I'm starting this thread partly in protest of the nonsensical thread that has been raging on here about three players who are not on the team. I prefer to support the five guys who ARE on the team and the coach who put them there. I feel that is a much better use of our time and energy.
Shane is having a banner year, winning the U.S. Open for the third straight time, overcoming a world class field of players. This alone is an unprecedented feat and one of the most amazing accomplishments I've seen in all my years in pool. He followed that up by winning the World Pool Masters (in England by the way!), and has won just about everything he's played in this year. He is the 'Player Of The Year' hands down this year! That's for starters.
I really like what Justin Bergman has done this year to earn his spot on the team as well. He has basically been on the road all year going from tournament to tournament, playing on big tables and small, and grinding out win after win. Granted these are not considered "major" tournaments, but every one has been a high profile event with strong fields of players and hefty entry fees to boot. He's won this year playing 9-Ball, Ten Ball and One Pocket. And he's handled himself well in the process, showing maturity under fire. I see him as being very well prepared for the Mosconi, thanks to his work regimen this year.
Justin Hall has stayed closer to home in Florida, only occasionally traveling to out of state events, but when he did he was right up there every time. He has been lighting it up since his big win at Tunica last year, and has become a threat to beat anyone at any game, much like Bergman. He currently has a challenge in place for anybody to come to Florida and play him! Justin is no shrinking violet, he is ready willing and able to take on all comers. This is the kind of guy you want in a situation like the Mosconi Cup. I don't expect to see him awed or cowed by the occasion.
Corey and John are the vets, both with previous Mosconi Cup experience. I see them in a mentoring capacity for the young guys, helping to prepare them for what's ahead. Both of these guys are proven champions with the track record to go with it. Both have major titles under their belt, so they know how to rise to the occasion. I look for them to be leaders this year and set the example that the other guys will follow.
And Mark Wilson is the glue that binds them all together. He is a well respected leader with the credentials to do what it takes to create a winning team. He has already done an exemplary job in putting this team together and is our first coach to be so hands-on all year in team building.
Look I may be wrong about all this, and there is no question that Europe has a powerful squad again. But somehow in my gut I like our chances. I think it's going to be a dogfight this year. I don't see Team USA wilting like we've seen in recent years. I fully expect these five guys to hang tough and make life hard on the heavily favored Euro squad.
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. Johnnyt
