Mark Wilson as Mosconi Cup Captain - Announced

This is great for Mark Wilson - but like Jerry noted, I can not begin to imagine the amount of pressure he's going to get for this. Why he didn't pick so-and-so ... etc.

I think we're probably thinking he'll go with younger players, save for a couple of established great representatives (like SVB). I'd hate to see Archer not be on the team, just because he's been on team forever; but sometimes the torch has to be passed.

Regardless - I'm excited to see what happens this year. :) :)
 
Congratulations *Pool USA* for a very professional solution!

lg from overseas,

Ingo
 
A fine choice here. As Mark is, arguably, the greatest advocate for the development of young American players, I think we can all look forward to a young team that can start building toward something.

Winning in 2014 may be the impossible dream, but if Team USA whets our appetite for the future with a young, sportsmanlike, determined and improving team, it will make this already special event even more special.

The time has come to stop the 40+ years of age players in the twilights of their careers from denying the young players a spot. Gimme Shane and any four of these youngsters and we'll have a team on which we can build for the future: Justin Hall, Skylar Woodward, Jeremy Sossei, Brandon Shuff, Jesse Engel, Mike Dechaine, Billy Thorpe, Landon Shuffett, Hunter Lombardo, and Danny Mastermaker.
 
sjm said:
A fine choice here. As Mark is, arguably, the greatest advocate for the development of young American players, I think we can all look forward to a young team that can start building toward something.

Winning in 2014 may be the impossible dream, but if Team USA whets our appetite for the future with a young, sportsmanlike, determined and improving team, it will make this already special event even more special.

The time has come to stop the 40+ years of age players in the twilights of their careers from denying the young players a spot. Gimme Shane and any four of these youngsters and we'll have a team on which we can build for the future: Justin Hall, Skylar Woodward, Jeremy Sossei, Brandon Shuff, Jesse Engel, Mike Dechaine, Billy Thorpe, Landon Shuffett, Hunter Lombardo, and Danny Mastermaker.
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What about Oscar, he's shooting great and has the sportsmanship part down pat ?
 
JAM said:
I totally understand what you are saying. Truly, I do. I agree that the past Mosconi Cup was fraught with problems for Team USA, some of which were self-inflicted for sure.

I am not sure Mark Wilson or anybody else for that matter can "fix" American pool, so to put that on his shoulders is a heavy bundle.

He is a man worthy of respect. That, I don't think anybody can disagree with.

I am skeptical, however, that his selection will be representative of the American professional pool world. Pool purists may be quite happy with this new strategy for Mosconi Cup selection, however. :smile:
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Jam, I just want to address your "pool purist" comment. You seem to equate "purist" with "mum pool" a lot. They are actually two different things. There is a way to address the audience and still be professional. Keith was a master at it. He was extremely entertaining, yet did not dilute the "professionalism" of the sport while doing it.

Most do not have that ability that Keith has. That is why most prefer not to say anything while playing. Because when they do, it comes across as less than professional. Keith was the exception. That is why he is such a legend. Not everyone can do what he has been able to do. Sigel had it to a much lesser degree. However, he was not nearly as entertaining while doing it as Keith was.

What I'm saying is, don't take "professionalism" as a slight to Keith. It isn't. It's not about being quiet, it's about being professional if you aren't going to be quiet. We all agree that it is much better to have actual interaction with the players and the audience. But very, very, few are actually able to pull it off like Keith did in a proper way. Most look like whiners and complainers when they try and involve the audience. Too bad more can't be like Keith is and was. But, then yet, if more where like him, he wouldn't be the legend he is. He's a legend not just for his amazing abilities on the table, but for how he acted.
 
MOJOE said:
This actually get's me excited for the MC again. I can't think of a better captain and am stoked that he has full control over team member selection as well. This is a great step moving forward for team USA. Congrats to Mark!
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My sentiments exactly!
 
Neil said:
Jam, I just want to address your "pool purist" comment. You seem to equate "purist" with "mum pool" a lot. They are actually two different things. There is a way to address the audience and still be professional. Keith was a master at it. He was extremely entertaining, yet did not dilute the "professionalism" of the sport while doing it.

Most do not have that ability that Keith has. That is why most prefer not to say anything while playing. Because when they do, it comes across as less than professional. Keith was the exception. That is why he is such a legend. Not everyone can do what he has been able to do. Sigel had it to a much lesser degree. However, he was not nearly as entertaining while doing it as Keith was.

What I'm saying is, don't take "professionalism" as a slight to Keith. It isn't. It's not about being quiet, it's about being professional if you aren't going to be quiet. We all agree that it is much better to have actual interaction with the players and the audience. But very, very, few are actually able to pull it off like Keith did in a proper way. Most look like whiners and complainers when they try and involve the audience. Too bad more can't be like Keith is and was. But, then yet, if more where like him, he wouldn't be the legend he is. He's a legend not just for his amazing abilities on the table, but for how he acted.
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I agree, Keith's friendly banter with the crowd is one of the things that I liked most about him. He is a great player and charismatic, and he can do all of that without tarnishing the sport. Keith is and will always be one of my favorite players.
 
From the press release: "Wilson will be looking to recruit a larger squad of players in the very near future, with regular get-togethers over the coming months."

I trust these "get togethers" are going to be exciting and some will be public displays of sorts. I'd assume the Euro squad will be afforded the same opportunity.

I hope Matchroom gives a decent budget to whomever will coordinate the "get togethers". This is a HUGE promotional opportunity for all involved, but
it will be a massive, tiime consuming logistical task if it's to maximize the opportunity.
 
Neil said:
Jam, I just want to address your "pool purist" comment. You seem to equate "purist" with "mum pool" a lot. They are actually two different things.There is a way to address the audience and still be professional. Keith was a master at it. He was extremely entertaining, yet did not dilute the "professionalism" of the sport while doing it.

.
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Let's get Keith out of retirement!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hmmm.....I think that is a job for JAM:smile::smile:
 
Williebetmore said:
Let's get Keith out of retirement!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hmmm.....I think that is a job for JAM:smile::smile:
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You hear that Jam?? DO YOU HEAR THAT?? If Keith is willing to get off the pokernet and start practicing again, maybe he can finally be part of the Mosconi Cup? PERFECT place to showcase his talents!
 
KoolKat9Lives said:
From the press release: "Wilson will be looking to recruit a larger squad of players in the very near future, with regular get-togethers over the coming months."

I trust these "get togethers" are going to be exciting and some will be public displays of sorts. I'd assume the Euro squad will be afforded the same opportunity.

I hope Matchroom gives a decent budget to whomever will coordinate the "get togethers". This is a HUGE promotional opportunity for all involved, but
it will be a massive, tiime consuming logistical task if it's to maximize the opportunity.
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I know it's hard when pool doesn't pay that well to begin with here, but I would love to see the team on tour raising awareness and promoting the sport.
 
Cdryden said:
I know it's hard when pool doesn't pay that well to begin with here, but I would love to see the team on tour raising awareness and promoting the sport.
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I agree! But, without some financial backer, it will be hard to pull off. Will be interesting to see how Mark does it.
 
A dictatorship is a great form of government if you have a great dictator. Over time most dictatorships decline due to self serving interests of the dictator and successors.

I think Mark is a great choice...but I am concerned about the precedent being set.
 
Mark Wilson is a great choice! Best of luck Mark in returning honor, integrity and professionalism to the USA team.
 
KoolKat9Lives said:
From the press release: "Wilson will be looking to recruit a larger squad of players in the very near future, with regular get-togethers over the coming months."

I trust these "get togethers" are going to be exciting and some will be public displays of sorts. I'd assume the Euro squad will be afforded the same opportunity.

I hope Matchroom gives a decent budget to whomever will coordinate the "get togethers". This is a HUGE promotional opportunity for all involved, but
it will be a massive, tiime consuming logistical task if it's to maximize the opportunity.
Click to expand...

It could be something as simple as coordinating groups around pre-scheduled events.

Either way..

mikeylikesit.jpg
 
Coach Wilson

As one of Mark's students at Lindenwood, I cannot express how proud and happy I am to hear that he has been chosen to be the captain of Team USA! He always expresses a lot of positivity and professionalism to the sport that he loves. He is a great influence and will represent the best of US billiards!
 
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