Thanks to AZB and the BCA

truefan · Jan 17, 2012

Did you guys see this story? http://www.azbilliards.com/2000storya.php?storynum=9647

It seems to me to be pretty good news. The BCA launches a program to help fund pro pool and AZB jumped right in there and donated their money to help. Everyone here is so eager to bash folks all the time, anybody else think the BCA and AZB and Simonis and Tweeten deserve a hearty ATTABOY!?:grin:

The Renfro · Jan 17, 2012

About time!!!! I would love to hear the specifics of the plan.

I may have to lay off the BCA bashing if they actually make an effort to cultivate professional pool. I would think a National model like done in European countries would be doable but it will be a monumental task......

Jerry Forsyth · Jan 17, 2012

All of the specifics of the plan are discussed in an article on the right hand side of the front page titled "2012 Official Contributor to International Competition Opportunity Overview". It is a great chance for those of us who believe in pro pool to step up and be counted.

EZMoney · Jan 17, 2012

great news

This will help level the playing field.
TATABOY! WAY TO MANIPULATION

pro9dg · Jan 17, 2012

This has got to be the best news for American players in decades.

But this thread has been up for over three hours already and it can only run to a couple of responses. Come on - show some enthusiasm or the BCA might think twice about this commitment.

bflgvs · Jan 17, 2012

ATTABOY for all involved!!

See the snip below from the article referenced by the OP.

"AZBilliards has become one of the very first companies to enroll in the BCA initiative as an 'Official Contributor to International Competition.' AZBilliards joins Simonis Billiard Cloth and Tweeten Fibre (Master Chalk) as Charter Members of this aspirational group."

from AZB.:clapping:

Gerry S

Mark Griffin · Jan 17, 2012

Bca fund

Bump.

CSI has also committed $1,000 towards the BCA goal.
Please see press release in news column on front page.

This compliments what CSI as been preaching for a long time.
Who else will step forward?

Mark Griffin

sjm · Jan 17, 2012

This seems to be a great moment for our sport. American pros have had the deck stacked against them for too long. Reduced opportunity to compete in the most elite events has really taken its toll on American pool, and perhaps this is the dawning of a new age.

Seeing the BCA stepping up to the plate like this is exciting. Once I learn a little more about this initiative, and I expect to accomplish this at Derby City, I have every intention of making a significant contribution to this effort.

pooladdiction · Jan 17, 2012

I hope I'm missing something. All I see is providing travel funds to American players to events that we probably can't watch so who cares. The only thing I care about is getting a legitimate pro tour started here. I couldn't care less if Americans don't compete overseas at all.

pt109 · Jan 17, 2012

pro9dg said:
This has got to be the best news for American players in decades.

But this thread has been up for over three hours already and it can only run to a couple of responses. Come on - show some enthusiasm or the BCA might think twice about this commitment.

Ya vant enthusiasm?....enthusiasm ya got!:rotflmao::happydance::woot::dance:

k::joyful::clapping::wave3::wave2::wave:

storke · Jan 18, 2012

So look me in the eye and tell me the best thing we can do considering the current state of professional pool in america is to send these players internationally.

pro9dg · Jan 18, 2012

pt109 said:
Ya vant enthusiasm?....enthusiasm ya got!:rotflmao::happydance::woot::dance:k::joyful::clapping::wave3::wave2::wave:

Very good! But the fact remains is that 14 hours later you only have 9 responses to the thread. Come on America.

pro9dg · Jan 18, 2012

storke said:
So look me in the eye and tell me the best thing we can do considering the current state of professional pool in america is to send these players internationally.

I can look you in the eye and say it is not enough. But it is a good start. America has some good players - Mike Dechaine, Brandon Shuff and Hunter Lombardo - whole could fly your flag higher with a sustained bout of international competition. I am sure they won't be refusing the opportunity.

West Point 1987 · Jan 18, 2012

Until Americans start winning these big Euro/Asian tournaments, we won't be considered the best pool players again. The big money (not just prize money, but sponsor/industry money, too) is over there where the recognized best players are playing. Our guys have to go take that reputation/recognition back. Hell, we're not even winning the U.S. Open anymore! With more exposure, we'll also learn a thing or to about how to attract money and run a real tour, totally synchronized with the amateur levels of the sport. Then, the money will chase our guys back here to where the sport belongs and you'll end up with a viable, credible, universally recognized pro tour that's marketable world-wide. This isn't the best we can do, it's about the only thing we can do.

Carolina Blue · Jan 18, 2012

Thanks to the BCA! I had thought they had abandoned the game forever in search of sales that continually went away as the game went away. Now I think they have a clue. Make the game more popular! YEESSS!

THAT just might work!

justadub · Jan 18, 2012

West Point 1987 said:
Until Americans start winning these big Euro/Asian tournaments, we won't be considered the best pool players again. The big money (not just prize money, but sponsor/industry money, too) is over there where the recognized best players are playing. Our guys have to go take that reputation/recognition back. Hell, we're not even winning the U.S. Open anymore! With more exposure, we'll also learn a thing or to about how to attract money and run a real tour, totally synchronized with the amateur levels of the sport. Then, the money will chase our guys back here to where the sport belongs and you'll end up with a viable, credible, universally recognized pro tour that's marketable world-wide. This isn't the best we can do, it's about the only thing we can do.

100% spot on!

Perfectly stated.

storke · Jan 18, 2012

I hate to break it to you but we dont currently have the best players in the world anymore. Having them compete internationally isnt going to change that. The reasons for this vary but basically comes down to very little incentive for American players. How many players here are willing to put the same amount of work into their game as Shane is. Sending them to play abroad isnt going to change that.

bflgvs · Jan 18, 2012

I don't believe that we can have the pro pool scene reappear here just with a snap of our fingers. I believe that it has to be taken one step at a time. With this in mind, a plan should be formulated for this to happen. And for a plan to be formulated a core group needs to be established for just this purponse. .....:idea:

Gerry S

KoolKat9Lives · Jan 18, 2012

If I were a pro player being granted travel funds I sure as heck would bear down, prepare and want to perform my best. Knowing you've been backed is a natural motivator.

I look forward to this helping the US players improve. Thanks to those supporting this endeavor!

Mark Griffin · Jan 18, 2012

Bca supporting players

Bump-

Not much input on ths folks.
Make some noise!!!

Mark Griffin

Thanks to AZB and the BCA

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