It's tough to put any American in the top ten worldwide. Shane hasn't continued to improve. He still plays great, but seems to stumble against the world's top players. Johnny is probably still the best player we have and is a threat to beat anyone. He's the closest to a top ten player we have. But even Johnny hasn't had much success Internationally in several years. He does continue to win domestically though, against strong fields too.
Dennis clearly has the skills to be top ten but he needs to get out there and prove it, beyond the Mosconi Cup. When he travels to Asia and wins over there, that's when he can make claims to being one of the best. I'd love to see him try because I think he would open some eyes. Right now he's still an unknown quantity on the International pool scene. Shane is just about the only player we have who goes to all the major International tournaments.
There are some important events, of International significance, in the USA this year. The World Pool Masters (opened up to 64 players), perhaps the new U.S. Open Ten Ball that follows it and the U.S. Open of course. Let Dennis (or ?) win a couple of those and he will be right there.
We have many other very good players here - Rodney, Oscar, Corey, Schmitty, Charley, Jeremy, Gabe etc. But until they can win tournaments with all the best players, they cannot be considered top ten worldwide. It isn't easy to travel all over the world and play, but the premier players manage to do it. Oscar's out there trying right now. He may break through too. We'll have to see.
My top ten would consist of several filipinos, Taiwanese and European players. Look who's winning all the major tournaments. Donny Mills is one more American who might have a chance on the world stage, but he is too busy making a living. He needs a backer/sponsor who would send him everywhere to play. JMHO of course.
Maybe this recent Mosconi Cup win will revitalize respect for pool in America.
