Top 8 Mosconi picks announced!!!

[corvette1340]

I actually like this list compared to some of the lists that were being thrown out there. I think Donny and Stevie would have been better than a few of them, but I'm glad he chose Corey and John. That being said, they are still gonna get throttled as bad as I hate to say it. I'm laying 8 to 5 and taking Europe, window open.

 

[jpparmentier]

My understanding is that 4 spots go to SVB, J. Schmidt, Brandon Shuff and Corey.

The 5th spot will go to one of the other four, Oscar, Bergman, Sossei or Hall. Is this correct??

No. There are 5 spots and nobody is a lock although Shane will without a doubt be one of the five.

So basically, there are 4 spots for 7 players. Four of them have MC experience. Three don't. Which makes it a good balance IMO.

 

[nplum24]

I am very disapointed that Johnny Archer did not make the cut! Excluding last year when he was the playing captain, he has always been an anchor for the team.

 

[MOJOE]

No matter who Mark picked, someone is bound to be disappointed. Overall, he had a super tough job in picking his candidates. He did well in adding some fresh blood to the mix. I personally look very forward to the upcoming MC. We may just be surprised as to how well team USA competes. Time will tell.

 

[cardiac kid]

Is Don Wardell, the co-captain, a member of this forum?

Jen,

Don is Williebetmore. Met him in Reno a couple of years ago. Passionate about pool? You bet!!!

Lyn

 

[JAM]

No matter who Mark picked, someone is bound to be disappointed. Overall, he had a super tough job in picking his candidates. He did well in adding some fresh blood to the mix. I personally look very forward to the upcoming MC. We may just be surprised as to how well team USA competes. Time will tell.

Well, one thing's for sure, if Team USA is successful, Mark Wilson will be hailed a hero in American pool, worthy of an AzBilliards Forum Parade.

My mind is open. I have personal opinions, of course, but I'm willing to take a wait-and-see approach to this year's festivities.

 

[JAM]

Jen,

Don is Williebetmore. Met him in Reno a couple of years ago. Passionate about pool? You bet!!!

Lyn

I thought that is who it was. The name was familiar for sure. He's also friends with Jeanette Lee. Indiana people stick together!

 

[wahcheck]

SVB and.....?

So it seems 7 will be competing/vying for 4 spots......?

Is this something new? Seems in the past somebody just picked the 5 that would be on the team?

I guess there will be 3 disappointed in the end......

 

[Johnnyt]

All of the players picked can win races to 5 in 9 ball alt break. The pressure will be as much on Europe as it will the U.S. Europe is expected to win by there fans. If they take the U.S team lightly, they could be in trouble if the U.S jumps to a two game lead. It will be very interesting.

All I want to see from them is on honest try, good sportsmanship, and to respect the players from Europe and both sides fans. If they win or make it real close...that's a bonus for me. Johnnyt

 

[nicksaint26]

Mike Dechaine

If the US is trying to win and build a young team with talent I just don't understand how you cannot have MD on the team. He is the clear cut number 2 in the US behind SVB in my opinion and I say this as someone who knows Mike and has not always got along with him. However when trying to field the best team and win you pick the best players! I leave personal feelings aside when trying to win. It should be about ability period. I am not saying the other choices aren't all great players but besides SVB Ill bet Dechaine over anyone listed.

 

[Colormegone2002]

I know it seems early for this announcement but I'm glad they have been chosen as I feel this will put a little pressure on these guys to perform well all year long.I really like the picks and wish them all the best of luck on making Team USA!!

 

[ceodynamo]

Yep looks like a Line - up that should easily compete with last year's results for worst beat down ever.

Yep looks like you're a tool sorry for the harsh words!

I like the line up, I guess I'm not surprised Joey is not on the list but I'm sure in years to come Chip and Joey will get there shot.

I would have thought MD would have gotten a bid but who knows how things work.

Good luck this year practice hard and stay healthy.

Good job Mr. Wilson!

 

[Johnnyt]

If the US is trying to win and build a young team with talent I just don't understand how you cannot have MD on the team. He is the clear cut number 2 in the US behind SVB in my opinion and I say this as someone who knows Mike and has not always got along with him. However when trying to field the best team and win you pick the best players! I leave personal feelings aside when trying to win. It should be about ability period. I am not saying the other choices aren't all great players but besides SVB Ill bet Dechaine over anyone listed.

He wants a team that respects everyone, are all good sportsmen, and he wanted some of the young talent on it. L-6 W-1 in seven years won't be too hard to beat. Johnnyt

 

[JAM]

I got the sense that his personality isn't what Wilson is looking for, but that's my interpretation of things I've read about what Wilson is looking for for the team and things I've heard/read about MD's behavior at times.

On a side note, I hate websites that automatically play videos. I know we have the bandwidth to do it but I almost never want to watch whatever the hell they're trying to show me.

Man, I agree with you about websites that automatically play noise. If you're at work, this can be a BIG problem. I usually have headphones on my head, so it's okay when I'm at work, but I can see where this could be problematic for others.

On Facebook, they somehow play the video automatically, but the volume is muted unless you click something. That is a better way to have a video on a website, I think.

About Mike Dechaine's behavior, last time I saw him play Mosconi Cup in England, I must admit that I was disappointed in how he folded like a lawn chair that last match. It just seems like he wanted it to be over with and didn't care. I saw Dennis Hatch come over to him to try to root him on, but Mike seemed to ignore him.

Mike Dechaine is a great player, no question about it, but I'm not so sure he's a good *team" player. :wink:

 

[bigchiefnd]

John Schmidt over Mike Dechaine? Is this the list for 2005? I would take mike over any of them excluding the obvious.

 

[JAM]

John Schmidt over Mike Dechaine? Is this the list for 2005? I would take mike over any of them excluding the obvious.

I'd take him over Mike. John might not compete in as many tournaments as Mike Dechaine, but John's game is strong. If he prepares for the Cup, he'll be in good form. And John is not a quitter. He fights to the last ball. Trust me, I saw him defeat my other half like that when Keith was ahead. John never gave up and capitalized on one error. It only hurt for a little bit, I guess. :grin-square:

John is a U.S. Open Champion, a straight pool champion, and is a seasoned player.

 

[know it all]

The Team

I think mark forgot one of the best assets to the team,in spirit,pride,a great player and a great man that everyone loves, TOM KENNEDY. Did everyone forget abought him ,my god. Rich aka the skunk.

 

[JAM]

I think mark forgot one of the best assets to the team,in spirit,pride,a great player and a great man that everyone loves, TOM KENNEDY. Did everyone forget abought him ,my god. Rich aka the skunk.

You got that right. Damn! Of course, Tommy Kennedy should be included. He's been hitting 'em strong in recent times.

It pains me to say this, but I think Bonus Ball put a spark in a lot of players, and their games improved from sharing strategies with each other.

Yes, Tommy Kennedy's name should be in the mix, no question about it.

But where can we lodge a complaint?

 

[JAM]

Okay. I need to retract my earlier remark about Mike Dechaine.

It's easy for railbirds to sit on the sidelines and critique players' shooting capabilities and behavior. Meanwhile, the railbird ain't there and doesn't know what's happening at all.

Furthermore, I don't care who you are, but everybody can have a bad day. It happens. I've seen players lose that should have won, but for whatever reason, the pool gods were pulling against them that day.

Just had to get that out there that Mike Dechaine is, indeed, a champion player and is worthy of consideration, of course.

 

[dardusm]

Yep looks like a Line - up that should easily compete with last year's results for worst beat down ever.

Well it can't get any worse. How about waiting and seeing what happens? We might be pleasantly surprised. I like that he hasn't announced the starting 5. The competition should make for an interesting year in shaking out the team.