Shy credits his MC coach

[Poolplaya9]

I’m here and I know what I’m seeing out of Sky.

He’s breaking this 3-pt cut break better than anyone. And everyone is trying to break the same.

From there, it’s the same aggressive style. He’s loose in the winner break format, and no alternate break is slowing him down. No race to 5 is going to limit him getting into gear.

He has obliterated every opponent I’ve seen him play the last two day.

Freddie <~~~ format format format

He has played this type format--including in this same tournament (not withstanding the name change)--lots of times, so I'm not quite understanding the argument that the format is why he is performing so much better than the other times he played in the very same format. Essentially it sounds like you are saying his skills haven't really improved, he just has his break working is all? Most others I've seen commenting, and also Sky himself, seem to think that his abilities have improved in recent times, and the way he has performed in this tournament so far would seem to give some support to that. Is there any part of his game or skill set that you feel has actually improved based on what you have seen?

 

[RichSchultz]

Very impressive stats right there. His next test will be SVB, who seems to be on a mission here, particularly after blowing the 10-6 lead vs Ko and managing to escape a hill-hil match vs Orcollo. This should be a great match.

And hill-hill vs Melling.

 

[poolguy4u]

:boring2:




Team play and playing partners is a little different than playing head's up.

A short race is also a factor.


I guess we'll see what team will be the better team------again.




.

 

[BRussell]

Sky is playing well here, but with Corey, Hatch, and Bergman out, the team will have to be SVB, Sky, Billy, Oscar, and then one of either Ellerman, McMinn, or Styer.

 

[Cornerman]

He has played this type format--including in this same tournament (not withstanding the name change)--lots of times, so I'm not quite understanding the argument that the format is why he is performing so much better than the other times he played in the very same format. Essentially it sounds like you are saying his skills haven't really improved, he just has his break working is all? Most others I've seen commenting, and also Sky himself, seem to think that his abilities have improved in recent times, and the way he has performed in this tournament so far would seem to give some support to that. Is there any part of his game or skill set that you feel has actually improved based on what you have seen?

I see him hitting the same gear I’ve seen before. Maybe Johann showed him a way to get to peak earlier or more consistently.

This year’s breaking style for all the players is different than in the past. And Sky is easily more successful than anyone else I’ve seen here. He’s still firing at banks. He’s still got the aggressive shotmaking. But he’s making everything, which wouldnt be new, especially when he wins events (for years now).

Freddie

 

[jay helfert]

He has played this type format--including in this same tournament (not withstanding the name change)--lots of times, so I'm not quite understanding the argument that the format is why he is performing so much better than the other times he played in the very same format. Essentially it sounds like you are saying his skills haven't really improved, he just has his break working is all? Most others I've seen commenting, and also Sky himself, seem to think that his abilities have improved in recent times, and the way he has performed in this tournament so far would seem to give some support to that. Is there any part of his game or skill set that you feel has actually improved based on what you have seen?

No question that his ball pocketing is greatly improved, as is his concentration and poise. I no longer see that flustered look on his face that he used to exhibit before. He is a decidedly more mature player now, playing a thoughtful game at a nice deliberate pace, not to hurried and yet not so slow either. His cue ball control has also improved immensely, rarely getting out of line and needing to make more difficult shots than necessary. This was a big weakness in his game before.

His jumping game is better too with more control over the cue ball. Finally I think he is making better decisions on when to play safe and when to shoot. I would say his game has improved two balls from where he was a year ago. Why, I don't know, except it has. He looks like a man now and not a kid who is nervous on the big stage (so you're right about that). I saw a beautiful young woman supporting him yesterday and that could be important as well. Your support system can make a big difference in what you achieve.

Bottom line, he looks like a man in control of himself and his game!

 

[jay helfert]

Sky is playing well here, but with Corey, Hatch, and Bergman out, the team will have to be SVB, Sky, Billy, Oscar, and then one of either Ellerman, McMinn, or Styer.

Johann needs to rethink his decision in regard to Justin. He fits well with Shane and Skylar and is playing some great pool right now!

 

[jasonlaus]

It's really a shame we wont get to see Sky and Shane play today. No reason 4 matches couldnt have been played on stream.
Jason

 

[trophycue]

Johann needs to rethink his decision in regard to Justin. He fits well with Shane and Skylar and is playing some great pool right now!

Maybe Justin needs to rethink some things . For several yrs he has been touted as the #2 player in the USA............yet no major sponsor, doesnt want to travel much, self admitted non interest in the MC . Is he refusing to gravitate to certain people ?? Or they dont want anything to do with him for whatever reason ?? I agree 100% that talent wise he should be on the team.........but I dont think Johan is goin to beg him, and he has shown zero interest . Kinda sad for team USA, when they really need at least a strong showing soon .

 

[BRussell]

Maybe Justin needs to rethink some things . For several yrs he has been touted as the #2 player in the USA............yet no major sponsor, doesnt want to travel much, self admitted non interest in the MC . Is he refusing to gravitate to certain people ?? Or they dont want anything to do with him for whatever reason ?? I agree 100% that talent wise he should be on the team.........but I dont think Johan is goin to beg him, and he has shown zero interest . Kinda sad for team USA, when they really need at least a strong showing soon .

Right, I don't think it was Johann's decision to exclude Bergman.

 

[jasonlaus]

Maybe Justin needs to rethink some things . For several yrs he has been touted as the #2 player in the USA............yet no major sponsor, doesnt want to travel much, self admitted non interest in the MC . Is he refusing to gravitate to certain people ?? Or they dont want anything to do with him for whatever reason ?? I agree 100% that talent wise he should be on the team.........but I dont think Johan is goin to beg him, and he has shown zero interest . Kinda sad for team USA, when they really need at least a strong showing soon .

He's living his life the way he wants to. Same can be said for Dechaine.

I actually hope for both of them to do something other than pool, I know Mike is. But it's pretty selfish on our part to want to see them continue trying to make a living in a dying sport.

Shane
Bergman
Dechaine
Sky
Corey

But that's not the way the system is set up
Jason

 

[BRussell]

Watching Sky on the Facebook stream, he seems more focused than usual. His eyes are always on the table, where usually when I've seen him play, he'll look around, make faces, talk to people, etc. He's never done a ton of that like Strickland or Sigel, but right now he seems 100% focused, with no attention on anything extraneous at all.

 

[WoodyMPW]

It's obviously his REVO.

 

[Cornerman]

Watching Sky on the Facebook stream, he seems more focused than usual. His eyes are always on the table, where usually when I've seen him play, he'll look around, make faces, talk to people, etc. He's never done a ton of that like Strickland or Sigel, but right now he seems 100% focused, with no attention on anything extraneous at all.

I see that as the biggest difference.

 

[u12armresl]

Sky just won the big bar table event here with a stack field consisting of the top guys like Dennis, Fransisco, Aranas, Alex, etc.

He has something going on for the better.

 

[pt109]

(Shy )playing like a champion said the other day he credits his MC coach for his better play
Clearly he is playing a better brand of pool

1

He’s not shy...

 

[Poolplaya9]

So I watched the Sky-SVB match and here are the areas of Sky’s game that have most improved, listed in the order in which they have most contributed to his elevated level of play/increased ability to win. The most significant improvements have been to his mental game with 1 and 2 being by far the most significant factors to his elevated level of play, but some of them are related and have some effect on one another (3-5 are partially a function of 2 for example).

1. He handles the pressure much better and isn’t choking now which was a big problem before. He has a calm confidence now.
2. He has slowed way down and no longer free strokes. He takes more time analyzing his shot options between shots, and takes more time executing his shots. This has helped nearly eliminate careless mistakes, bad execution, and bad decisions, and it has also significantly increased his ability to focus.
3. He plays the percentages better/isn’t as aggressive.
4. His position play has improved--the choices, and especially his precision.
5. His shot making has even improved a bit, and his shot making was already a real strength before.

 

[ChrisinNC]

Sky is playing well here, but with Corey, Hatch, and Bergman out, the team will have to be SVB, Sky, Billy, Oscar, and then one of either Ellerman, McMinn, or Styer.

That list sounds fairly accurate to me. What many may not realize or are just afraid to mention here is that without being more specific - personal character, reputation, lifestyle and commitment to the game and to the team is an absolute requirement for selection to the US Mosconi Cup team, even more so than in previous years. This has eliminated some very talented players from consideration that may otherwise might have made it. Bottom line - it is unlikely the US will be represented by the 5 best, most proven and most qualified professional 9-ball players we have to offer on our Mosconi Cup team.