Mosconi Cup Team Captain
- Thread starter Black Cat 5791
- Start date
I believe that the United States team lacks in several crucial areas, first being the lack of camaraderie they share with one another. Yes imo the team doesn't form a special bond with one another and that lends to a lack of support that is crucial in this type of a format.Secondly, the team needs to be more disciplined and develop better work ethics in terms of strengthening their weaknesses whether it be in "kicking" safety play and whatever else their weaknesses may be. Finally, the team should openly believe in one another and develop a positive attitude toward one another in order for each player to perform at their highest level. Team U.S.A. are a young team that can be groomed into a great team but first they need to believe it. It's not going to happen in a year but by developing the culture it will happen.
I believe we need a coach/captain that understands the game and has a winning history, and most importantly he must be respected as a "no nonsense" type of a person that has motivational skills.
My $.02
Bill Incardona
A winning history in what? World events? The U.S. Open? DCC? Pro tournaments, in general?
I think the "no nonsense" type of coach is needed. also. Who fits that criteria?
I don't necessarily think the players are underdogs in playing skills...I think their "style", "mental game", and "attitude" towards this type of format needs some work.
I think they need to "tighten up" their games and not play so "loose". The short format means EVERY shot counts. That takes more mental work than playing by the "game". You can't just think, "I'll get even next game". You shouldn't even be thinking of "next game". You should be thinking of the shot at hand and making the best possible outcome for that shot only.
Well said, Billy.
Are you volunteering? You understand the game, have a winning history, and are widely respected, and seem like a no nonsense person when it comes to winning and losing.
People these days think of you as a one pocket expert, but around DC the old timers refer to you as 9-Ball Billie!
Jeremy jones would be the best person next up on the team he's won the open along with other major events has been on the mosconi team in years past and all his years of playing adds up to the a seasoned 9 ball veteran that has the mental fortitude to take each shot seriously and give it the proper respect every shot deserves. On top of all his 9 ball achievements he's a world class one pocket player that will use that knowledge to choose the correct shot and execute lock down safeties when the times right. I agree that this format rewards safety play n defense n kicking n getting out of safeties and I think America should consider this when choosing the future teams and Jeremy should absolutely play next year if his year was remotely close to the last few years he's had. I think America has a few players that would make great additions and it's hard to decide who to bump but I'd like to see SVB Sky berg jones n either hall Thorpe or Roberts especially if the last two have another good year. Adding the fresh guys will add some instant spark and adding jones will add instant leadership
I have been referred to as 9ball Billy in more places than DC, however, that was then and this is now. My onepocket IQ is much higher than my 9ball IQ in today's ratings (imo) but that's neither here nor there and what's really important is choosing the right coach for this young team. Jeremy Jones's name was mentioned and imo he fits the criteria needed as well as any person that I can think of and if we can convince him to coach the American team I strongly believe we will see some progress. Like I mentioned it won't happen in a year or even possibly two but the culture that I speak of will change the direction of the way things have been going, how much? hopefully enough for us to possibly be relevant again and create some noise.
I would like to coach the team in some capacity but I really don't have the time and I honestly fall short in the administrative area
..sad to say. Again, Jeremy Jones would be my pick, I like him as a player, coach, and person who imo fits the criteria of the person we need.Bill Incardona
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Heartbreaker-
Happy New Year Billy!
There are many of us who'd love to see you at the helm Billy!
While I know you're otherwise obligated, I'm happy you stated very clearly, what some of the issues are and what could be done to remedy them.
Much love to you Wincardona,
I have been referred to as 9ball Billy in more places than DC, however, that was then and this is now. My onepocket IQ is much higher than my 9ball IQ in today's ratings (imo) but that's neither here nor there and what's really important is choosing the right coach for this young team. Jeremy Jones's name was mentioned and imo he fits the criteria needed as well as any person that I can think of and if we can convince him to coach the American team I strongly believe we will see some progress. Like I mentioned it won't happen in a year or even possibly two but the culture that I speak of will change the direction of the way things have been going, how much? hopefully enough for us to possibly be relevant again and create some noise.
Bill Incardona
Happy New Year Billy!
There are many of us who'd love to see you at the helm Billy!
While I know you're otherwise obligated, I'm happy you stated very clearly, what some of the issues are and what could be done to remedy them.
Much love to you Wincardona,
Attachments
It has been a while since I last posted here at AZ. However, I was overseas visiting friends at Kadena AFB,Okinawa and during the 3 weeks I was there, I viewed the Mosconi Cup on SKY Sports Link during a break in my traveling. I have an observation, and it has a lot to do with the one point no one has made on either thread. Having played in the German Pool League(80's) with Souquet,Engert,Ortmann,Eckert,et al, and having had Mark Wilson ,along with Jerry Briesath,Scott Lee and Fran Crimi work as Coaches/Instructors for the BCA Kids Cue Camps during my time there(90's), I can say the crux of the issue is, Americans have lost their skill set on the 9 ft. pool table. Europeans(and Asians,for that matter) play exclusively on 9ft tables. 8 Ball,9 Ball, 10 Ball and Straight Pool. They train,not just hang out to score a few bucks. They adhere to standards. Something you do not have in the American niveau. With only a small handful of 9-10ft events in a year, how can you expect to compete with a season of rigorous league play by consistently improving young talent like Europe has. I appreciate Justin Bergman's game. He has a tenacity that is rare. I saw it once in Oliver Ortmann, and predicted in Pool & Billiard Magazine in 1986, he would be World Champion of 14.1. Bergman will be our star who will hoist the Mosconi Cup for Team USA, as my next prediction. No offense to Shane. I also like Sky Woodward.I watched as Billy Thorpe came to Lafayette and was deep on the waiting list,got in,and won the whole thing! Bar Box Magicians, All!! Talent we have. It will never defeat Europe until we have a professionally dedicated program and organization to make it happen. We just don't play enough big table organized pool in order to get there. Steve Mizerak and I talked a lot about that many years ago at a trade show. He was forlorn that we were letting that keep us from being a formidable international presence,even then. I had advocated for the Kids Camp to always be on 9ft tables, as was the foundation of pool in Germany. Mark Wilson is a fantastic Coach, Player,and Human Being. His accolades speak for themselves. USA Mosconi was lucky to have him at the helm. It is the system we have that is defeating us,not our players, and not our coaching. Creating a viable player system is the obstacle. Once that barricade is eliminated, America will be a force to be reckoned with...again. Thanks for your indulgence.