Warriors Gaming Squad is the #1 seed; DNHQ chats with Seese

It's time to bring another championship to the Bay, this time in the video game world

Here at DNHQ we support the Bay’s basketball team on the court, in the community, and in virtual reality.

I’ve been covering Warriors Gaming Squad, the Golden State Warriors’ NBA 2K video game franchise in the world of professional e-Sports since their inception back in 2017. That’s right folks, we’re talking about a virtual basketball team that lives, practices, and plays together for big-time money. The league features drafts and trades, championship rings and heartbreaks. If you’re unfamiliar or need a refresher, check out this FAQ to get up to speed.

Warriors Gaming Squad has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, as well as The Athletic, and even our buddy former Forbes’ correspondent Patrick Murray has gotten in on the fun.

And just like newly acquired Warrior Chris Paul, WGS is hungry for a championship. The postseason begins TODAY, marking their fifth trip to the playoffs in six seasons, and they’re coming in hot at the #1 seed in their Western Conference.

And to add to allll that fun, the NBA 2K League All-Star voting is underway! Last year, two WGS members CB13 and Gradient were named to the Western Conference All-Star team and CB13 won All-Star Game MVP. That’s called stick skills, folks. Thomas “Dr. Tom” Bevilacqua and I actually sat down with CB13 before for Lets Go Warriors to break down film and discuss his game.

So for this year you know I had to keep it fresh and sit down with new WGS member Jeremy Seese aka “Seese” to discuss his background coming out of Coatesville, PA, his competitive mentality, and just what it takes to take souls virtually for a living.

Seese was drafted 38th overall by Lakers Gaming in 2021. In 2022, he was named NBA 2K League Most Improved Player and earned a spot on the All-2K League Second Team.

He’s spent the past two seasons competing with Bucks Gaming and Cavs Legion GC and won the NBA 2K League 5v5 Championship with Bucks Gaming in 2022. He’s a power forward with Warriors Gaming Squad.

What was it like growing up in Coatesville, PA?

I’ve lived there my entire life in the same house since I was born. I’m from a diverse small city and I feel like I’ve experienced a lotta different things than others. People don't think my city is nice, but I’ve made great relationships.

It’s because of one of those relationships that I actually got into 2K. I developed this hobby from my real life friend John Lott, who was a couple years older than me. I met him on the game during Covid, and he was like “Yo, you’re really good. I think you could be a really good player in the comp scene.” He told me to make a Power Forward and if John sees this I want to make sure to shout him out for getting me started in the 2K League.

What keeps you motivated?

Being the best person I can be; I always wanna be the best version of me. My best friends and my family in general motivate me a lot. They always show love, and they are happy that I’m here. 

At first they didn’t really understand how much it means to me to be in the 2k League.I feel like my family didn’t really know that much about gaming. I really told them a week before I got drafted that i had a chance to go pro my first year. They didn’t really understand, but they took an interest after they see how much I can travel and get paid. 

And when I won a championship it really motivated me to play the game even more.

Off of the sticks, what do you like to do in your spare time, what hobbies are you into?

I’m in my last semester at Temple University, and when I go back I’ll graduate. Other than college I like to be around my friends who support me and are there for me whenever I need them. I love to show love to those who are happy to be in my life.

In 2022 you were the Most Improved Player and made 2nd team all league, what did you show in your game that made you the MIP?

It’s all about my confidence from Season 3 to Season 4. Everyone has talent, but it’s more about the mental and how you go about things. The way I think about things really elevated my confidence. Being confident in myself means that if I mess up or if someone says something, I don’t lose focus or doubt myself. Whatever happens with my decision making it’s because I know I did it for a reason. I didn’t change my game because I wasn't confident.

What’s it like being a 2K League champion?

Being a champion is something you will only understand when you get the championship; when you get the ring and you look back at the path and how you did it and who you did it with.

I’ll never not respect or love who I won with, they won with me and they're special and amazing. That team had a lot of trust and we could talk to each other and no one would take it personal. I feel like being able to speak to people and develop that trust and move as a unit, that’s why we won. When you look back at our team you can’t really tell who was the best and you couldn’t pick out the flaws on our team. 

What do you think you bring in terms of cohesion

I’m really a vocal leader, I like to call defensive rotations and involve my team, and I wanna instill that I trust my team a lot. Developing that chemistry means wherever i go I try to make everyone play as a team, emphasizing that I trust you, and that i got your back and u got mine. That’s my message.

What championship potential do you see in Warriors Gaming Squad?

I see so much potential. It’s about playing with confidence. Not letting people get in your head and alter the way you play. They’re trying to make you flustered and get in your head. On the big stageI didn’t really speak with people because I don’t care to speak to anyone, because I wanna win. I will get hyped and talk some stuff because i wanna win, but I don’t let outside factors take away from winning.

Who is the funniest teammate?

Mama I’m Dat Man for sure. He knows when to troll or crack a joke and anything. He could probably come in right now and say a couple words and I’d die laughing. And he knows he does it with a purpose to keep everybody loose and together.

What advice do you have for young folks who are interested in jumping into E-Sports?

If you’re trying to develop into NBA 2K and esports, connections are the biggest thing you have. Don’t make enemies early; develop your relationships early and don’t burn bridges early. Be confident in yourself, that’s what I did the entire time. Show off that you really belong. People will doubt you, but it’s up to you. Be the best you can be and never take your foot off the gas, or you’ll fall off. Stay on the straight path. 

What message do you have for Dub Nation members rooting you on as you represent the Warriors’ organization?

I appreciate everyone who tunes in and watches us as a team. Honestly, you never know how much people really support you online. I super appreciate everyone who intends to watch us win this championship. I feel like we’re gonna win, and I thank you on the behalf of my teammates for tuning. 

We’re about to dominate and win a championship. And in doing so I will prove my legacy.

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For more information on Warriors Gaming Squad, check out their social media @WarriorsGaming and visit their website at WarriorsGamingSquad.com. For more info on the 2K League, head over to NBA2KLeague.com.