must be a direct move to inflict damage. This mean Clefable cannot be harmed from the likes of hazards, leech seed, burn, or most importantly Toxic poison. Unaware is interesting when you consider Clefable can ignore the accumulated stat boosts of an enemy, meaning it possibly wall most forms of setup Pokemon. Both abilities allows Clefable to act as a vital sponge for the team against possibly residual damage or be a main line of defensive against setup sweepers. In terms of support coverage, Clefable inherits a large special movepool originally from its Normal-typing as it boasts moves such as Moonblast, Flamethrower, Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, Calm Mind, Thunder Wave, Stealth Rocks, etc. With access to Wish and Heal Bell / Aromatherapy, Clefable can act as a Cleric option for the team to replenish lost HP value or cure problematic status.  To be frank, this isn't the best option for Clefable as arguably the best sets for this Fairy-type is the setup variants revolving around Calm Mind or Cosmic Stored Power as once it gets going, few Pokemon can stop. Overall Clefable is a exceptionally great Fairy-type to select probably as one of the best steals of the draft to me that actually forms a strong defensive core with Mew and Zapdos. Definitely satisfied with how the team is looking as the draft enters the middle where all the best tier 1 mons are gone. 

6th Round: Alolan Muk

Type: Poison / Dark

Base Stat Total 500 - HP: 105 / Atk: 105 / Def: 75 / Sp. Atk: 65 / Sp. Def: 100 / Spe 50

Weaknesses:  Ground (x2), 

Resistances: Dark, Ghost, Grass, Poison (all 1/2x)

Immunity: Psychic

Abilities: Gluttony, Poison Touch, Power of Alchemy

This was perhaps the one time I actually debated about selecting a Pokemon in the Draft after the Clefable pick from the 5th round. Was interested in finding another viable Dark-type Pokemon and there were plenty of poison to chose from, but Alolan Muk kept being at the top of my list. As a result, decided to go with this colorful Hawaiian garbage thing that had an interesting niche in being a Poison / Dark type. As mentioned, Alolan Muk is actually weak to one type in Ground-type and has a good amount of resistances, especially to Ghost- and Psychic type Pokemon. At this point, wanted to have a Pokemon who can actually deal well against Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon who can somewhat pressure this team so Alolan Muk was great chose. With options such as Pursuit, Knock Off, Taunt, Clear Smog, Poison Jab, and the elemental punches make this a dangerous slouch that can't be slept on. Do want to mention perhaps the reasoning for selecting Alolan Muk this early was because it was one of I think exclusive Pokemon with access to the Ability Gluttony, and move Recycle, thus giving this thing an interesting recovery option. Now that Alolan Muk has Recycle, it can now play a role similar to what Snorlax in VGC 17 played for much of the format as a Recycle setup mon, though in this case reliance on Curse boosts. With a decent 105 HP and Special Defense stat, Alolan Muk can easily patch its lower physical defense stat to capable levels and can always recover back HP when its goes below 50%. Overall felt at the time Alolan Muk time was up to go in the draft in my hands as I certainly didn't want to face this thing in a potential matchup. Well I guess there's always free agency to patch those weaknesses up. 

7th Round: Buzzwole

Type: Bug / Fighting

Base Stat Total 570 - HP: 107 / Atk: 139 / Def: 139 / Sp. Atk: 53 / Sp. Def: 53 / Spe 79

Weaknesses:  Flying (x4), Fire, Psychic, Fairy (all x2)

Resistances: Bug, Ground, Fighting, Dark, Grass (all 1/2x)

Abilities: Beast Boost

This next selection didn't take as long as the Alolan Muk pick as this Pokemon was probably one I wanted to try out in the Draft League format in quite awhile and that's the Bug-/Fighting-type Buzzwole. First thing to note is as an "Ultra Beast", or "Sub-Legendary", Buzzwole is blessed with a strong-yet adnormal stat allocation with an emphasis in HP, Attack, and Defense. Like to be honest, never seen a Pokemon like Buzzwole with a physical based allocation like that, and the movepool to utilize this as much as Buzzwole can. Speaking of movepool, this mosquito bodybuilder alien...thing has two STAB moves with "BOTH" recovery options in Leech Life (guess that's why Game Freak buffed the move), and the newly acquired Drain Punch. Not only that, Buzzwole has a capable physical based movepool from the likes of the elemental punches, Rock Slide, Earthquake, Hammer Arm, Poison Jab, Iron Head, Lunge, etc that only complement its high attacking power. If that weren't enough, Buzzwole can utilize such option to make a decent physical wall with moves like Toxic, Lunge (lowers attack of enemy), Roost (if it already didn't have enough recovery...), Taunt, and Bulk Up, man this can one of the most difficult physical tanks to take down without special moves. Yet.... if that wasn't enough, Buzzwole has access to one of the best abilities in Beast Boost, which raises Buzzwoles highest possible stat, being either Attack, Defense, or Speed (due to its stat allocation). With all these positive traits, do want to mention a few weaknesses, though this does keep in line how well Buzzwole fits onto this team. Basically the team needs a Pokemon capable of switching onto powerful physical-based moves like Earthquake from time to time and Buzzwole has amazing defenses to do so. Literally the first six Pokemon on this team can handle Flying-types with Zapdos, Fire-types with Manaphy and Excadrill),  Psychic with Alolan Muk and Mew, and Fairy with Alolan Muk and Excadrill. In return, Buzzwole can manage deal with some of most physically offensive mons in the game like Mamoswine, Krookodile, Terrakion, etc as some examples while my main defensive core can sponge possibly special attacks from this guy. Some of these physical offensive Pokemon want to setup against some of the Pokemon my draft has, but Buzzwole can tank such hits, then possibly proceed to steamroll the opposing team. Definitely gonna be a fun Pokemon to use. 

8th Round: Roserade

Type: Grass / Poison

Base Stat Total 515 - HP: 60 / Atk: 70 / Def: 65 / Sp. Atk: 125 / Sp. Def: 105 / Spe 90

Weaknesses:  Flying, Fire, Psychic, Ice(all x2)

Resistances: Electric, Fairy, Fighting, Water (all 1/2x), Grass (x1/4)

Abilities: Natural Cure, Poison Point, Technician

As we approached the later stages of the draft, did feel like it was time to start getting more viable hazard support options while still filling up my main types for the LA Nidoking squad. When I looked what was leftover, felt I can go at least one more round before selecting Gigalith, but felt Roserade was probably gonna be taken now so might as well get it. To start, Roserade is by no means a slouch when it comes to the offensive coverage with a powerful 125 special attack and a plethora of strong special moves like Energy Ball, Giga Drain Leaf Storm, Sludge Bomb, Shadow Ball, Dazzling Gleam, and Technician-boosted Hidden Power, etc. Not only can Roserade be an effective special attacker, but can be a rather annoying status or hazard setter with access to moves like Toxic Spikes, Spikes, Sleep Powder, Stun Spore, Toxic, Leech Seed, etc. Keep in mind, Roserade can sometimes be built from a defensive standpoint to make use of hazard setting or possible walling potential with moves like Leech Seed, Giga Drain, or even Natural Cure Rest to recover most of its HP while switching out the following turn. Do want to mention how Roserade has been one of of the few Pokemon I've used consistently in multiple draft and has won me championships. Can't understate how important hazard stacking can be to help get vital chip damage against the opposing team whether it be from Spikes or Toxic Spikes damage. With this, along with possible Stealth Rock damage can help wither the opposing team down enough where my main heavy walls or sweepers can win. With that said, hazards might be a little harder to maintain since everyone has Defog options, though Roserade is certainly a valuable member of this team. 

9th Round: Gigalith

Type: Rock

Base Stat Total 525 - HP: 85 / Atk: 135 / Def: 130 / Sp. Atk: 60 / Sp. Def: 80 / Spe 25

Weaknesses: Fighting, Steel, Water, Grass, Ground (all x2)

Resistances: Fire, Flying, Normal, Poison (all 1/2x)

Abilities: Sand Force, Sand Stream, Sturdy

After getting sniped from acquiring two possible Sand Stream setter, Gigalith was going to be next Pokemon selections due to how valuable the weather was for Excadrill. In terms of what Gigalith brings to the table compared to Tyranitar and Hippowdon, its not as much, though does receive a special defense boost like T-tar does. Having used Gigalith in VGC 17, thing this pile of rock has going is is "lack" of major weaknesses like Tyranitar, though still persistent.  As a Rock-type, Gigalith can setup Stealth Rocks and check Fire-, Bug-, and Flying-type Pokemon who might threaten the team. With a high physical defense, and boosted special defense thanks to the sand, Gigalith can be one tough Pokemon to break, especially when it has a respectable 135 attack stat. Gigalith's offensive movepool is enough to pressure opposing teams with attacks such as Stone Edge, Rock Blast, Earthquake, Heavy Slam, Superpower, etc. Do have to keep in mind Gigalith is one of the slowest Pokemon in the game. With all that said, Gigalith's main role for this team is to provide hazards in Stealth Rock, check any Pokemon it has an advantage over, and most of all provide the sandstorm for Excadrill. Know I'd said this multiple times, but Excadrill in the sand can effectively outspeed the unboosted format. Will like to give a special mention that at least Gigalith can provide hazard support much better than others like Clefable, Mew, or Excadrill who might want that extra moveslot. In all, Gigalith is an essential component of the team who can act as a wall, provide the sand, hazard control, and chip at my opponent. 

10th Round: Porygon2

Type: Normal

Base Stat Total 515 - HP: 85 / Atk: 80 / Def: 90 / Sp. Atk: 105 / Sp. Def: 95 / Spe 60

Weaknesses: Fighting, (x2)

Immunity: Ghost

Abilities: Trace, Download, Analytic

For the last two Pokemon, noticed around this time, everyone but myself already selected their mandatory Mega evolution and my "preferred" choice was basically ensured. There were some very interesting Pokemon who weren't selected, however, Porygon2 was a Pokemon I had on my radar and felt "ehh why not?" In terms of what Porygon2 offers, this Pokemon is notorious with bulk thanks to the Eviolite item, which raises its defense by 50% each. With the augmented defense stats, Porygon2 can be used as a one of my best walls against some of the hardest hitting Pokemon to switch into. As a Normal-type, Porygon2 has some notable advantages as having access to a wide variety of special attacks, support, recovery, and even setup options from Ice Beam,Thunderbolt, Toxic, Recover, Foul Play, etc. Even Porygon2's ability selection is quite interesting with options like Trace to copy the opposing abilities, Download to get an immediate +1 boost in either Attack stats, or Analytic which gives the virtual duck a 1.3x boost in power if its the last to move. Throughout the time I've seen Porygon2 in action, do believe it works best with  partners willing to sponge powerful hits (even Fighting-moves) aside this guy from time to time. With defensive options such as Mew, Zapdos, and  Clefable, Porygon2 can easily thrive thanks work together with my team to form a strong defensive core willing to spread the damage among each other. Might sound counterproductive to say this, but even the sturdiest Pokemon need reliable partners to pair. Do feel Porygon2 can work for my team, though we'll just have to if this duck can prove my claims. 

11th Round: Mega Charizard X

Type: Fire / Dragon

Base Stat Total 634 - HP: 78 / Atk: 130 / Def: 111 / Sp. Atk: 130 / Sp. Def: 85 / Spe 100

Weaknesses: Rock, Ground, Dragon (all x2)

Resistances: Fire, Grass (x1/4),  Bug, Electric, Steel (x1/2)

Immunity: None

Abilities: Tough Claws

By the last round, most of the people already knew what was going to be my last selection for the draft and I knew myself following the 3rd or 4th round with some possible Mega choices going. Like in a seriousness, Mega Charizard X was one of my choices, but thought it might have been chosen long ago by someone else and didn't expect it to survive this late into the draft. By the time KevinVGC selected his Mega Evolution (and seeing his team composition), kind of expected Charizard X to fall to me with the the much needed Fire / Dragon typing. To keep this short, Charizard X was my main mega from Season 2 who was part of my main championship team and was effective towards the end of the season and finals. Do think back then, Charizard X struggled mainly because it was forced into one-for-one situations where it faints upon taking out a Pokemon, though usually vital walls or win cons. Do feel this time around, Charizard X will have a better time with the new teammates as they are generally focus in wearing down the opposing enemy team. Do feel Charizard X can fulfill several roles for this team aside being the ever present Dragon Dance wall breaker / sweeper such as a Will-o-Wisp tank, specially defensive mon, Sword Dance wall breaker, or just an all-out attacker. If there's one thing I'll say why Charizard X was "successful" on my team the last time, its that there's few Pokemon capable of taking down this mon. This is why Fire / Dragon is such an incredible offensive typing on X as with moves like Flare Blitz, Outrage, Dragon Claw, etc not only get a STAB boost, but also Tough Claws (which also boost any contact moves by 1.3x). Do feel given the team composition of the LA Nidokings that Charizard X will play a major role as the one of the main offensive options or even the cleaner. Though Mega Charizard X was selected last on my team, at least I know exactly how to use this Mega and rest assured, this mon will be my kill leader. 

First Impressions

Based on the what the LA Nidokings drafted initially for Season 5, I'd say this is one of our strongest and perhaps most durable drafts built. Quite frankly, anyone can argue that I'd run just only the first five Pokemon from our selection with Charzard X and that team can still perform well. The fact the Nidokings draft a strong defensive core in Mew, Clefable, and Zapdos, but also powerful wallbreakers and sweepers like Excadrill, Manaphy, and Charizard X make this team strong and one of the hardest to prepare for. The last 5 Pokemon before selecting our Mega Charizard X were essentially role players that provide the team with options such as physical tank, bulky pivots, hazard support, or pursuit trapping. In terms of hazard support and control, the squad has a great balance of Stealth Rock setters, and reliable removable, especially with Zapdos, Mew, and Excadrill. Did notice how most the entire team has some form of reliable recovery, bar my sand core which is frankly remarkable to be able to sustain themselves from taking damage over time. 

Perhaps the biggest concern with this draft is the lack of reliable revenge killers or Pokemon above the 100 speed tier like having Weavile or Latias last couple seasons. Some might not see this as a cause of concern, but for me it is somewhat of a glaring weakness which will be address in free agency. Guess the best remedy for now is to rely upon our bulk, or use Sand Rush Excadrill, Dragon Dance Charizard X, or any other Scarf Pokemon for the time being. Another concern regarding the team composition is the potential of certain Pokemon in this draft being "outclassed" in terms of walling or setup potential. This might go into how Clefable, Mew, and Buzzwole like to setup, though this might leave out Alolan Muk, or even Charizard X out of setup roles. The same can be said about the amount of walls I have on this team and might overuse certain Pokemon over another. Guess on the plus side, that's exactly how I'll approach our future transactions.

In terms of type synergy, most of this team can reliably switch with each other in the right matchups and still pressure the enemy team offensively and defensively. Take the defensive core of Mew and Clefable for instance, as Mew is weak to Ghost-, Bug-, and Dark-type Pokemon while Clefable is weak to Steel- and Poison-type Pokemon.  Mew can easily threaten Poison-types and threaten Steel-types with a coverage option, meanwhile Clefable can tank any Bug-, and Dark-type Pokemon hits though Ghost-types will be neutral. For that matter, Alolan Muk and Porygon2 can easily wall most Ghost-types and threaten them with Dark- and Ghost-type most of their own, or potential status. Fighting-type Pokemon might pressure these two and Gigalith, however the Mew-Clefable pairing not only beats most Fighting Pokemon, but Zapdos, Buzzwole, and Roserade resist said type. 

For offensive capabilities, the threat of Manaphy, Charizard X, Excadrill, Mew, Buzzwole, and other setup Pokemon on this team synergy exceptionally well together. Take Buzzwole for instance as it can take hits from Grass-, Dark-, Bug-, or Ground-type moves which can pressure either Manaphy, Charizard X, or Mew. From their Buzzwole can use this opportunity to setup, attack what's in front, or make a prediction. In that case, do feel this is where Manaphy, Buzzwole, Excadrill, and Charizard X will thrive best in certain matchups as they can setup or immediately go for the offense. Manaphy, Excadrill, and Charizard X synergize amazing together as Char X / Drill can beat opposing Grass- or Electric-types Manaphy is threaten by. In turn, Manaphy can easily setup against opposing Ground-, Rock-, and some Water-types that can pressure either Char X or Excadrill. 

Overall this new LA Nidoking team for CIL S5 is by far strong in terms of defensive and offensive potential. Due have to credit the fact that this time around there were only 10 people in the draft and my selection can around the 6th slot. The amount of wait time I had before selecting was about as even compared with most people aside Sam who was in a similar spot as I was. Will reiterate that most of my draft, do want every Pokemon to partake in all the matchups at least once or twice to show how much depth there is. Going into any draft, versatility is key to any draft league as it ensures your opponents guessing what sets you'd run, as well as the potential near unlimited options a team can have going into each week, and possibly into playoffs. 

Closing Remarks

  

That's all I go to say about the new LA Nidoking team for CIL Season 5 going into this. Will mention I'm not going to do individual weekly writeups this time, as these will be covered in video format on my Youtube channel for each matchup. In those videos, I'll go over my team preparation, what my opponent has in anticipation, and finally the replay of the battle. Might do a reflection of how the season went for post season, and possibly a transaction posts on certain Pokemon were moved or dropped for others.  Will want to mention the KevinVGC's Blog as he has all the CIL rule update for Season 5 and other past seasons as well. As mention in my previous analysis, these battles are meant to have fun for everyone, so I'll go into these game with my best, and not having any regrets. Alright Cya!