Most of us agree that he was, at times, even beyond description. Of course he's had some highlight moments--big stroke shots, the Sands kick-win, the color of money come back. But I suspect we've all shared a sublime and delicious 20+ years of witnessing the greatest pool genius of all.
Even today, when there are more people then even immediately after the Color of Money up-tick; there's just hundreds of good players. But that's the thing that makes me a little disheartened. None move the balls like he did. And none systematically or more consistently showed me that they saw a more simple means of accomplishing a more efficient/high percentage solution.
Mark Wilson calls him a great man--and I agree. He fights like pacquiao within the match but is modesty enough to show how sever the pressure he imposes on himself to perform and perform he's done.
It actually pains me to say that he's undeniably not the certainty he was. He doesn't have the endurance he did. Father time has taken his toll. There are players whom I still like watching, but it's not the same. Shannon is smart, heady, moves the cue ball beautifully. Shane, Deuel, Schmidt, Alex...versatile players...ALL GAMES. Intelligent.
Alex has his composure, but not his pace.
Shane has his former execution, but not his pool IQ (though it's pretty close.)
Deuel is close, but I don't think he has his fortitude (but I may be ignorant).
Schmidt is great but won't fight till the last ball sometimes if he gets down on himself.
But in the end-all-be-all game of one pocket, managing multiple balls, covering balls, taking scratches, thinning off things, billiarding for safeties, playing the count, getting behind balls in close proximity--Efren was especially entertaining to watch. And his attitude was icing on the cake.
Does anyone have players they'd suggest I watch who'd be remotely as entertaining as him?
And more importantly, does anyone have any old time videos of early Efren (1995, etc).../
