New MC cup captain team USA

[BRussell]

This is not accurate. Mosconi hopefuls made special trips individually to see Mark in St Louis, including, I seem to recall, some training time spent as his Lindenwood College pool facilities.

If Johann doesn't come until October to teach, the focus should move to the 2018 Mosconi, for maybe next year is the one in which Americans will be taught how to develop the skills in which they show deficiency in Mosconi after Mosconi.

If you're right, Johann is far more of a figure head than a coach. My guess is that you are wrong.

Only a couple of them did that, and then only for a day or two. I don't recall SVB doing more than the absolute bare minimum of Mark's team exercises and exhibitions.

I don't think you can hold Johann to this high standard of a long-term coach working day-in day-out on drills and the like, when previous captains have not done that. Mark Wilson did the most for sure, but even that was very little (through no fault of his own), and he was fired. If your argument is that Johann can't be USA captain because he can't spend the time needed with the players, that's a double standard.

 

[BJTyler]

If we're going to start allowing people who don't otherwise qualify to be a member of the team (namely non citizens) to become the team "captain", can we at least change the title from "non-playing captain" to "Coach" or "manager".

In most other sports/competitions, the "team Captain" (playing or otherwise) is typically a member of the team and meets all other eligibility requirement of that team. The obvious examples that come to mind include, Davis Cup, Ryder Cup, Football (American & ROW)....and the Mosconi Cup...at least until 2017.

 

[Icon of Sin]

I think this is a horrible idea and a lose lose situation for the US.

If US wins it's because we had Europe's help.

If US loses not even Europe could help them.

I understand the Mosconi Cup is owned by Matchroom, but at least make the US pick a US Captain. Id rather lose that way then win with a European team Captain the the US Team.

 

[Island Drive]

Points are well made, but if you asked me a year ago who would be on Team USA, I'd have said SVB, Mike D and Justin B for certain and any two of Skyler, Rodney Morris, Oscar Dominguez, Justin Hall and Shawn Wilkie. That's just eight guys I feel Coach Wilson could have and should have started working with even in January 2016. He tried something like that in 2014, picking eight guys in the winter and later reducing the team down to five.

Johann has the same opportunity and needs to begin the training process immediately if he hopes to put a dent in the skills gap by December. The composition of the team doesn't change much from year to year, and that's true of both Team USA and Team Europe.

As for meeting you, I hope the day comes. Keep me advised of when you're attending a pro pool event and we'll find a way.

Roger that, I'm actually going to the Swanee, for many reasons next month, doing my road work and prep for the coming year, don't have many great playing years left, once past 70 it can't get any easier. Was proud of myself at Four Bears recently, puttin' Josh Roberts into the losers bracket 7-2. Boy are his fundamentals and his stroke pretty to watch. He locks in to the shot nicely when he's down and done before pullin' the trigger.

Obviously he saw this old man and assumed.

I might hit the Open this year, 16-24 the two times I entered, tho the field, across the board seems tougher than the 90's, even tho they were ALL there.

Watching TKO deliver the FLA knock out against Archer in the finals at Chesapeake, was my favorite match of all time as a spectator. Got goose bumps watching that final.

Last time I was there we played along side the gals....then they separated playing alongside the men....for good....following that event.
Your face looks familiar.
Barry put out a wonderful spread for us all, after the event, players only.

BM

 

[sjm]

Only a couple of them did that, and then only for a day or two. I don't recall SVB doing more than the absolute bare minimum of Mark's team exercises and exhibitions.

I don't think you can hold Johann to this high standard of a long-term coach working day-in day-out on drills and the like, when previous captains have not done that. Mark Wilson did the most for sure, but even that was very little (through no fault of his own), and he was fired. If your argument is that Johann can't be USA captain because he can't spend the time needed with the players, that's a double standard.

Interesting post. If training isn't the thing, perhaps it's time to move away from having instructors/coaches running the teams. Let's return to having retired players honored as was the case in the past.

Oh, wait! There was somebody who offered to invest heavy hours in training team USA to bridge the vast gaps in skills between themselves and Team Europe, but if you're right about the very minor role Johann will be asked to play, then someone of Matchroom has rejected the best opportunity to revive American efforts at the Mosconi.

My guess is that Matchroom expects more than the bare minimum of Johann, but we shall see.

 

[GB Basher]

Only a couple of them did that, and then only for a day or two. I don't recall SVB doing more than the absolute bare minimum of Mark's team exercises and exhibitions.

I don't think you can hold Johann to this high standard of a long-term coach working day-in day-out on drills and the like, when previous captains have not done that. Mark Wilson did the most for sure, but even that was very little (through no fault of his own), and he was fired. If your argument is that Johann can't be USA captain because he can't spend the time needed with the players, that's a double standard.

I think Johan should be held to high standards.
Yes. previous haven't worked regularly with the players.....and look that the results.
Now is the time to start addressing the issues, and regularly, not once in a while and now starting a few weeks before the event. That hasn't worked.

 

[lfigueroa]

If you head over to the aiming forum there might be someone there that can suggest an aiming system to help you better target the point...

I wouldn't do that if I were you.

Wilson went all Travis Bickle over there and the place is buttoned up tighter than... well, you know.

Lou Figueroa

 

[lfigueroa]

...you are bunch of narrowminded egoistic ignorant crybabies who think that "america is simple the best".

yup.

Lou Figueroa

 

[lfigueroa]

I think this is a horrible idea and a lose lose situation for the US.

If US wins it's because we had Europe's help.

If US loses not even Europe could help them.

I understand the Mosconi Cup is owned by Matchroom, but at least make the US pick a US Captain. Id rather lose that way then win with a European team Captain the the US Team.

You make far too much sense.

Matchroom is looking at this through a European prism. They don't get that we'd rather swallow razor blades and go down another year *with a USA coach,* than eat Nutella.

Lou Figueroa

 

[Colormegone2002]

yup.

Lou Figueroa

I'm not narrow minded imo, but things should stay the way they have always been,

US team US coach and vice-versa.I don't have any dislike for Johann. He was a

great coach or captain or whatever one would call him. We have plenty to chose

from here in the states and that's the way it should stay. If Matchroom wants to run

their event like this,it's up to them but win,lose or not, I'll just choose not to watch

the MC this year and that's the only way I know to protest this.

PS, I'm not anti-Europe either,they have a great group of players

 

[Island Drive]

Interesting post. If training isn't the thing, perhaps it's time to move away from having instructors/coaches running the teams. Let's return to having retired players honored as was the case in the past.

Oh, wait! There was somebody who offered to invest heavy hours in training team USA to bridge the vast gaps in skills between themselves and Team Europe, but if you're right about the very minor role Johann will be asked to play, then someone of Matchroom has rejected the best opportunity to revive American efforts at the Mosconi.

My guess is that Matchroom expects more than the bare minimum of Johann, but we shall see.

I mentioned awhile back, I thought it would be cool, if each team had to pick one retired pro as a player. That added extra could only help the venue. I sure the US and Europe and the viewers would enjoy that.

 

[sjm]

I mentioned awhile back, I thought it would be cool, if each team had to pick one retired pro as a player. That added extra could only help the venue. I sure the US and Europe and the viewers would enjoy that.

Nice idea.

Sad to say, I won't be at the Swanee, though I knew and liked Jay Swanson.

Will you be at the US Open 9-ball in Virginia or the Mosconi in Vegas? If so, we'll arrange to meet.

 

[jay helfert]

Nice idea.

Sad to say, I won't be at the Swanee, though I knew and liked Jay Swanson.

Will you be at the US Open 9-ball in Virginia or the Mosconi in Vegas? If so, we'll arrange to meet.

Stu, Big Bill is a helluva guy and damn good player! He's pretty smart about this racket too. I saw him play in the late 70's and ducked him when we crossed paths in L.A.. That's just my style though. I never needed to play any top players. There were too many fish out there then.

 

[Island Drive]

Nice idea.

Sad to say, I won't be at the Swanee, though I knew and liked Jay Swanson.

Will you be at the US Open 9-ball in Virginia or the Mosconi in Vegas? If so, we'll arrange to meet.

I most likely will, one more time this fall looks good, my road work and game should be in good order by then. I'm easy to spot, I'm an inch taller than the Bowmeister. :grin: Jay you going to Swanee??? You should visit me, there's a bank game close by that's flu$h. When I say game I mean one guy, 1/2 our age.

 

[jay helfert]

I most likely will, one more time this fall looks good, my road work and game should be in good order by then. I'm easy to spot, I'm an inch taller than the Bowmeister. :grin: Jay you going to Swanee??? You should visit me, there's a bank game close by that's flu$h. When I say game I mean one guy, 1/2 our age.

Yep, I plan on going. I sure did love that big guy and what a sweet stroke he had. Swanee was a big lovable teddy bear of a guy but on the table he was like the Blob wiping up all the balls and making them disappear. :grin:

 

[BRussell]

Forgive me if this was posted earlier. If it was I didn't see it. But I think there's some news in this Billiards Digest article:

According to Matchroom, Ruijsink will get to hand pick his five-player team, so long as each player is ranked in the top 10 in Mosconi Cup points in 2017. Additionally, Ruijsink plans to travel to the U.S. several times during the year to meet with and observe potential team members.

Ruijsink’s first decision was selecting Archer as his vice-captian.

Two pieces of news:
1. He gets to pick the team from the top 10 in points, instead of using the top 3 plus the coaches picks.
2. He has picked Johnny Archer as vice-captain.

I hadn't heard either of those before.

 

[JAM]

Forgive me if this was posted earlier. If it was I didn't see it. But I think there's some news in this Billiards Digest article:



Two pieces of news:
1. He gets to pick the team from the top 10 in points, instead of using the top 3 plus the coaches picks.
2. He has picked Johnny Archer as vice-captain.

I hadn't heard either of those before.

I hope Johnny Archer, if he takes his family, devotes his time to the team. The last time he went to Vegas for the Mosconi Cup as Captain, it seemed like it was difficult for Johnny to concentrate on the entire proceedings. In fact, I hope he goes alone to Vegas.

 

[JoeyA]

Johnny Archer's pick as vice-captain of the USA Mosconi Cup Team should put a damper on the dislike for a European Captain from some.

JoeyA

Forgive me if this was posted earlier. If it was I didn't see it. But I think there's some news in this Billiards Digest article:



Two pieces of news:
1. He gets to pick the team from the top 10 in points, instead of using the top 3 plus the coaches picks.
2. He has picked Johnny Archer as vice-captain.

I hadn't heard either of those before.

 

[JAM]

Johnny Archer's pick as vice-captain of the USA Mosconi Cup Team should put a damper on the dislike for a European Captain from some.

JoeyA

Personally, I don't care for this choice, but my opinion really doesn't matter.

Some Americans look at the Mosconi Cup as if it's a free jelly roll and that they're on vacation. Win or lose, they come home with some cheese. I think the last time, Johnny's children may have been a distraction to him when they were running up and down the aisles in the stands, coming up to him and speaking to him while he's in the heat of the battle.

I would rather see someone with a little more hunger to win as the co-captain with Johann.

Sorry, Johnny, if you're reading this. I hope you prove me wrong.

 

[xplor]

The Mosconi Cup is just a show. You notice they call it an event.
It is a way for the Hearn firm to make money.
Every one gets paid. The players are doing a star turn, so you pick the ones that draw the most eyeballs.
If it were me I would pick Keith McCready for captain and give him a stack of 8by 10 glossies to sign.
Can't miss.