Question for pros

[quote=ElderWarBear]Hey guys I've been playing for about a month now and my favorite character by far is Brand. I've started watching some of the pros during season 3 and have watched some youtube games of past tournaments etc. and I've never seen anyone play as Brand. I was wondering why this is? I've had the most success with Brand, granted most of my better games were against unskilled players. Is he not played because he doesn't work in the pro level, or are there better options? I'm curios because I would like to be competitive at the higher levels and dont want to waste time practicing with him. I know I wont go pro but I would still like to be able to play at a high level. Thanks for any feedback[/quote]

[quote=Embracing]Well Brand doesn't really work in competitive play because there are better picks than him. Brand simply doesn't provide enough to the team. He has no special "Oh this stands out" point than others. His damage abilities are delayed besides his e and his damage is also not as optimal as a mid laner for a burst mage. Also, he's extremely squishy and has no escapes as well. If you build Rylai first on him to make him tanky he then loses a lot of damage output mid game. Overall there are just better choices.[/quote]

[quote=Ninja Trigger]When you get higher level play most players know how all his attacks work and he easy to counter, I still don't like going against him thou[/quote]

[quote=ElderWarBear]Thanks for the input...any suggestions as to a similar champion?[/quote]

[quote=Totallynotn00b]In what sense? Range? AoE? Burst?[/quote]

[quote=Embracing]Anivia, Orianna, Zyra I guess[/quote]

[quote=ElderWarBear]I like the burst and aoe of brand and i'm not bad with the skill shots[/quote]

[quote=A Chubby Baby]Orianna just bombs people with her ball.[/quote]

[quote=Totallynotn00b]orianna lacks the visceral 100-0 power that a lot of people seek. honestly? Try lux. Range, Skill shots, and surprising damage if you get it right. In addition, utility. Aggro veigar can work too. But tis hard.[/quote]

[quote=wRAthoFVuLK]Man, especially at your level, if you are good at brand just stick to him. He isn't as good in competitive play but anything is good in soloq, so if you enjoy and like him play him. He's still a pretty good champ, and it's not like you are going to play at a competitive level (yet) :P[/quote]