TJ
Banned deucer.
Aaronboyer
Favorite Pokemon: Gallade
Most used Pokemon: Victreebel
Most known for: PU First Blood Semifinalist, Dirty Sun Abuser, PU Room Voice
Aaron: Hey TJ. I'm doing fine. And you?
TJ: Im doing well too, just enjoying my winter vacation.
TJ: How and when did you get involed with the PU community?
Aaron: I began my journey on Pokemon Showdown and Smogon in 2014. Back then I was very introverted and I wanted to find and small tight-knit community where I would learn more about the Pokemon themselves. The pet mod forum I thought was the answer. I spent almost 2 years hopping around from pet mod to pet mod hoping that one would stick. In 2016 I became an Alolan Formes pet mod Council Member, but I knew it wasn’t the place for me, as most of the pet mods including Alola Formes were trying to make Pokemon that would never actually come into competitive play. It was then in late 2016 I decided I wanted to join an official tier and learn competitive Pokemon. I hopped onto Pokemon Showdown and joined PU during the Quagsire meta. I was hoping that “Smogon’s Newest Metagame” translated to fewest members and I could remain my introverted self. The tier leaders were exceptionally helpful and I felt right at home.
TJ: Could you tell us more about yourself outside of Smogon? What are your hobbies and things you enjoy?
Aaron: I'm a senior in high school in rural Missouri. I'm currently salutatorian of my class so I usually don't have much time to spend outside of school, Pokemon, and filling out scholarships. I try, however, to be as involved in as many extracurricular activities as possible. Some of these include FBLA, Academic Team, NHS, Bible Club, Science Club, Math Club, and Spanish Club. When I do find time to spend time with my friends, we usually end up watching WWE or playing Xbox together. I wouldn't consider myself to have any true hobbies, although I do collect wheat pennies and probably have somewhere near 700-800 of them.
TJ: What’s your favorite PU metagame, and why?
Aaron: My favorite PU metagame is probably ADV PU Pre-Shift. Although ADV PU gets a bad rap for being full of NFE and LC Pokemon, Pre-Shift allowed for several different team archetypes to thrive and I really enjoy playing with all of the Generation 3 mechanics.
TJ: Can you name any up and coming players showing good potential?
Aaron: There are actually quite a few people that are up and coming here in PU. Sixes_ made it to finals of the PU First Blood tournament, jklioe writes fantastic analyses and made it all the way to Round 9 of the PU Fall Seasonal, GenZeon builds great teams and made it to finals of the I Can't Believe It's Not The PU Open tournament, allstarapology has been actively participating in a large number of threads and has won several room tours, and there are so many other people like Solar Flare, SergioRules, LordST, Dibs The Dreamer, and Taskr. All I can say is that your hard work has not went unnoticed and to keep it up!
TJ: Who do you look up to / admire most as a player and as a person in the PU scene?
Aaron: I've always looked up to Akir for advice whether it be PU, Smogon, or even life related. I admire his qualities of intelligence, humility, kindness, and being easily approachable, all qualities I hope people see in me. I also look up to GeneralAnnoyance for battling expertise and TJ for being hysterically funny and making newer players feel welcome.
TJ: What advice would you give to people trying to get involved in PU?
Aaron: Many people consider our Viability Rankings, our Role Comprendium, our Sample Teams, our Speed Tiers, our Good Cores, etc. to be the best resource for players new to PU to look at. But I believe the ultimate resources is the PU Authority themselves. They understand the PU metagame and are always more the willing to answer any specific questions you may have and accept battle requests.
TJ: What type of music do you enjoy?
Aaron: I like at least one or two songs from every genre pretty much but I have to say I like classical music the most. Some of my favorite pieces include "The Lark" by Evgeny Kissin, "Minor Alterations: Christmas Through the Looking Glass" by David Lovrein, "Symphonic Dance No.3 Fiesta" by Clifton Williams, "American Overture for Band" by Joseph Willcox Jenkins, and "The Blue and the Gray: Civil War Suite" by Clare Grundman. I think the main reason why I love classical music so much is because I used to play French Horn for Marching and Concert Band, and I've just grown an ear for that genre of music.
TJ: Lastly, can you give us a team that fits your playstyle and explain it?
Aaron:
Regirock @ Heat Rock
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Sunny Day
- Explosion
- Stone Edge
Pyroar @ Life Orb
Ability: Unnerve
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Hyper Voice
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Flamethrower
Leafeon @ Groundium Z
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Dig
- Leaf Blade
- Knock Off
Illumise @ Heat Rock
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sunny Day
- Growth
- Bug Buzz
- Solar Beam
Victreebel @ Life Orb
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Solar Beam
- Sludge Bomb
- Weather Ball
- Growth
Exeggutor @ Life Orb
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Solar Beam
- Psyshock
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Sleep Powder
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Sunny Day
- Explosion
- Stone Edge
Pyroar @ Life Orb
Ability: Unnerve
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Hyper Voice
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Flamethrower
Leafeon @ Groundium Z
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Dig
- Leaf Blade
- Knock Off
Illumise @ Heat Rock
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sunny Day
- Growth
- Bug Buzz
- Solar Beam
Victreebel @ Life Orb
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Solar Beam
- Sludge Bomb
- Weather Ball
- Growth
Exeggutor @ Life Orb
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Solar Beam
- Psyshock
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Sleep Powder
This rendition of what would otherwise be a classic sun team features Offensive Growth Illumise over the standard Volbeat set. Exeggutor, Victreebel, and Leafeon form the triad of Chlorophyll abusers while Pyroar is the offensive Fire-type.
Thanks for your time! As always, if you guys have any questions feel free to ask them!