New MC cup captain team USA
- Thread starter marek
- Start date
Bingo! If there was more organization and planning, like when Phil took the reins with the Ryder Cup, maybe the US would have a better chance.
BH deals with statistics, demographics and number$. When they start to fall off, matters need to be addressed, it's business, but we as pool players take it personal. My guess, his profits are NOT from hard core pool players, but the general public. He wants ta try something different, no different than Obama....and now Trump. It's not working, so plan B is being tried. To say Obama/Trump/and BH are not good, one has too first see them perform, then opinions can be validated with facts. JMHO
It doesn't matter who the audience is, for they all have the same thing in mind ---- a competitive Mosconi Cup.
Johann isn't plan B, nor should he be Plan C, D or E. Though he's a great coach, he's just a dumb idea as the coach of Team USA.
The only new idea that will review Team USA is the appointment of a taskmaster willing to work closely with prospective members of the team. Though possible, it is highly improbable that a non-US-based coach will be able to accomplish this.
Though Johann may provide them, team spirit and morale are not the keys that will unlock the door of Team USA's dismal performances.
This appointment is puzzling, whether one is a hard core fan or just somebody who likes to watch a competitive event. This appointment doesn't make any sense from a business standpoint.
For those of us that have said for years -- the captain doesn't matter a whole heck of a lot, at least now we can definitively prove this.
I think this is all a big joke and whomever is in charge of matchroom is just trolling everyone. Seriously? A European, former multiple time captain of team Europe, as the US team captain? lol. Come on man
Great coach, bad choice.
This would take the excitement out of it for me. I would rather watch an all American whitewashing.
This would take the excitement out of it for me. I would rather watch an all American whitewashing.
What chevybob20 just said.
When i created this thread i never thought that there could be such hostility against johann being appointed as US captain. I know i will get LOTS of flak from you guys but you are bunch of narrowminded egoistic ignorant crybabies who think that "america is simple the best". I will burst that bubble for you - in pool america is NOT the best..not anymore and it is getting worse. Except SVB you have no other world class player...period! And you are willing to hate Johann as US captain while he is one of the very few guys on the planet who has the ABILITY to give your guys at least a breathing chance at MC?!? Really???
I agree that the USA is no longer the pool power it once was. Unfortunately, America in general has chosen to pass over this great game while the rest of the world has taken to it and made it their own.
Unfortunately the causes for this have absolutely nothing to do with Mark Wilson or any past or future captain of the Mosconi Cup. The Mosconi Cup is simply a reflection of the state of pool in America....not the opposite.
Thinking that JR can turn this around by captaining 5 guys over the course of a few weeks is about as misguided as thinking that by sending Bobby Knight to Warsaw we could make Polish Basketball competitive with team USA.
If you head over to the aiming forum there might be someone there that can suggest an aiming system to help you better target the point...
It's not about America being the best (it's clearly not in this case). It's about the spirit of the competition which is violated when you bring in a former opposing captain despite having a multitude of other options.
Congratulations, first red rep I've given in several years. The fact that you didn't anticipate this response makes it obvious that your judgment is highly questionable.
This move by matchroom was a dumb mistake and your statement is equally ignorant. Surprise Marek, we're insulted and pissed!
Egotistical is thinking a European can save the American Team. LOL! Americans viewers and players should boycott the Mosconi cup.
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Then you must reckon that it doesn't take a world class player to beat Mark Gray, Darren Appleton and Mario He, who are three of Europe's most elite, at the 2016 US Open 9-ball by a combined 33-11 just a few months ago.
Mike Dechaine 11 Mario He 3
Mike Dechaine 11 Mark Gray 6
Mike Dechaine 11 Darren Appleton 2
I'm far more concerned about your ignorance than your insulting style of communication. Period!
Given the timing of the announcement, paired with the current political climate, I find myself wondering if Matchroom wouldn't potentially scuttle their already broken event just to take a shot at the US and our choice of leaders.
Poor choice of captain... Worse timing.
Poor choice of captain... Worse timing.
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I don't think there is anyone on this forum that is more "USA, ALL THE WAY" than I am. 
In fact, I've been beaten down on this forum because of my stance on Made in USA when it comes to pool.
With all of that said, my opinion is that we have a whole year ahead of us before the Cup. I see many American sports teams and athletes being coached by non-Americans in the world. This is nothing new. The reason for them choosing the non-American is because they want to gain their wisdom on winning, plain and simple.
I have been following the Mosconi Cup for a long time, maybe a little longer than some on this forum, but not much. Because of the lack of organization in American pool, to include the failure of the Billiards Congress of America, the existing lot of professional pool players is dwindling, and no professional tour, Matchroom Sport has continues to change the eligibility rules each and every year for who gets on Team USA to help us in the selection process, not hurt us. This is admirable and shows that Matchroom Sport wants this competition to be as fair as it can be to the Americans.
I would suggest giving this a chance to see how it works out. If it doesn't work, then we will not be in any worse shape than we have been the past few years. Change is very hard to embrace for some. I am one of those people, but I embrace this change because I think that it is possible that it can effect a change for the better. I'm in a wait-and-see mode. And we've got a long wait ahead of us. :smile:
In fact, I've been beaten down on this forum because of my stance on Made in USA when it comes to pool.
With all of that said, my opinion is that we have a whole year ahead of us before the Cup. I see many American sports teams and athletes being coached by non-Americans in the world. This is nothing new. The reason for them choosing the non-American is because they want to gain their wisdom on winning, plain and simple.
I have been following the Mosconi Cup for a long time, maybe a little longer than some on this forum, but not much. Because of the lack of organization in American pool, to include the failure of the Billiards Congress of America, the existing lot of professional pool players is dwindling, and no professional tour, Matchroom Sport has continues to change the eligibility rules each and every year for who gets on Team USA to help us in the selection process, not hurt us. This is admirable and shows that Matchroom Sport wants this competition to be as fair as it can be to the Americans.
I would suggest giving this a chance to see how it works out. If it doesn't work, then we will not be in any worse shape than we have been the past few years. Change is very hard to embrace for some. I am one of those people, but I embrace this change because I think that it is possible that it can effect a change for the better. I'm in a wait-and-see mode. And we've got a long wait ahead of us. :smile:
Poor choice of words ma man.....
Getting caught up in the pettiness of those that sling mud on this forum...just makes you look bad, even if your intentions were good. Comments such as the above one go no where but backwards.
Go Packers....those WI boys got their hands full today.
Even tho most all the team is NOT from WI....what's up with that :thumbup:
I must respectfully disagree with my friend, JAM, and others who are in favor of 'giving Johann a chance'.
It's not at all to do with Johann being a great guy with incredible coaching skills because he has both of those covered really well, imo.
It's because the MC Cup has always been about USA vs Europe, Us vs Them and it has been at a fever pitch; the BIG emphasis which is at the heart of this very special competition.
Having Johann appointed to try and lead us out of the woods ruins the dynamic and is like an acknowledgement on our side that we don't have what it takes to figure it out on our own.
best,
brian kc
It's not at all to do with Johann being a great guy with incredible coaching skills because he has both of those covered really well, imo.
It's because the MC Cup has always been about USA vs Europe, Us vs Them and it has been at a fever pitch; the BIG emphasis which is at the heart of this very special competition.
Having Johann appointed to try and lead us out of the woods ruins the dynamic and is like an acknowledgement on our side that we don't have what it takes to figure it out on our own.
best,
brian kc
Brian, I understand and appreciate your thoughts, but let me just ask you this and see how you feel.
American Olympian Michelle Kwan for many years had a Russian coach, Rafael Arutyunyan, and she went on to be one of the top two most celebrated American ice skaters ever.
The Olympics is probably the biggest competition in the world, and the competitors representing their respective countries seek out coaches from other countries all the time.
I just can't see how this is any different.
My fear is that if Team USA does not improve, even with the European by their side giving guidance and strategies, this may be the last Mosconi Cup that has a Team USA. Matchroom Sport will not throw money at an event that doesn't generate a profit and the interest of the viewing audience. In fact, they may go to Asian continent and have Team Asia versus Team Europe, which is probably more fair since Europe and Asia both consist of multiple countries.
Just my thoughts. I'm going to give Johann my respect and hope he can turn things around.
