Instead of making pool interesting for the average joe, how about adding replay value for people who find watching pool educational. Stop pretending the event is live and do some editing. I.e. add some comments from the players who played the shot, show better diagrams as to what position route options the players had, its not live, its on tape so play can be paused to explain the shot. I know editing cost money and thats why it not done. Ever notice how entertaining the player review tapes are from accu-stats. Espn should maybe buy some of these tapes and take some lessons.
A good example of this is the Archer vs. Reyes "capelle on 9bal" dvd. Theres a section where 25 shots are explained. I know this is not a televised match and I'm not suggesting copying this format exactly, just something similar to this. And for anyone that hasn't seen this match I'm talking about, do yourself a favor and pick it up. Great match and great information. Every shot is explained in a little book and 25 shots are diagrammed on the dvd.
On a side note.
I watched the ballbusters show and found it not usefull for anything other than some entertainment.
But I did like the gambling between shots. I think this may add some excitement in televised matches if it was done. Imagine Earl Strickland having a tough jump shot with a table lenght draw to get to the next ball and Rodney Morris bets him $1000 he can't get out from here. I would be entertained
I also like the rule that if you break and don't make a ball the other player gets ball in hand. And then you have the option to take break or pass to other player if you win lag. Not sure how this work work with pros but I seen some strategy in deciding this against a lesser skilled player.
Letting them break is pretty good odds in your favor.
Would also take away the "safe break" where players are hitting the balls so easy they leave clusters don't make a ball.
