So, I need confidence AND humility. I appreciate the psychological evaluation.Confidence isn't his problem. Learning to be humble is.
Jmo
You need both!
So, I need confidence AND humility. I appreciate the psychological evaluation.Confidence isn't his problem. Learning to be humble is.
Jmo
You need both!
Wow! I guess you got me there. BTY, who the fuk is Petri Makkonen?
Wow! I guess you got me there. BTY, who the fuk is Petri Makkonen?
Well, Ralph IS an all-time great player. Mike is not in the same class. When Mike quit 7 or 8 years ago, in his prime, he was as good as he will ever be. I say that based on my experience following pool players for 50+ years. He wasted his prime years (as far as pool is concerned) and he will not get them back. He will find 9 ball has moved on without him. He could still dominate regional tournaments but I just can`t see him being a factor in international events.he won the world cup of pool with finland. very good player.
before makkonen, ralf beat masioka, the nr 2 japanese
Depends a lot on how much he has played locally. If he hasn’t been playing or his competition has been really weak or his game is just screwing around, he will have troubles. I think age wise, he can still do it. He will need to have early success and they will be gunning for him. His peak can still be reached and plus some but the window is closing.Well, Ralph IS an all-time great player. Mike is not in the same class. When Mike quit 7 or 8 years ago, in his prime, he was as good as he will ever be. I say that based on my experience following pool players for 50+ years. He wasted his prime years (as far as pool is concerned) and he will not get them back. He will find 9 ball has moved on without him. He could still dominate regional tournaments but I just can`t see him being a factor in international events.
Let's set the record straight. He was drilled online for telling Ernesto and Oscar (during a heated exchange after a loss) they needed to go back to Mexico and sell burritos. He was an asshole 8 years ago but we've all done/said things in our youth we aren't proud of and wouldn't do today. Hopefully he's matured. Making amends with Ernesto and Oscar would be a good start to his comeback, but I didn't see it on his to-do list.I wish Mike Dechaine the best on his pool journey.
At one Mosconi Cup, it seemed he had a chip on his shoulder and did not get along with his fellow Mosconi Cup members on Team USA. It was very noticeable and folks commented about it. Of course, I'm not sure what was going on behind the scenes, but Mike did not seem happy shooting pool at that time.
Also, sadly, he was cyberbullied online by those who did not like him with cruel words and memes.
I'm hoping he's gained a sense of maturity and will be all that he can be today. He's now 37 years old. I met him in 2004 on the Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour. A friend from Maine told me that this kid, Mike Dechaine, is the real deal and that he's strong. I remember seeing him at various events. Here's a photo from 2004. I guess he was 17 here.
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I never heard about that incident- quite poor behavior on his part. Seems like he has matured somewhat thoughLet's set the record straight. He was drilled online for telling Ernesto and Oscar (during a heated exchange after a loss) they needed to go back to Mexico and sell burritos. He was an asshole 8 years ago but we've all done/said thing in our youth we aren't proud of and wouldn't do today. Hopefully he's matured. Making amends with Ernesto and Oscar would be a good start to his comeback, but I didn't see it on his to-do list.
I hope so.I never heard about that incident- quite poor behavior on his part. Seems like he has matured somewhat though
It's one thing if he just said that out of the blue, it's another if they were in a heated argument. If I was in the pool room and they were arguing I'd laugh and so would most of you.Let's set the record straight. He was drilled online for telling Ernesto and Oscar (during a heated exchange after a loss) they needed to go back to Mexico and sell burritos. He was an asshole 8 years ago but we've all done/said thing in our youth we aren't proud of and wouldn't do today. Hopefully he's matured. Making amends with Ernesto and Oscar would be a good start to his comeback, but I didn't see it on his to-do list.
We are all virtual signalers on this forum!It's one thing if he just said that out of the blue, it's another if they were in a heated argument. If I was in the pool room and they were arguing I'd laugh and so would most of you.
Now let's see all the virtual signalers chime in
Heated argument post match. I can't recall which event it was. I think it was at the Chuck Markulis Memorial or Turning Stone.It's one thing if he just said that out of the blue, it's another if they were in a heated argument. If I was in the pool room and they were arguing I'd laugh and so would most of you.
Now let's see all the virtual signalers chime in
I never heard all of the details but assuming you’re accurate, that is something I’m sure he would want to forget. If I understand correctly he got away from pool and alcohol at the same time? Correct me if I’m wrong. I don’t follow everything everyone does 24-7. He who has no sins cast the first stone. I know I’ve regretted saying a few things in my youth, under the influence and in competitive situations. The internet is a brutal environment for the young. I’m thankful for being old enough to not have to be subjected to reliving every bad decision I made in life… online forever. 6th grade haircut was bad enough! So I suggest we give the man a second chance and I agree a public apology would go a long way if warranted. That’s my take I hope many agree.Heated argument post match. I can't recall which event it was. I think it was at the Chuck Markulis Memorial or Turning Stone.
MD is an excellent position player. I think his attitude has mellowed with a few years of age so that should not be a problem for him. Mikes talent is he can roll whitey much like Corey Duell,(ie: get a little creative),and still come out with very good position.Sounds like he's ready to mix it up occasionally in some big events with the big boys. Hence, Mosconi discussions are pointless, as that's for full-time players.
At least when he enters Matchroom events, he will find a game that will be a little unrecognizable to him. Neutral racker, four-inch pockets, nine on the spot on the break with use of a break box, will all be new territory for him. Mike was a similar player to SVB in that his formula for winning was having an elite break and sitting down opponents for racks at a time. The formula for winning has changed in Matchroom events, and players have to grind (defense, kicking, jumping, two-way shots) more than ever before. Whether this will suit Mike is to be determined.
Still, Mike is a special talent and it is good news that he is returning. Wishing him every possible success.