New Jersey's Danny Basavich Wins Big in Reno!

[JAM]

When I read the headlines on AzBilliard Home page, I was excited to see Danny "Kid Delicious" Basavich of New Jersey score a big one! He must be on Cloud Nine! What a great, great win for Danny!

Several years ago, I got a chance to meet Danny's father in New York City, and he discussed his feelings about Danny's pursuit of becoming a professional pool player with concern, as any parent would. He recognized the money-making opportunities in pool weren't as abundant as other professions, but is very supportive when it comes to Danny pursuing his dreams. His dad must be proud as punch to see Danny shine in Reno!

Danny has worked hard over the years, traveled the road circuit cross-country, and decided to exert his efforts in professional pool, and it is now paying off handsomely. Danny also won the $25,000-added Joss Tour Season Finale in Portland, Maine, earlier this year. I've always had a special place in my heart for Danny, reminding me of a dear friend who passed away earlier this year, "Geese." Danny plays hard, and when he loses, he takes his lumps like a man, and when he wins, he is a gracious winner!

Pittsburgh Steel recognized a specialness in Danny and sponsored him, enabling him to attend events he otherwise may not have been able to afford. Bravo to Pittsburgh Steel for allowing him to continue his quest!

Congratulations to Kid Delicious. I'm tickled pink to see him win BIG at the Reno Open! And in TRUE DOUBLE ELIMINATION FORMAT to boot!

Danny, as depicted below, loves his music!

JAM

 

[azhousepro]

And look for a special feature article on Danny in an upcoming issue of Sports Illustrated. Things really seem to be looking up for Danny lately.

Mike

 

[recoveryjones]

Any idea what the prize payout was for the top three?

 

[azhousepro]

$12,000
$5,500
$3,500

Mike

Any idea what the prize payout was for the top three?

 

[JAM]

Any idea what the prize payout was for the top three?

RJ, I'm always curious to know the payouts as well.

One GOOD thing about the advent of the Internet is the pool media, much like AzBilliards website. The Home page of AzBilliards.com usually provides much of the info under the Main Event or Latest News sections, if they're provided the details in a timely manner.

The print media, like InsidePOOL, Billiards Digest, Pool and Billiards Magazine, and The National Billiard News, to name a few, have websites disseminating up-to-date results. When the publications come out, I always enjoy reading about a tournament that I may have missed. I've gotta say, with an effort to be politically correct, that all of them do a fine service to a pool enthusiast like myself. Each one has a distinct personality, some favoring pool players of all caliber and others doing an excellent job of representing the industry side of the house. I've got my favorite(s), like I'm sure most of you all do!

I feel fortunate to be able to READ ALL ABOUT IT on discussion forums like this. In general, the folks around here are pretty cool, and I've made some friends along the way. It is one of the few forums I enjoy, easy to log-in with ONE click of a mouse, and I look forward reading about what's happening in the pool world right here every morning with my coffee!

JAM

 

[SSach]

Congrats Danny

Jam great pics and coverage as always....

Very happy as well to see Danny win. I have been watching him for a while now and it is awesome to see things working his way.

 

[JAM]

Jam great pics and coverage as always....

Very happy as well to see Danny win. I have been watching him for a while now and it is awesome to see things working his way.

Danny has a special quality about him when he's in action, whether tournament play or games of stake. He is always a gentleman player. I've never seen him exhibit temper tantrums, even though there have been occasions where he was taunted by a disgruntled opponent or two. He maintains his focus and is a professional, first and foremost.

To the fans, he never hesitates to make himself available and does so with charm. When he engages in conversation, he gives you his undivided attention. He's worked hard to get where he's at, and I'm really happy to see him in the winner's circle at the Reno Open this year.

Mr. Kid Delicious has definitely got charisma and personality-plus. I am anxious to read the upcoming Sports Illustrated article.

I'm wondering, did Danny let out his infamous King Kong roar after he sunk the case ball in for the win?

Here's my favorite picture of the New Generation player, making his long overdue mark in a new tournament-inclined frontier, and a veteran Road Warrior who is hanging in there, for better or for worse, because of a strong passion for the game. Kid Delicious and Earthquake!

JAM

 

[sniper]

Is there any chance of getting the complete payouts Mike.....pleeaassee!

Congratulations to Danny who seems to be one of the most colorful not to mention likeable personalities in the business today, I'm looking forward to the SI article as well.

 

[azhousepro]

I am waiting on complete payouts myself. I will post them as soon as I get them.

Mike

 

[JustPlay]

And look for a special feature article on Danny in an upcoming issue of Sports Illustrated. Things really seem to be looking up for Danny lately.

Mike

What is so special about Danny Basavich, that SI is doing a story on him. Look forward to seeing that issue.....

 

[SSach]

What is so special about Danny

Well Danny is 26 years old and has an impressive resume for a pool playr already. His eyes open when he tells a road story and he is just a likeable guy.

Most professional that are at the top of their sport have scarificed alot to get where they are and Danny has done his time and probably has some great stories to share.

In pool the course is extremely difficult for someone wanting to tour a pro circuit. I am sure many will enjoy reading about a guy that is not in it for the money but for the love of the game (although the 12K win put a nice smile on his face).

In a time when baseball players and basketball players are crying for the extra million in their contract, we have another group of people that put up their own cash (in most cases) and play for a simple quest to be the best.

 

[drivermaker]

Was the 30 minute shot clock in force for the finals?

 

[bud green]

Danny is a very charismatic guy who has a fun, positive attitude. He's quickly becoming one of worlds' best players.

When introduced in Reno, they mentioned he would be in an SI issue coming up.

"Yeah... the swimsuit issue!" Danny says while rubbing his belly.

 

[justnick]

payouts and results

http://www.usppa.com/RenoOpen1204.htm

 

[sjm]

Danny's a very special guy who rubs everybody the right way. I'm sure this was a very popular win.

 

[Nostroke]

Danny is the best. Even the southern rednecks who hate us damn yankees like Danny and there is no one more NY than him. His accent is a thing of beauty 1/3rd ethnic, 1/3rd Jersey and 1/3rd Brooklyn with a voice that complements all 3.

As fas as his speed of play. I heard him say at the Grand Central Tournament, that he wants to be number one and to be number one, you have to play fast. I don't know what his logic is there but he did play fast til things got down to the wire, then as many will when under the gun he danced with the babe he brought to the dance. (mixed metaphor anyone?)

Interesting that someone said he wasnt interested in the money- that used to be his main goal. One year he was in VA. a couple of weeks before the Open gambling but when the players started to arrive he left, not wanting to show his current game to all and certainly not the least bit interested in entering the US Open.

 

[cardiac kid]

Hi Folks,

I can truely say that I'm just as excited about "The Kid" winning in Reno as I was for Mike Davis a year ago. Danny is one special person. I am proud to say that Danny tells people I torture him on the table. Those of you who have visited Classic Billiards West have seen the picture of Danny with Alain Martel and our late friend Carl Dimino centered in our tournament room. Danny will always be one of our special friends. He joins Earl, Keith, Alex P, Charlie W and Captain Hook in that distinction! Nothing but good luck to him in the future.

 

[JAM]

Danny is the best. Even the southern rednecks who hate us damn yankees like Danny and there is no one more NY than him. His accent is a thing of beauty 1/3rd ethnic, 1/3rd Jersey and 1/3rd Brooklyn with a voice that complements all 3.

As fas as his speed of play. I heard him say at the Grand Central Tournament, that he wants to be number one and to be number one, you have to play fast...

I love your description of Danny's accent. He is one of a kind for sure. His eyes kind of sparkle when he talks a la Smiling Tommy Kennedy!

Danny stopped by the Skins Billiard Championship with his dad last month to check out the happenings. We all went to dinner the night of the players' meeting. I asked him about his siblings and found out they are both college graduates, successful with very good-paying jobs. His dad is a smart cookie himself! I mentioned to his dad, "Your son is probably one of the top players in the world right now." Although very humble, Danny looked over at me and genuinely appreciated the compliment, especially in front of his father, who only wants what is best for Danny. Danny is lucky to have a loving family who supports his endeavors, and he takes his game very seriously, always striving to get better. He's got the right attitude and what it takes to make it in this unchartered pool world.

He has done the on-the-road thing traveling cross-country, and even though he's an ace player, handicaps and matches up well, he recognizes it is futile to make a living being an action player. His hope is to be a true professional, and winning this Reno Open is surely a good start. Danny has been on both sides of the track. Finally, his years as a struggling pool player are paying off.

His strongest feature is the break, and he's proficient at executing perfect safety plays when he's without a clear shot. I noticed at the Glass City Open, his speed was noticeably faster than before. When I queried him about it, he said he realized his slow play was working against him, and he had been practicing every day to play at a faster pace.

You gotta check out the Accu-Stats tape of Danny vs. Corey Deuel in the semi-finals at the recent Glass City Open, when it's available. Corey was speechless and could only sit back and grin as Danny steamrolled his way to a win. Johnny Archer, Ronnie Wiseman, and Keith were sitting railside and smiled back at Corey, each one knowing what it's like to be benched while you're getting drilled! I'm curious to know the Accu-Stats score on that round. The finals match between Hillbilly and Kid Delicious was intense as well! BTW, there was a neutral racker and a 30-second shot clock in effect.

Danny has a line of cue sticks out and instructional videotapes. He's doing everything right, which is why Pittsburgh Steel saw some potential worthy of sponsorship. I can't say enough good things about Kid Delicious, and I think the Sports Illustrated article about him will be a good thing for the sport in general.

The New Generation: Kid Delicious and another favorite Young Gun of mine, The Genie Man.

JAM