Imagine the state of pool in the U.S. if Shane chose a different occupation.
He set the bar for all players under him, he's elevated their game, not another has achieved his level.
There is Shane on the perch and the others are looking up.
Everyone trying to take him down, hoping to be mentioned in the same sentence as an equal, the same level, wanting to be the next Shane.
News bulletin, they're not.
I'm not impressed easily, pocketing balls and running a few racks doesn't impress me.
What impresses me about Shane is his Mental Fortitude, desire and passion, work ethic, ability to withstand mental and physical distraction, creative thinker, safety and kicking game.
Sustaining focus and concentration, maintaining tunnel vision for the task at hand.
A champions champion, they don't come around everyday.
When I look at the players under Shane I say "eh'', I can turn the channel, not impressed.
Yes they can turn in a great performance, day in and day out, not impressive to me.
They play well, but they aren't standing on top of the mountain.
Imagine pool in the U.S the last 15 years with our # 2-10 ranked players as our best, no Shane.
I'm not a Shane lover, hugger, hater, been around the game my entire life, I love pool/billiards/
Imagine the state of pool in the U.S. without Shane to chase.
Where would the bar be set by players under Shane? I say very attainable by quite a few.
None have matched the bar set by Shane, or come close.