Strawberries
Banned
Hi, just thought i'd mention a player from the past who inspired many and dropped jaws at his brilliant ability...Scott Novekowski. I have the spelling wrong, but you know him if you're from long island. A great athlete who was projected in college to be a major league pitcher before blowing out his arm.
The best all around pool player I've ever seen live. He played every game extremely well. Incredible hand eye coordination and natural ability. He never practiced and played rarely. When he did, it was effortless and beautiful to see. He played on the pro tour for a few years in the early 90's. He had a family and kids, and the tour wasn't a smart consideration for a career and raising a family.
Ginky wouldn't play him even at Scottie's home hall - House of Lords Billiards. He wanted a neutral site. That game unfortunately never happened. Scottie was a better all around player imo, but with Ginky's incredible break, a slight edge goes to Ginky. I think Ginky would admit that Scottie was the toughest player around. Along with Robles, you had three amazing players in the area. It was a treat to have seen these guys play.
I recall Scottie playing at a big weekly tournament at Leisure Time Billiards in Levittown where he won at the +4, 5, 6, and 7 (huge handicaps) in consecutive weeks before being kicked out. And this was a very tough field. He's the only player ever banned at that weekly tournament where Frankie Hernandez, Robles, and numerous other top players frequented. Steve Lipsky was one of the better players who regularly played in that tournament.
There wasn't a player in the world who could beat him at "golf." A kicking, banking, very tough game played on a 5x10 with very tight pockets. Ever see someone run 15 balls with a golf ball as a cueball? Simply amazing.
Just thought this guy deserved some mention.
Thanks for reading.
The best all around pool player I've ever seen live. He played every game extremely well. Incredible hand eye coordination and natural ability. He never practiced and played rarely. When he did, it was effortless and beautiful to see. He played on the pro tour for a few years in the early 90's. He had a family and kids, and the tour wasn't a smart consideration for a career and raising a family.
Ginky wouldn't play him even at Scottie's home hall - House of Lords Billiards. He wanted a neutral site. That game unfortunately never happened. Scottie was a better all around player imo, but with Ginky's incredible break, a slight edge goes to Ginky. I think Ginky would admit that Scottie was the toughest player around. Along with Robles, you had three amazing players in the area. It was a treat to have seen these guys play.
I recall Scottie playing at a big weekly tournament at Leisure Time Billiards in Levittown where he won at the +4, 5, 6, and 7 (huge handicaps) in consecutive weeks before being kicked out. And this was a very tough field. He's the only player ever banned at that weekly tournament where Frankie Hernandez, Robles, and numerous other top players frequented. Steve Lipsky was one of the better players who regularly played in that tournament.
There wasn't a player in the world who could beat him at "golf." A kicking, banking, very tough game played on a 5x10 with very tight pockets. Ever see someone run 15 balls with a golf ball as a cueball? Simply amazing.
Just thought this guy deserved some mention.
Thanks for reading.
