MOSCONI CUP 2023 AZB Watch Party / Master Thread

nmh2008 said:
The cultural difference between the two teams can really be summed up in the Jayson/Albin v Shane/Tyler doubles match. When Shane pushed out to a long thin cut on the 2 ball Jayson and Albin have a great exchange where they talk about what options exist, what they think will happen if they give it back, and seem to be settling in on giving it back and letting Shane take the tough cut when Jayson suggests “or maybe we just shoot at it?”. He gives Albin the option if he wants to shoot it (even though Jayson is probably the best on the planet at shots like that) who rightly defers back to Jayson.

Contrast that with the pushout scenario in the 3rd game of that match. The Euro’s both talked about what the right push-out would be and I believe even took their extension to determine what the best angle to leave was going to be. Shane comes up and immediately shoots (had to be within 10 seconds) without so much as even looking at Tyler and ends up scratching in the corner.

Both scenarios ended up in a foul, but the difference in levels of trust and respect for your teammates is stark. This isn’t a JJ thing, this is an SVB thing
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Probably because the Europeans respect each other's skill level. It's not like a jack and jill event for them.
 
JolietJames said:
I like JJ but he needs to be in the booth.
He's not a captain imo.
I would rather see him out there advising the players than Shane though.

Also, when Fedor is out there doing his thing, stay in your F'ing chair. He does NOT need help.
All SVB did there was undercut Fedor and show a complete lack of confidence in the guy who could beat him to death on the pool table.
I'm sure he'll ask for an opinion if he is stuck.

The MC team needs a captain like Herb Brooks.
Shane doesn't play well in the cup, doesn't, and should not be an automatic pick, despite how well he plays for himself.
Even though one guy shoots at a time, this is a TEAM event.
Dogging balls and giving away points that should have been in the bag affects the other players on the team.
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Shane's interference with Fedor led to a game losing poor safety in that instance.
 
In reality the US didn’t play very well. They had several chances that they didn’t take advantage of. Also Europe got a few rolls. All of that combined leads us to the 4-0 score. It’s basically a worst case scenario for the US who needed to get off to a good start.
 
Coos Cues said:
Probably because the Europeans respect each other's skill level. It's not like a jack and jill event for them.
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To clarify, (if I may be so bold) is that the Euros respect the opinion of one another. ...and are aware that a different set of eyes will perceive the situation differently. This isn't about executing a shot, but reviewing what outcomes are the most beneficial for that shot.
 
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What are their rules for daily player selection? Today 7 slots per team, with Fedor 3x and others 1x. Could they do even more, or is 3x max per individual? Or is it just, every member must play at least 1 match, and rest is free to choose?
 
jokrswylde said:
Followed along like clock- work by those who make it a point to dump on the Americans in EVERY thread.:ROFLMAO:

I agree. No doubt the guys like and respect JJ, but at the end of the day the coach is evaluated on the teams' performance. A few years ago I remember the Johan Ruijsink and prospective team having several mini "boot camps" , as well as the entire team going to play in a tourney in Russia. I admittedly have no idea what preparation JJ has done behind the scenes, but I agree he seems to be a much better commentator than coach...
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It's a forgone conclusion Shane is gonna play like shit, not my fault
 
The_JV said:
That's Fedor's fault, not Shane's...
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It was a joint effort fail that probably wouldn't have happened without the conference. Just my opinion based on the body language, the skill level of the person being "helped" and the outcome.

A youngster like Fedor has little choice but to defer to SVB. It's SVB who should have had the wisdom to stay away.
 
The_JV said:
To clarify, (if I may be so bold) is that the Euros respect the opinion of one another. ...and are aware that a different set of eyes will perceive the situation differently. This isn't about executing a shot, but reviewing what outcomes are the most beneficial for that shot.
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Agree. Shane on the other hand treated his partner more like a child who needed guidance, not as a second perspective. Shane may be correct in this assessment but here in lies the difference between these two teams. A stark example of why Europe is better in case anyone needs one.
 
Oikawa said:
What are their rules for daily player selection? Today 7 slots per team, with Fedor 3x and others 1x. Could they do even more, or is 3x max per individual? Or is it just, every member must play at least 1 match, and rest is free to choose?
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I'm assuming they have to play all 5 players. Interesting that Europe isn't playing anyone 3X like the US is. But fully support JJ's choice here. Just have to hope Fedor is on his game today and SVB can get his head right and shake off his demons.
 
Nothing like burying Fedor on Day 1 and then sending him out there for the first 3 matches after being down 0-4. I think I'd have rather seen Shane play the 3rd singles match and send Fedor out there with either Tyler or Sky for doubles.
 
DeadStick said:
I'm assuming they have to play all 5 players. Interesting that Europe isn't playing anyone 3X like the US is. But fully support JJ's choice here. Just have to hope Fedor is on his game today and SVB can get his head right and shake off his demons.
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tough task for fedor, carrying the hope of his adopted nation while fading the hate from the european fans. i don't think it's the worst choice ever, but questionable. i probably would have fielded sky in one of those matches.
 
Coos Cues said:
It was a joint effort fail that probably wouldn't have happened without the conference. Just my opinion based on the body language, the skill level of the person being "helped" and the outcome.

A youngster like Fedor has little choice but to defer to SVB. It's SVB who should have had the wisdom to stay away.
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Maybe we should consider that Gorst called out SVB not all that long ago by calling him chicken for not gambling with him. Somehow I doubt Gorst would defer to anyone, including SVB, if he felt he had a better option. Blaming poor execution on someone providing you insight on shot choice is weak....
 
The_JV said:
Maybe we should consider that Gorst called out SVB not all that long ago by calling him chicken for not gambling with him. Somehow I doubt Gorst would defer to anyone, including SVB, if he felt he had a better option. Blaming poor execution on someone providing you insight on shot choice is weak....
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I didn't say Fedor was blaming SVB. That would in fact be weak.

But as an observer of a so called professional event I am blaming him on an internet forum.

Well within my rights as a fan. And without fans there is no sports. ;)
 
I don't ever get hung up on the "culture" or the "team building" stuff as those things are always tainted with bias. The winning team ALWAYS appears to have the culture, the camaraderie, and blah blah blah. You lose and your culture sucks. You win and magically your culture looks great. Granted I'm talking about pool here -- which is an entirely individual pursuit. Good teamwork and camaraderie makes team pool much more enjoyable but it barely moves you closer to the finish line.

The reality is -- it's not the coach, the culture, or the crowd that causes a player like SVB to play bad at the Mosconi. It's what goes on between his ears, and to a lessor extent his wonky technique that requires a more free-form approach (i.e. more time/racks). JJ should have known this by now, the fact that he doesn't means it's time to move on.
 
I'm sure Shane's embarrassed. It's shocking when someone with such a high performance standard melts and shows human vulnerability. If you've competed, you've experienced it. I certainly have. No place for him to hide. After he deflects all the rocks, he's got to pick himself up and fight the demon again. Never seen him cry in an interview because of struggles like one of his front running opponents has. I wish him the best. Good luck man.
 
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