Talk:Maokai/@comment-98.200.124.105-20120617201011/@comment-3486816-20120620061833

I haven't put a second point in sapling before necessary for a very long time, so don't think that I have just because I recommend RoA/Athene's. I do agree that Philo is all he needs in terms of mana. There's just a lot more power in not having to worry about your mana. Even just using saplings as wards/brushchecks, for example, you have to check yourself if you don't want to run too low to engage. If you can't keep your ult up when you need to or you run out of mana in a gank, you'll lose a kill at best, but more likely you'll give your enemies a kill.

Besides, when are people going to realize that the era of "pure tanks" ended months ago? If you don't bring a shitton of utility or some damage to a fight, being a meatshield is absolutely pointless. Either build what's essentially a full support build with 40% cdr or go for a damage item or two. Personally I find the latter easier and more effective. All building full tank enables you to do is watch the rest of your team die in color.