Johnny Archer - Elite

Cornerman

Cornerman

Cue Author...Sometimes
Silver Member
I know there are a lot of kudos being tossed around for Johnny Archer's Mosconi Cup. Many of us have watched Johnny's entire pro career due to the fact that at some incredibly young age, he was in the 1989 World 9-ball Tournament televised on ESPN.

He also is THE link between the past greats of the new era of American pool (the switch from 14.1 to 9-ball) to today's game which now include European players.

When all of you who really haven't seen JA play before, THAT was just a sniff of how great he is and was. The man is part of the ELITE group of players that have played this game. In every aspect, he was the best player and it looked like he was a different breed of player as if he was really playing a different game. His patterns, choices, speeds, they were different than any other player.

So, when we talk about Hall of Fame players, you saw one in hall of fame mode, a mode that doesn't even look like what the other players are playing. And he's done it since the 80's!!!

Now, to put it all in perspective, people will still tell you that at his best, it's still behind Strickland, Hall, Sigel and Varner. Can you understand what I'm saying here? Elite of the Elite. And for those who missed those decades, I feel a bit bad. We fans were spoiled.

Freddie <~~~ supremely spoiled rotten
 
Amazing run.
He should be the playing captain for next years Mosconi cup!
 
Yes, his playing skill is elite.

But equally important to me is his great personality. He' got a great sense of humor, very quick-witted and friendly. He's a Southern Gentleman type...and the goatee finishes it off :smile:

He also appears to be the player most willing to do whatever it takes to promote pool. I've only been playing for one year, but I've seen countless old youtube videos in which a producer has used JA as pool's spokesperson (beginner lessons, etc). No surprise that he's a leader in Bonus Ball.
 
Maxx said:
Amazing run.
He should be the playing captain for next years Mosconi cup!
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I was thinking the same thing but then thought it was better if he wasnt distracted with those duties. He takes on many of the roles anyway. He was more influential than CJ was from my distant view this year.

However if Johnny WANTS to do it, let him.
 
Johnny Archer...the Rock.
He was my personal MVP at this Cup.
I like the way he stuck up for his team...
...and I like the way he stuck up for his family
 
Archer, yes.

Maxx said:
Amazing run.
He should be the playing captain for next years Mosconi cup!
Click to expand...

I've been saying this for a few years. He may play a bit softer than he once did, but he's still great. I gain more respect every time I watch him play.
 
Johnny is due more accolades than Chris Melling (MVP of the Mosconi Cup 2012) and not just for his coaching abilities. Archer is the complete package of an "elite" pool player.
 
Archer is the man

When Archer and Varner came through Dallas on their instructional tour a few months ago I bought a shirt from them and hey both signed it.

It's in a shadow box hanging in my pool room ;-).

Both are super nice guys and the hung out BS'd for quite a while afterwards. I recommend You guys check it out next time he hits the roads.
 
Nothing but respect

I wonder how many times a Cupper has played in 6 matches, gone undefeated and been on the losing team. Probably never...

I'd like people to not only look at his pool prowess, but note:

- Beyond his stellar play at The Cup and over the decades, what other player has unselfishly done so much to try and improve the game for all players when away from the table?

- He is a solid family man. I'm sure most of us have noticed his beautiful wife by his side at many tournaments, but sometimes even his 2 children have been present. They seem to watch him pridefully in awe.

- I've spent a little bit of time with Johnny and a few other pro's over the years. None has been more personable, generous with his time and genuine than Johnny.

- His only bad habit I'm aware of is that he drinks too much. (Mountain Dew, lol)


Great play Johnny. I wish things would have turned out differently, but whatcha gonna do..
 
Txstang1 said:
When Archer and Varner came through Dallas on their instructional tour a few months ago I bought a shirt from them and hey both signed it.

It's in a shadow box hanging in my pool room ;-).

Both are super nice guys and the hung out BS'd for quite a while afterwards. I recommend You guys check it out next time he hits the roads.
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Thanks for the plug and already thinking on another tour.
 
It really is a great feat to play consistantly at the top level for so many years. He may have not always been at the very top of the rankings but he has been very close. Juggling family, pool room and career with all that travel is a feat on its own.
 
they came thru memphis to highpockets and it was well worth the 75 mile drive we made to watch them and get beat by them. Varner put a 9 and out on me playing 1- hole lol beat me 9 to negative 1. hope they do it again soon.
 
Archer is plain and simple a good guy and an even better pool representative. I have always enjoyed watching him play.
 
metallicane said:
Archer is plain and simple a good guy and an even better pool representative. I have always enjoyed watching him play.
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I even enjoy watching him eat. At The Open this year we went to Dennys. What I saw was a first. He took a medium over egg, chopped it up. Mixed it into his grits. Then he spread it on white toast and put bacon (IIRC) on it, and made it a sandwich. Actually sounds pretty good, eh?

I've only seen Johnny get upset twice off the table. Once was when BB's name came up. The other was when they served him and had forgotten his grits.

Don't be messin with Johnny's grits!
 
I was attending this year's Mosconi, and I wish that he was chosen as the MVP. Well, every single fan and player of the European team was saying that he was by far the best of the tournament. I got to talk a little to Johnny as well. Very friendly. True class act. And this was also reflected upon the behavior of the crowd towards him. The brits were having so much respect for him (and shane, but on a smaller scale), that they were not sharking him like D or Mike. In fact, they were cheering for him a lot.

It was a pleasure watching them play. And JA is the best ambassador of the sport.
 
JoeyA said:
Johnny is due more accolades than Chris Melling (MVP of the Mosconi Cup 2012) and not just for his coaching abilities. Archer is the complete package of an "elite" pool player.
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That's downplaying the results. Best player on the best team is the only mvp. Archer was a leader but I can't call the best player on a losing team the mvp of the cup. Just don't feel right.
 
mikeyfrost said:
That's downplaying the results. Best player on the best team is the only mvp. Archer was a leader but I can't call the best player on a losing team the mvp of the cup. Just don't feel right.
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It's happened only once before in the NBA and NFL it looks like.

But to me it makes sense. If a player does something outstanding and takes a team from dead in the water to a near win, he's really accomplished something. His task is arguably harder than a guy who simply cements the lead for the front runners. If someone on the losing team literally missed zero balls, he deserves it.

I didn't keep track, did johnny miss anything?
 
Consider this as a measure of this man's skill, style, demeanor, and personality: you almost never hear a bad word about him on this forum. How many topics or players could you name where AZB'ers are in almost universal agreement? The only other one I can think of is Efren. Pretty rare.
 
I said this in another thread, but I think the following team would have the best chance of beating Europe. I think these guys should be sent regardless of points: SVB, Archer, Deuel, Earl, Morris- I think they would be an even bet or maybe even favorites
 
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