U.S. Chances in the Mosconi Cup

As population goes up virtually all professionals increase

No, I'm using general population in this example.

As population grows virtually all professionals increase in number, that means lawyers, doctors, carpenters, accountants, trombone players, drummers, singers, golf pros, tennis pros, and yes, even people that have the qualities to be a championship level pool professional.

Because of the current status of pool it may seem like the exception, maybe it is.....but I highly doubt it.










Grantstew said:
You mean POOL PLAYING POPULATION CJ!
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SakuJack said:
In the UK, the number of people who own their own cue and play American pool more than, say, once a fortnight, isn't even in the thousands. We probably have less than 500 "serious" players here.
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I'd guess many of those have their origins among the higher ranks of the tens of thousands of English 8-Ball and Snooker players. Guys who want more involvement in an international game.

There is big depth of quality cueists / potters in the UK imho, who can convert to 9-ball more easily say than US barbox, banks and 1-Pocket players.
 
jay helfert said:
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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I watched their pre-party competition before Black Pool last night Jay and they were all playing very well!! John Schmidt went undefeated in the singles vs his team mates in a round robin format in short races and even Nick Varner was there to play and support the team. John seemed to be in deadstroke and I know he has been playing a lot just coming off of a win vs Santos in a 1 Pkt gambling match. He has been crushing the 12 ball ghost and practicing on the diamond conditions they will be playing on, on a daily basis. All the other team mates were playing very well. I give us a good chance, but I think it will be important for us to get out to an early lead. They seem to have a great team spirit and I am looking forward to watching. If the young guys can fade the heat, I think we will do well......
 
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To the comments regarding leagues here and Europe... It's a very apples to oranges comparison...

League players in USA are VERY different from league players in Europe. Federally sanctioned leagues with established, strong oversight exist in Europe. Those leagues have national, state, regional, and city leagues... The league teams are associated with individual "pool clubs." The good teams rise up to the next highest level and the bad teams drop to lower levels each year. There is constant ebb and flow based on performance.

Right off the top of my head I can think of Souquet, Ortmann, Engert, Eckert, Melling, VanDen Berg, and Feijen, who have all been (and in some cases still are) on a German Billiards Bundesliga League squad. Some of those guys are getting paid to be on those teams.

Point being, if you're a league player in Europe (even at the lower levels) you are typically a serious player or student approaching the game as a legitimate sport. Not so much the case here in the States, where many "serious" players scoff at leagues, which I find very unfortunate.

Based on my experiences in German leagues years ago, and here in the US with the APA, I feel qualified to make these comments. Lots more members in USA, but just a different approach from the ground up.
 
markgw said:
I watched their pre-party competition before Black Pool last night Jay and they were all playing very well!! John Schmidt went undefeated in the singles vs his team mates in a round robin format in short races and even Nick Varner was there to play and support the team. John seemed to be in deadstroke and I know he has been playing a lot just coming off of a win vs Santos in a 1 Pkt gambling match. He has been crushing the 12 ball ghost and practicing on the diamond conditions they will be playing on, on a daily basis. All the other team mates were playing very well. I give us a good chance, but I think it will be important for us to get out to an early lead. They seem to have a great team spirit and I am looking forward to watching. If the young guys can fade the heat, I think we will do well......
Click to expand...

Agreed. Gotta say, I feel pretty good about John Schmidt being on the team.

With the exception of Schmidt, to me it looked like they were playing a "fast and loose" game last night. If they can play to that same level after tightening up a bit when it gets serious vs. the Euro squad, then I really like USA's chances.
 
This is really a serious issue, and needs to be addressed at some point.

That's great information, I wish it was like that here, but it's quite the contrary.

The leagues here are designed so players stay close to the same level. If a player improves too much they may even have to leave the team (because their overall score is too high). I've had captains of teams in Dallas deter players from my DVDs because it hurts the team if someone suddenly gets better.....how brutal is this for the pocket billiard economy? These players are also less likely to upgrade cues, and other equipment if there' s no incentive to get better.

This is really a serious issue, and needs to be addressed at some point. It's not likely anyone that isn't motivated to improve would want to follow the professionals. This is a problem when trying to accumulate a solid viewing audience.

TV is the only way to break through this dilemma and make the game "larger than life"......let's face it, if a sport/game isn't on TV in the USA it's probably not going to be popular.



jaetee said:
To the comments regarding leagues here and Europe... It's a very apples to oranges comparison...

League players in USA are VERY different from league players in Europe. Federally sanctioned leagues with established, strong oversight exist in Europe. Those leagues have national, state, regional, and city leagues... The league teams are associated with individual "pool clubs." The good teams rise up to the next highest level and the bad teams drop to lower levels each year. There is constant ebb and flow based on performance.

Right off the top of my head I can think of Souquet, Ortmann, Engert, Eckert, Melling, VanDen Berg, and Feijen, who have all been (and in some cases still are) on a German Billiards Bundesliga League squad. Some of those guys are getting paid to be on those teams.

Point being, if you're a league player in Europe (even at the lower levels) you are typically a serious player or student approaching the game as a legitimate sport. Not so much the case here in the States, where many "serious" players scoff at leagues, which I find very unfortunate.

Based on my experiences in German leagues years ago, and here in the US with the APA, I feel qualified to make these comments. Lots more members in USA, but just a different approach from the ground up.
Click to expand...
 
When each team marches out to the action arena where the pool table is in the Mosconi Cup, they play music. I wish Team USA would use this song as their theme ---> HERE

:dance::dance::dance::dance:
 
JAM said:
When each team marches out to the action arena where the pool table is in the Mosconi Cup, they play music. I wish Team USA would use this song as their theme ---> HERE

:dance::dance::dance::dance:
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NOT. :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::grin: Johnnyt
 
itsfroze said:
I just purchased that song 2 days ago. :D

I like it ! :thumbup:
Click to expand...

I love, love, love Bruno Mars, and I cannot wait for his new album to come out. This song is really cool! I keep listening to it over and over again. Makes me want to dance. :eek:
 
Great Post, Great Thread

jay helfert said:
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.
Click to expand...


Great post! Timely, spot on, comprehensive and accurate!
Thanks! :smile:

Will Prout
 
ibuycues said:
Great post! Timely, spot on, comprehensive and accurate!
Thanks! :smile:

Will Prout
Click to expand...

Thanks Will, getting such praise from you feels like I won a match. :thumbup:
P.S. I think you're going to like More Pool Wars. I went a little deeper on this one.
 
Well Said!

jay helfert said:
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.
Click to expand...


_________________________________

Go Team USA!!
 
More Pool Wars

jay helfert said:
Thanks Will, getting such praise from you feels like I won a match. :thumbup:
P.S. I think you're going to like More Pool Wars. I went a little deeper on this one.
Click to expand...

Jay,

There is no living human who has more knowledge of the fabulous, rich history of pool on the road
and in the pool rooms than you. Amazing first hand recall along with your research and network of friends
will make More Pool Wars a genuine must read, and I really look forward to it!

I loved your first book, Pool Wars, and recommend it to everyone! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Will Prout
 
Johnnyt said:
If the U.S needs to play thier best to keep the cup going, maybe Europe could play their worst. If the U.S wins or it is very close Europe probably gets a payday next year too. :eek:. Johnnyt
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When USA does beat the Europeans, there will be a muffled "congratulations" from the other side of the pond, coupled with many excuses from the sweaters like that as well as:

"I believe I saw them drinking some of that weasel water. Could be the difference, you know."

"We were a bit off our game".

"We didn't bring our best players. That's a load of cack."

"The 'Mericans sure didn't run out of luck this time."

"Who would have thought they improved that much?"

"Maybe that radge pot Mark Wilson fellow helped them with their mental game."

"It's obvious some bloke has been teaching them how to pot balls a bit better. I wonder if it was one of our boys?"

"If that Amir Pishdad, Jr can do that for a bunch of rabble like them, maybe we should find our own Navy Seal."

"Don't make a kerfuffle mates. Until next year, all we can do is keep each of our pecker's up."

"Aye, those wankers got the best of us this year."

"Don't worry, we won't be caught flat-footed next year cause we'll be ready for those cackers."

"Maybe we got a bit too airlocked the night before, who knows. We'll give it a go next year and put the anchors on those pints."

"Ha ha! You're not nearly as half-soaked as we thought you were."

"Better luck to us next time."

"We played like sweaty betty."

"Sure thought our hecklers would have beaten them again. Oops."

JoeyA
 
A sad state of Affairs

Its pretty Sad when this thread to get behind Team USA and talk about the guys who are going to Play gets 79 replies but the thread discussing the 3 players not going gets nearly 700 replies so far
 
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