Top 8 Mosconi picks announced!!!

Do you believe in miracles?

Remember a little game of hockey played in 1980?

If the US wins Mosconi, it's not necessarily a miracle. Herb Brooks stated he wasn’t looking for the ‘best’ players, he was looking for the ‘right’ players.

One thing he also said, and not a jab at anyone I don’t know, they looked for players that the name on the front of the sweater is more important than the one on the back.

This is a team event and while I know everyone wants to win, as we all know, playing for a team adds different elements.

We’ve probably all played with someone on a team that may have been a great player, but replacing him/her with a possibly lesser player was the right blend and resulted with more wins.

“Addition by subtraction” philosophy.
 
TCo said:
Remember a little game of hockey played in 1980?

If the US wins Mosconi, it's not necessarily a miracle. Herb Brooks stated he wasn’t looking for the ‘best’ players, he was looking for the ‘right’ players.

One thing he also said, and not a jab at anyone I don’t know, they looked for players that the name on the front of the sweater is more important than the one on the back.

This is a team event and while I know everyone wants to win, as we all know, playing for a team adds different elements.

We’ve probably all played with someone on a team that may have been a great player, but replacing him/her with a possibly lesser player was the right blend and resulted with more wins.

“Addition by subtraction” philosophy.
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I like the picks...but am disappointed that Tommy Kennedy didn't get a second look. He's shooting as strong as ever (knocked SVB into the loser's bracket at SBE) and he was one of the top ranked players in Bonus Ball...and he's an awesome player in a team format. And a REALLY nice guy who would work very well with the young'uns. My preference for what's posted would be:

SVB
John Schmidt
Corey
Sossei
Oscar

Nothing against the Freshmen (and I'm a huge fan of Brandon Shuff, too), but this is the strongest lineup, maximizing experience and skill. If I had to pick someone to pass over to allow one of the others to go, it'd be Corey, only because he's a little hot/cold the past few years...and I'd probably have Shuff as my first alternate to replace him, as he's playing very strong AND has a MC under his belt so he knows first hand what he's up against.
 
One thing worth pointing out about Dechaine... he finished below both Shuff and Dominguez last week at the expo. Oscar actually knocked him out.
 
lukemindish said:
Love that hes changing things up and mixing in young talent with veterans. My team would be as follows:

SVB
Corey Deuel
Oscar
Justin Hall
Justin Bergman

I do have to say that Im very surprised that Mike Dechaine is not on the list her. I definitely thought that he would be at least in the list of players to be considered.
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I like your pick, I would substitute Corey for Brandon maybe,
 
JAM said:
Well, I know I stand in the minority on this, but I think the omission of Earl Strickland is quite sad. He and Shane had the best performance at the last Cup, and Earl's percentage of winning is better than most when it comes to the Mosconi Cup. Shame, really, but that's pool for you. Here today, gone tomorrow. The fans are a fickle bunch. :o
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I would also love to see Earl out there again.
 
My two cents: I love the fact that Mark Wilson is in charge here and is in the process of creating an entire "new look" Mosconi Cup team. We couldn't have found a better man to take on this unenviable role. I do know there were other players considered before he announced these final eight. So don't think the other candidates didn't get a look.

I happen to really like the eight picks here, a nice mix of old and young players. The trick for Mark is to come up with the right blend of players who play well together and support each other wholeheartedly. Remember this a TEAM event, and some very good singles players do not adapt well in an environment like this. I'm sure this had to weigh on Mark's decision making, and well it should.

One last thing, no matter who the final five are, Team USA will be huge underdogs this year. There's no question about that. If they win it would be the upset of the century in pool. It would take inspired performances by all five players to pull it off. And some damn good coaching to boot. I like what Mark is doing here and fully support his efforts. :thumbup2:
 
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JAM said:
I find it unusual that the names are announced so early, now in March 2014, for a December 2014 happening.
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They are trying to grow awareness in the US. There is very little interest in the states compared to Europe in the Mosconi Cup. I have heard that the team might travel for exhibitions throughout the year before the MC starts...
 
JAM said:
A vice-captain has already been chosen. It's Willebetmore (Don Wardell). :)
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A vice-captain is essential for overseas travel, particularly for a contingent of pool players. If he happens to be an MD with a few vials of antibiotics, all the better.

Ken
 
I support Mark and what he is doing.

However, the Don Wardell choice is him throwing a friend a bone. A guy who has paid for a ton of lessons with Mark.

He's not a player, oh he's an MD, well that will help with all those sports related injuries that have happened in the Mosconi cup over the years. Oh wait, there haven't been any.

IMHO bad judgement choosing a friend to come on when you are tasked with changing things around. We already had the add a friend with Buddy Hall, and I'll bet all the borscht we have that Don isn't going to teach ANY of the people on the Mosconi team anything that they don't know.

But hey, do what you want, it's your team Mark.

(waiting for the "this isn't worth a response" messages from the usual 2 people)
 
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It is clear that first and foremost that Mark Wilson wants the good character traits that he feels are needed in this type of format. Some of those traits would likely be getting along well with others in all circumstances, a team spirit, a positive outlook, supportive, never giving up, good sportsmanship, and a willingness to work and train hard. Only from the pool of players with these type of traits did he then take into consideration skill level, with an apparent slant towards youth.

Announcing the pool of 8 at this point was brilliant IMO. That gives most of a year to see how hard they work for their spot on the team. How hard do they practice? How many events do they get out and play to gain last minute seasoning? And it puts them under pressure to perform for months for their $10,000 payday. Who can handle that pressure and perform the best in the upcoming months to make the cut?

With the criteria Mark has in mind I mostly agree with his selections, although a few are arguable, and some very deserving were left out of consideration. Johnny Archer for example obviously has all the credentials including all the skill and experience, and as far as I know he was a good team player that was supportive and encouraging and didn't give up as well. But maybe there are things that I just don't know about behind the scense that did not make him the best teammate but on the surface he sure appeared to be.

But the biggest glaring omission, considering all the criteria, seems to be Tommy Kennedy. He has all the credentials and experience. Yes, some of his most major accomplishments were long ago, but he was never a slouch and seems to be back in especially fine form as of late. I think he is the favorite to win over several of Mark's choices. But when it comes to Mark's most important criteria of character and being a good teammate, nobody, and I mean nobody, excels more here (Tony Robles is right there too). Tommy is the definition of positivity, being supportive, hard work, never giving up--the most perfect team player. Given all the criteria, without a doubt he should have at least been in the group of 8 and given a chance to make the final cut IMO.
 
tommyceilings said:
I support Mark and what he is doing.

However, the Don Wardell choice is him throwing a friend a bone. A guy who has paid for a ton of lessons with Mark.

He's not a player, oh he's an MD, well that will help with all those sports related injuries that have happened in the Mosconi cup over the years. Oh wait, there haven't been any.

IMHO bad judgement choosing a friend to come on when you are tasked with changing things around. We already had the add a friend with Buddy Hall, and I'll bet all the borscht we have that Don isn't going to teach ANY of the people on the Mosconi team anything that they don't know.

But hey, do what you want, it's your team Mark.

(waiting for the "this isn't worth a response" messages from the usual 2 people)
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I would normally agree with that stance except I think Mark needs a reliable person to take care of all the logistics of the travel etc while he focuses on the team. Someone who doesn't mind doing all the grunt work and will from all appearances not throw a cog in the wheel. I can definitely see your point with Buddy.
 
TorranceChris said:
I would normally agree with that stance except I think Mark needs a reliable person to take care of all the logistics of the travel etc while he focuses on the team. Someone who doesn't mind doing all the grunt work and will from all appearances not throw a cog in the wheel. I can definitely see your point with Buddy.
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lol, so he needs a secretary?
 
Don is the guy -Williebetmore who along with another guy (RIP) whose name i cannot recall had the funniest long lasting ongoing 'internet feud' of all time on these pages. Id love to see those posts again if anyone knows how.

Im behind him- How many who thought Buddy was a good choice last year dont want Don this year? Ahahaha
 
Hey guys.......its not about me in any way, and its not about Mark Wilson. This is about the players, improving the future of American pool, and giving Matchroom a product they can get behind.

Mark has lots of great ideas; but they will be difficult to make a reality - I offered to assist (though the difference between offering and being conscripted is somewhat fine :-)). I am strictly someone who loves pool and wants to help (not riding any gravy train - am planning on footing ALL my own bills). Please be reassured that I will be unlikely to hit a single ball in the Cup - so why my name even was mentioned by Matchroom or Tommy C. I have no clue.

Mark and I work well as a team (six years writing the book, and we both serve on the board of directors of a charitable foundation - ANOTHER unpaid job for me :-)). I think I did pay for a lesson from him about ten years ago (hard to see how that is a "ton of lessons").

All issues regarding the team need to go through Matchroom (it would be best to funnel all suggestions, criticisms, and offers of financial support :-) through them), but just thought I might clarify in a single post. There is a LOT of work behind the scenes to make this a year to remember - I hope you will all give Mark the benefit of the doubt as he attempts to lay the groundwork for something that may be much better for the sport in years to come.

P.S. - The "feud" was with the late "Breakup"....one of the greatest guys I've ever met through AZB. It was dangerous to drink beer around him - he was SOOOOOO funny he would have you snorting it out your nose every five minutes. :-)
 
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JAM said:
Well, I know I stand in the minority on this, but I think the omission of Earl Strickland is quite sad. He and Shane had the best performance at the last Cup, and Earl's percentage of winning is better than most when it comes to the Mosconi Cup. Shame, really, but that's pool for you. Here today, gone tomorrow. The fans are a fickle bunch. :o
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Jam,

He has always been an outsider with the Mosconi Cup Crew! Some real bad blood between Archer and Strickland! So, much so that they had a challenge match to settle things. Strickland won!

I think his addition was SOLELY due to the documentary! The team went south and he got caught up in the controversy. If it was not for the documentary they would not have lumped him in with the others and he would not be on the outside looking in! Plus, his previous antic's made it really hard to say he was not part of the problem with the team.

But, he is playing JAM up and I hope he gets another chance as well. His issues are MEDICAL and able to be controlled! These other guys, I don't know what their excuse is???

KD
 
I wish you and Mark well as you work towards building a team that truly wants to compete for their country and each other.



Williebetmore said:
Hey guys.......its not about me in any way, and its not about Mark Wilson. This is about the players, improving the future of American pool, and giving Matchroom a product they can get behind.

Mark has lots of great ideas; but they will be difficult to make a reality - I offered to assist (though the difference between offering and being conscripted is somewhat fine :-)). I am strictly someone who loves pool and wants to help (not riding any gravy train - am planning on footing ALL my own bills). Please be reassured that I will be unlikely to hit a single ball in the Cup - so why my name even was mentioned by Matchroom or Tommy C. I have no clue.

Mark and I work well as a team (six years writing the book, and we both serve on the board of directors of a charitable foundation - ANOTHER unpaid job for me :-)). I think I did pay for a lesson from him about ten years ago (hard to see how that is a "ton of lessons").

All issues regarding the team need to go through Matchroom (it would be best to funnel all suggestions, criticisms, and offers of financial support :-) through them), but just thought I might clarify in a single post. There is a LOT of work behind the scenes to make this a year to remember - I hope you will all give Mark the benefit of the doubt as he attempts to lay the groundwork for something that may be much better for the sport in years to come.

P.S. - The "feud" was with the late "Breakup"....one of the greatest guys I've ever met through AZB. It was dangerous to drink beer around him - he was SOOOOOO funny he would have you snorting it out your nose every five minutes. :-)
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nicksaint26 said:
I agree with most of everything you have stated but what has Shuff won lately against top competition. Why not expand the list to 10 and if MD was not a team player than cut him. You have to atleast give your best players a chance to behave and earn a spot. He is a young kid who needs some maturing sure but they could always drop him if he stirred things up. I don't like this 1 bit JMHO
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Mike Dechaine should not be involved. Too much bad blood between him and SVB!!!

SVB had to horsef__k him on TAR for all to see! I am aware of at least two other top players that hate his guts and would not P__S on him if he was on fire! literally!!! Whoop's make that 3 players! I forgot about Archer also! They had a rather public dispute.

KD
 
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