Mosconi Cup 2012 Day (4) Discussion

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DeHouser said:
I didn't have a dog in this fight, but I enjoyed watching this year's Mosconi Cup, and I watched a good deal of it.

Things I'd like to comment on:

York Hall and its 'atmosphere': Tough place to fade, but I think it's clear that the US team needs to actively train to overcome the hometown crowds. Culturally, there are some differences here, but some lessons from Philippine players on staying focused while being sharked/distracted might help. Practicing in loud bars might be useful:grin-square:

Individuality versus training as a team: It was pretty obvious to me that the European players have strategies and game plans, no doubt mapped out, coordinated, and tested. The US players looked more like several individuals playing the game. I saw little cohesion, and not much involvement from CJ Wiley (again, based on watching the stream; I wasn't there), whereas Johan was always close by. I think it's great that US players would tell each other things like, "Do what you want, I'm with you", but that suggests little actual strategy and pretty much nothing in the way of group orientation. It looked to me like the team with that strategized and practiced, as a team, won.

Bagging on Dechaine/Shuff/Hatch: I found this disappointing. Yes, these guys didn't perform to their potential, but few people, besides Archer and Melling, actually did either. Brandon looks like he has the right temperament to be a serious pool threat in short order, and Dechaine has that touch of bravado and brashness that makes him interesting to watch. The flip side of this is, Brandon needs seasoning, and Dechaine, when he crashes, does it full-on. Mike's only 25, he has time, and Shuff has nerves o' steel. Both these guys need to be supported, not thrown under the bus as soon as they miss/foul/play a questionable shot. Hatch is actually adored by the European crowds, because they need someone to hate, and Dennis steps in there admirably, albeit without quite as much crazy as Earl can bring. This was never so evident as at the end of the award ceremony this evening, when the partisan crowd began singing "In a Hatchet wonderland". Dennis dogged a few balls, but he is ok in my books, and he provides A LOT of support to the other US players.

Commentating: Normally, I like listening to Jay Helfert, but be wasn't much fun over the past few days. You know it's bad when Jim Wych seems like the objective one. I can only think that Jay's passion for the US team boiled over and turned into very vocal disappointment. He probably expected a lot of all the players, and when they didn't bring it, he let everyone know. I wish he had tempered his feelings a bit, and it would have been fine for him to let folks know he was pullin' for his boys. Co-host Andy did it about every three minutes...

Johnny Archer: I had a lot of respect for JA prior to this year's Cup, but I have even more now. I met him at a pool event in Calgary years ago, and he was polite and interested, and very approachable. He really is the very definition of what a pool could look like in North America: Dedicated, focused, gracious, and exacting. The way he bore up during the unfortunate incident involving his wife was nothing short of amazing. JA is the friggin' man, and has been for years.

Can't wait for next year's Cup!
Click to expand...
 
That was the most entertaining pool I've ever watched! I usually fall asleep watching pool, like JB said. Now I have to wait another year, unless bonus ball heats up!

Why are the pros sooo BAD at jumping? I know 50 guys in my city that jump better than these guys. One would think, if they took a little time, they would have it mastered.

Also, was Shane going to be the captain's pick instead of Archer? I didn't see him in the crowd, meaning he was probably practicing upstairs. Maybe I just missed seeing him, IDK.
 
DeHouser said:
I didn't have a dog in this fight, but I enjoyed watching this year's Mosconi Cup, and I watched a good deal of it.

Things I'd like to comment on:

York Hall and its 'atmosphere': Tough place to fade, but I think it's clear that the US team needs to actively train to overcome the hometown crowds. Culturally, there are some differences here, but some lessons from Philippine players on staying focused while being sharked/distracted might help. Practicing in loud bars might be useful:grin-square:

Individuality versus training as a team: It was pretty obvious to me that the European players have strategies and game plans, no doubt mapped out, coordinated, and tested. The US players looked more like several individuals playing the game. I saw little cohesion, and not much involvement from CJ Wiley (again, based on watching the stream; I wasn't there), whereas Johan was always close by. I think it's great that US players would tell each other things like, "Do what you want, I'm with you", but that suggests little actual strategy and pretty much nothing in the way of group orientation. It looked to me like the team with that strategized and practiced, as a team, won.

Bagging on Dechaine/Shuff/Hatch: I found this disappointing. Yes, these guys didn't perform to their potential, but few people, besides Archer and Melling, actually did either. Brandon looks like he has the right temperament to be a serious pool threat in short order, and Dechaine has that touch of bravado and brashness that makes him interesting to watch. The flip side of this is, Brandon needs seasoning, and Dechaine, when he crashes, does it full-on. Mike's only 25, he has time, and Shuff has nerves o' steel. Both these guys need to be supported, not thrown under the bus as soon as they miss/foul/play a questionable shot. Hatch is actually adored by the European crowds, because they need someone to hate, and Dennis steps in there admirably, albeit without quite as much crazy as Earl can bring. This was never so evident as at the end of the award ceremony this evening, when the partisan crowd began singing "In a Hatchet wonderland". Dennis dogged a few balls, but he is ok in my books, and he provides A LOT of support to the other US players.

Commentating: Normally, I like listening to Jay Helfert, but be wasn't much fun over the past few days. You know it's bad when Jim Wych seems like the objective one. I can only think that Jay's passion for the US team boiled over and turned into very vocal disappointment. He probably expected a lot of all the players, and when they didn't bring it, he let everyone know. I wish he had tempered his feelings a bit, and it would have been fine for him to let folks know he was pullin' for his boys. Co-host Andy did it about every three minutes...

Johnny Archer: I had a lot of respect for JA prior to this year's Cup, but I have even more now. I met him at a pool event in Calgary years ago, and he was polite and interested, and very approachable. He really is the very definition of what a pool could look like in North America: Dedicated, focused, gracious, and exacting. The way he bore up during the unfortunate incident involving his wife was nothing short of amazing. JA is the friggin' man, and has been for years.

Can't wait for next year's Cup!
Click to expand...

Very good post.
Many Regards,
Lock N Load.
 
So, it's over.
Upside - I've seen lots of awesome pool. Sir Melling, the Wild & Crazy, teasing the audience with brutal shot selection and cuepower as well as Mr Archer's sofisticated gameplan. SVB & Archer playing Scottish gave some good moments. SVB explaining where he wanted whitey. The only thing you heard was JA confirming that he got it with a simple "OK" and a few seconds later it was like you have rubbed a lamp somewhere and your wish came through.

Downside - To read all posts here on AZ where people are bashing their team and players. I bet nobody went there to lose and did their very best.

Pool have always claimed to be a bit more Rock'n Roll and here you go. Four day display of skill, luck, nerves and how hard it can be when the mental part comes into play.

PS! It's a game. Not a war.

Oh, almost forgot. The hormone comments about Michaela Tabbs and other individuals of the opposite sex. Do we really need them? Wonder when people will start posting that the guys should use tighter pants so it's possible to measure their private parts and maybe, some nipple erection after a good shot.
 
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Kev said:
I will upload a few matches within the next 24hours, keep an eye on youtube.
Click to expand...

I'm assuming you captured the streaming video. How did you do that? What software did you use? I wanted to rewatch all the matches and record them somehow.
 
DeHouser said:
I didn't have a dog in this fight, but I enjoyed watching this year's Mosconi Cup, and I watched a good deal of it.

Things I'd like to comment on:

York Hall and its 'atmosphere': Tough place to fade, but I think it's clear that the US team needs to actively train to overcome the hometown crowds. Culturally, there are some differences here, but some lessons from Philippine players on staying focused while being sharked/distracted might help. Practicing in loud bars might be useful:grin-square:

Individuality versus training as a team: It was pretty obvious to me that the European players have strategies and game plans, no doubt mapped out, coordinated, and tested. The US players looked more like several individuals playing the game. I saw little cohesion, and not much involvement from CJ Wiley (again, based on watching the stream; I wasn't there), whereas Johan was always close by. I think it's great that US players would tell each other things like, "Do what you want, I'm with you", but that suggests little actual strategy and pretty much nothing in the way of group orientation. It looked to me like the team with that strategized and practiced, as a team, won.

Bagging on Dechaine/Shuff/Hatch: I found this disappointing. Yes, these guys didn't perform to their potential, but few people, besides Archer and Melling, actually did either. Brandon looks like he has the right temperament to be a serious pool threat in short order, and Dechaine has that touch of bravado and brashness that makes him interesting to watch. The flip side of this is, Brandon needs seasoning, and Dechaine, when he crashes, does it full-on. Mike's only 25, he has time, and Shuff has nerves o' steel. Both these guys need to be supported, not thrown under the bus as soon as they miss/foul/play a questionable shot. Hatch is actually adored by the European crowds, because they need someone to hate, and Dennis steps in there admirably, albeit without quite as much crazy as Earl can bring. This was never so evident as at the end of the award ceremony this evening, when the partisan crowd began singing "In a Hatchet wonderland". Dennis dogged a few balls, but he is ok in my books, and he provides A LOT of support to the other US players.

Commentating: Normally, I like listening to Jay Helfert, but be wasn't much fun over the past few days. You know it's bad when Jim Wych seems like the objective one. I can only think that Jay's passion for the US team boiled over and turned into very vocal disappointment. He probably expected a lot of all the players, and when they didn't bring it, he let everyone know. I wish he had tempered his feelings a bit, and it would have been fine for him to let folks know he was pullin' for his boys. Co-host Andy did it about every three minutes...

Johnny Archer: I had a lot of respect for JA prior to this year's Cup, but I have even more now. I met him at a pool event in Calgary years ago, and he was polite and interested, and very approachable. He really is the very definition of what a pool could look like in North America: Dedicated, focused, gracious, and exacting. The way he bore up during the unfortunate incident involving his wife was nothing short of amazing. JA is the friggin' man, and has been for years.

Can't wait for next year's Cup!
Click to expand...

For me best post on this thread. Dead on !
 
DeHouser said:
I didn't have a dog in this fight, but I enjoyed watching this year's Mosconi Cup, and I watched a good deal of it.

Things I'd like to comment on:

York Hall and its 'atmosphere': Tough place to fade, but I think it's clear that the US team needs to actively train to overcome the hometown crowds. Culturally, there are some differences here, but some lessons from Philippine players on staying focused while being sharked/distracted might help. Practicing in loud bars might be useful:grin-square:

Individuality versus training as a team: It was pretty obvious to me that the European players have strategies and game plans, no doubt mapped out, coordinated, and tested. The US players looked more like several individuals playing the game. I saw little cohesion, and not much involvement from CJ Wiley (again, based on watching the stream; I wasn't there), whereas Johan was always close by. I think it's great that US players would tell each other things like, "Do what you want, I'm with you", but that suggests little actual strategy and pretty much nothing in the way of group orientation. It looked to me like the team with that strategized and practiced, as a team, won.

Bagging on Dechaine/Shuff/Hatch: I found this disappointing. Yes, these guys didn't perform to their potential, but few people, besides Archer and Melling, actually did either. Brandon looks like he has the right temperament to be a serious pool threat in short order, and Dechaine has that touch of bravado and brashness that makes him interesting to watch. The flip side of this is, Brandon needs seasoning, and Dechaine, when he crashes, does it full-on. Mike's only 25, he has time, and Shuff has nerves o' steel. Both these guys need to be supported, not thrown under the bus as soon as they miss/foul/play a questionable shot. Hatch is actually adored by the European crowds, because they need someone to hate, and Dennis steps in there admirably, albeit without quite as much crazy as Earl can bring. This was never so evident as at the end of the award ceremony this evening, when the partisan crowd began singing "In a Hatchet wonderland". Dennis dogged a few balls, but he is ok in my books, and he provides A LOT of support to the other US players.

Commentating: Normally, I like listening to Jay Helfert, but be wasn't much fun over the past few days. You know it's bad when Jim Wych seems like the objective one. I can only think that Jay's passion for the US team boiled over and turned into very vocal disappointment. He probably expected a lot of all the players, and when they didn't bring it, he let everyone know. I wish he had tempered his feelings a bit, and it would have been fine for him to let folks know he was pullin' for his boys. Co-host Andy did it about every three minutes...

Johnny Archer: I had a lot of respect for JA prior to this year's Cup, but I have even more now. I met him at a pool event in Calgary years ago, and he was polite and interested, and very approachable. He really is the very definition of what a pool could look like in North America: Dedicated, focused, gracious, and exacting. The way he bore up during the unfortunate incident involving his wife was nothing short of amazing. JA is the friggin' man, and has been for years.

Can't wait for next year's Cup!
Click to expand...


Perfectly put!! 5 star post!!
 
Wow, I just watched the final match of the Mosconi Cup via Espn3 replay.. It was really dreadful to watch. I can only imagine how bad Mike must feel after missing great opportunities to win every game literally. Not hating here, just an observation that's would be hard to disagree with. The score could have easily been 5-0 Dechaine if he had been playing his usual speed.

I could not believe the shots the NVB was missing as well, very uncharacteristic for such a seasoned player. He's actually one of the strong and dependable players for Team Europe.

Just goes to show that some can play under the pressure a lot better than others and and how seasoning can teach one to deal with high pressure situations. Johnny showed why he has won multiple championships.

Wish we could have seen a captains pick match for it all but it just was not in the cards. Better luck next year for our USA boys!
 
Watching the Mosconi Cup this year was a good time, and I think that the crowds actually added to the nice atmosphere. I play pool in bars, they are loud, it's ok.
The only thing that rubbed me the wrong way was the interview that Hatch did on day 4 after is match. I am not dogging him for missing anything, it's a tough environment, but really? Whining about people talking about you on the internet?
You are right, I don't know what it's like to play under that tremendous amount of pressure. I don't know how to deal with the new balls and fast cloth and thousands of watts of light bulbs shining on me, nor do I know how it is to have the whole crowd jeering me.
I do know the following things: I will never get to play a game for a living. I will most likely never get to go to London, especially paid for. I will never get the honor of representing my country in an international competition, poorly or not.
And for those reasons I reply to your comments in your interview with the following words of wisdom from Rob Tidwell to Jerry Maguire.
"Boo f@$%# Hoo"
 
I'd like to thank the 'Truck' and everybody else who posted here.
I was wifi-less for the end of the Cup.
...so I snuck out with a first edition Ipad and caught up for an hour....
...at a donut shop.

I didn't cheat, I started where I had left off at page 6.
I was sweating bullets as it got near the end....
...and felt completely drained when it ended.

That's why I started to read AZ back in 07......
...pool news as it happens

:clapping:
 
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