An American disgrace
- Thread starter bowiebill
- Start date
Kid,on your Point Numbers 1 through 5, I am in total agreement. I just did not want to be the one to put them in writing because some of those team members, their wives and/or girlfriends read this forum. I may see them again, so when I chose my words and put them in print, I did so gingerly to avoid any hard feelings.
In fact, I could have written quite a bit more than you on those topics, but again, I know some of these people and don't want to instigate a war behind the scenes. :embarrassed2:
As far as Point Numbers 6 and 7, you're right on the money. [Pun intended.] :smile:
The Europeans were in it to win it. The Americans were in it. That's all. They were just in it. Sure, they wanted to win, but they did not exert the effort needed to win a competition of this magnitude. I can place blame in several areas, but I won't do it, not on this public forum.
I believe Team USA is hurting enough today without being trashed on this forum.
Pathetic Shark
Banned
Can you provide more info on that please?
I don't get your point, or all the other 'they're better than us cos they got no dough' wails I keep reading. Apparently, poor people can travel all over the world playing pool and rich people can't. WTF?
Can you provide more info on that please?
I don't get your point, or all the other 'they're better than us cos they got no dough' wails I keep reading. Apparently, poor people can travel all over the world playing pool and rich people can't. WTF?
Well, you chose a good adjective for your new member name this time.
The topic has been written about on this forum ad nauseum how the Americans have no support form its organization to travel, and most sonsors don't pay American pros with money. I know you are aware of this, yet you keep flying in and out of these threads like this is the first time you've learned of this fact.
What is your next forum identity going to be? "Clueless Tadpole"?
No, Kid, do not delete. It's the truth, as hard as it may sound. I'm glad you wrote it. :wink:
#4
How would that be fair unless each player played an equal amount of matches. For example, let's just say USA won this year 11-2, but all of the match-ups were the same.
If you exclude the first team match, and only include doubles and singles. Earl played 4 matches, Morris played 5, Shane played 3, see my point?
Easy!!!
With 5 members 100% divided by 5 = 20%
0 and 4 then 0%
1 and 3 then 5%
2 and 2 then 10%
4 and 0 then 20%
What ever is left over is split based on MERIT!!!
Shane 4 and 0= 10,000
Archer 3 and 1=7,500
Hatch 2 and 2= 5,000
Earl 1 and 3= $2,500
Morris 0 and 4= $0
2,500 + 5000+ 7,500+ 10,000= 25,000 - expenses
25,000-10,000= 15,000 Bonus fund to distribute based on merit!!!
I could go on and on with variations but you get the idea!!!
KD
Just use win percentage! 100% or 70% or 30% or 10% it works all the same pay is $10,000 you either get it all or a fraction and rest goes towards expenses and bonus fund to be distributed based on merit!!!
KD
Use what ever format you want USA is still the underdog even the weakest link on the Euro team has won a world championship
1
1
Pathetic Shark
Banned
I think most players on our team are world class when they are playing full time. Too many members of our team no longer play pool full time. Not that this is any fault of theirs but they have other interests that keep them from staying on top of the game. Shane is really the only person on this years team that has put in the time and effort to stay at the top of his game. If you look at team Europe, all 5 players are putting in the work to stay on top of their game.
I would much rather see players that might not be considered "top tier" but put in the effort year round then to keep putting out people that have the potential to play better but don't because they aren't up to par because they are no longer giving 100%. I really didn't like the Rodney and Hatch picks for this years team and unless they really do something to show they deserve a spot I don't think they should be picked in the future just because they have played well in the past. Shane is an obvious pick, Johnny could be a pick if he were to put the effort in to play like we know he can play. Earl is the same way but to be honest his attitude when things are going bad brings the team down so I am not sure it would be worth a spot even if he was playing better than everyone else. I think players like Oscar and Dechane should be considered. Many younger players that people have mentioned should also be given a shot. Bartram would be a great pick as well if he were playing full time.
Since we don't have players that are traveling the world tournament circuit we need to focus on selecting players that are in tough action year round and playing all of the events that they can in the US. I like hearing people say Keith Bennett, Skyler, Oscar, Dechane, Bartram, Chip Compton, etc these players might not be world class but at least they are playing every day and getting better as opposed to not taking it as serious anymore and on the decline like most of the players on our recent teams. I just think we should pick the 5 players that deserve it for the year we are playing and not having it be a lifetime achievement selection like it seems to be, but thats the politics of pool in the USA. Its more of who you know and not what have you done lately.
I don't get your point, or all the other 'they're better than us cos they got no dough' wails I keep reading. Apparently, poor people can travel all over the world playing pool and rich people can't. WTF?
Cost of living means you can afford to make $10,000 us a year when back home everyone makes $2500!!!
You can't make $10,000 when everyone else makes $30,000 and live comfortably!!!
A job change is in order for one of these two scenarios!
Kd
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk
My Keith and I were talking about this last night, and he also agreed that a younger team for USA would be something to consider for next year, if there is one.
He mentioned a name "SKYLER," who I'm not sure who that is, but he said young guns like this have fire power and zeal. That's a good mix for Team USA.
A captain with experience doing only captain duties and not playing may also is be a good strategy.
Anyway, just thought I'd throw that name in the mix: SKYLER. Who is this kid?
Jam, Skyler Woodward is a young man from the Paducah, Ky. area. I think he just turned 20. He won't be old enough to play in the Music City open again this year. As a local player to my area I've watched him grow up into the monster player he is today. And Keith is right he has plenty of firepower with that big stroke. And he is a well seasoned tournament player cutting his teeth on the bar boxes with the likes of Joey, Chip , Shane M., Justin Hall, etc. All great young players and he is the youngest. He's also a well as a very well seasoned team event player playing in leagues with us since he was a kid. He won the TAP nationals singes last year i believe. He grew up playing in the Jr Nationals year after year with Landon Shuffet with a lot less coaching. I personally think he plays a little better than Landon now. I think he has a ton of natural ability. About 2 years ago he hit that gear that all the great players do. He also learned to be the darn good Bank player he is today in less than a year and is learning to play one pocket pretty sporty now too. He might just do very well in the DCC this year so keep an eye on him. He's usually always in action there too. Hope this helps
JAM -
Moreover, if you would look at some of my old posts BEFORE this event, I suggested other players instead of the ones picked.
I suggested both Skyler and Landon. Not for charity, but for ability.
But in fairness JAM, you were one (of many) that poo-pooed my suggestions and all who worshiped Earl, and the rest of the picks.
Wouldnt it been nice to have a new group of well behaved, great players instead of the whinny losers that were assembled? These youngsters are nothing but classy humble players. But you wanted JERRY SPRINGER and you got it.
1on1 and others mentioned that they might not be the absolute best players in the US, but let me assure you they would have done no worse.
SO FOR ALL OF YOU THAT ARE COMPLAINING OF HOW EARL AND THE OTHERS CONDUCTED THEMSELVES, LET KEN HAVE HIS MOMENT.
I TOLD YOU SO.
Ken
JAM -
Moreover, if you would look at some of my old posts BEFORE this event, I suggested other players instead of the ones picked.
I suggested both Skyler and Landon. Not for charity, but for ability.
But in fairness JAM, you were one (of many) that poo-pooed my suggestions and all who worshiped Earl, and the rest of the picks.
Wouldnt it been nice to have a new group of well behaved, great players instead of the whinny losers that were assembled? These youngsters are nothing but classy humble players. But you wanted JERRY SPRINGER and you got it.
1on1 and others mentioned that they might not be the absolute best players in the US, but let me assure you they would have done no worse.
SO FOR ALL OF YOU THAT ARE COMPLAINING OF HOW EARL AND THE OTHERS CONDUCTED THEMSELVES, LET KEN HAVE HIS MOMENT.
I TOLD YOU SO.
Ken
Ken, I am doing my best to stay out of the current HATE-AMERICAN-PRO-POOL fray, but I had no responsibility for picking this year's Team USA.
Earl Strickland was everybody's hero when he won the recent Joss tournament and then they aired "The Strickland Story." Everyone praised him. Today, he's been verbally tarred and feathered on this forum over and over and over again. Enough is enough. There's not much more one can say to put Earl down any lower than this forum has.
Out of the selections given by those at Mosconi Cup Selection Committee, I voiced my thoughts on the selectees.
If you want to pick scabs or rub salt in an American wound that is gaping right now, be my guest. I'm not going to be a party to it.
FWIW, in case you missed the HUNDREDS of posts about the topic, this year's Mosconi Cup selection was different then previous years. Willie Mosconi could have risen from the grave and there still would have been a different complement of American players.
The Champion players know who is "the real deal"
Yes, the team was correct, they just needed to be trained. I wanted to do extensive training last year, but it's tough when everyone is on all sides of the country.
The Champion players know who is "the real deal" and whom is not. Rodney and Dennis are extremely seasoned and favorites against any other American players (that weren't on this year's team)......Rodney will gamble with anyone if someone wants to put up the money......he can get staked here in Texas and I'm sure he can play in Vegas for a significant amount.
Same goes for Dennis, I would think Mike D. is the only one that may have a good game against Dennis, but his absence from the team was based on his prior year performance. He will be selected again, I'm sure he'd agree that sitting out a year was justified, if nothing else to let him get prepared.
Yes, the team was correct, they just needed to be trained. I wanted to do extensive training last year, but it's tough when everyone is on all sides of the country.
The Champion players know who is "the real deal" and whom is not. Rodney and Dennis are extremely seasoned and favorites against any other American players (that weren't on this year's team)......Rodney will gamble with anyone if someone wants to put up the money......he can get staked here in Texas and I'm sure he can play in Vegas for a significant amount.
Same goes for Dennis, I would think Mike D. is the only one that may have a good game against Dennis, but his absence from the team was based on his prior year performance. He will be selected again, I'm sure he'd agree that sitting out a year was justified, if nothing else to let him get prepared.
No, not everybody, and no not trying to rub salt anywhere.
My point for about the 100th time.
Mosconi Cup would have been a great place to showcase Americas great young players.
Would it be great to win? Sure, but IMO, the most important thing is to present pool and the United States with class.
It could be the "Olympics" for Pool, but as I said the public wanted Jerry Springer.
So many times it has been said here and other places, "Wow, what a missed opportunity for pool!"
We had a chance to bring new faces, and showcase new young talent that might have inspired other young players.
So I will say it again.... "Wow, what a missed opportunity for pool!" :angry:
Ken
PS I just read CJ's post above. He really just doesnt get it, IMO. (Maybe he gets it and I dont).
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Pathetic Shark
Banned
Surely you jest? Have you ANY idea how his behaviour is seen to those of us not wearing US 'blinders'?
At a guess I'd say you've only ever used this forum, or other pool forums. Pro pool players get a free ride on here - you just don't see it, is all.
Many people around here fall into the trap of presenting their opinion as fact. Get out into the rest of the sporting world occasionally and you'll see what I mean.