BCA Hall of Famer Alex Pagulayan Interview - Straight Pool from the International Open

[@edtamboni4752]

Met Alex at Derby City...good guy, he's the friendliest, most approachable player out there.

[@joanathanbremer4597]

He’s a super nice guy..

[@jovpasajol5418]

Great interview by the old school guys...Alex the LION

[@donmackey1386]

We do real pool interviews. It's what we know the most about.

[@johnnyd7350]

Well , turns out Alex did outshoot the younger kids after all. 🤩

[@johnny5ramos]

Just from my own experience, if there are money games, Filipinos will learn the new game the fastest. Their willingness to learn a new game stems from their motivation to win money.

[@joewelder6780]

Thanks for the great interview. Three gentlemen with lots of knowledge and respect for each other.

[@squeegied3rdeye713]

I could listen to these guys talk all day long

[@natecavender897]

These interviews are awesome, Reid and Kimmer do a great job asking questions AND allowing the guests to answer. Keep ‘em coming 👍

[@ProBilliardsTour]

We definitely will!

[@joanathanbremer4597]

Alex is probably the best one pocket player period

[@tonyreade2957]

You guys are so kind and totally rite Phillipino guys are just as you say there easy going kind always play with that smile there a credit to pool as are both of you ,it's amazing listening on here , the insight is eye-opening and priceless ,,,thanks guys .

[@PostUp_Time]

Phillipines do not understand English. That is why they are quiet, smile and seem humble. So would you if you were in a country of foreigners in competition. Efren playing in America 30 years, making American money with Americans and he still refuses to learn the language.

[@zackdelarocha9478]

@@PostUp_Time i disagree. you can do some research before you can say that.

[@mvg295]

@@PostUp_Time lol wtf? 🤣🤣

[@2869may]

Who could dislike Alex... Him and Busty are my favs.

[@ProBilliardsTour]

Anybody who plays them❤️❤️

[@2869may]

@@ProBilliardsTour They are both crafty and creative players...!

[@PostUp_Time]

Busty has a mean resting face. Always looks mad. just sayin'

[@2869may]

@@PostUp_Time LOL, He does...

[@jacksteele1028]

Great interview of a great player. Thanks

[@tonyr.4778]

Thanks for the interview. Great to hear from Alex.

[@memphisgrizzliesfan1]

These interviews are awesome! Keep it up guys! 😎

[@jimmysupafly1547]

I went on the road with Alex and Ronnie wiseman for a few months back in early 2000s and Alex was probably one of the funnest guys i hung with . Fortunately i got to play and practice with him often in Toronto so you got to raise your level of play fast.

[@dustman96]

I met Alex in person many years ago. Super nice guy and incredible player.

[@jeffrobins8946]

Great Interview... Alex is great... Always has been... Hopefully our paths will cross again soon. Champ

[@thomasmcmillan5095]

I enjoy your interviews. Like, subscribed and notifications clicked. Keep them coming.

[@donmackey1386]

Thank YOU, Tom! We're have a ball....and it's only the beginning.

[@Otingocni]

I Watched that 12 ball ghost at JOBs. He was 5 games down for 8 ahead and ran the set out... THE SET!!! 13 straight racks.

[@donmackey1386]

That's how Legends are made.

[@jackjohn3035]

what's the ghost?

[@Otingocni]

@@jackjohn3035 Ghost is when you get break ball in hand after break then you have to run out or lose that rack.

[@EFFTrudeau-001]

@@Otingocni for which pool 8 ball? Seems like no problem to run racks with ball in hand for 9 and 10 ball

[@Otingocni]

@@EFFTrudeau-001 For normal people it's a lot of problems. This was on a 9 ft diamond not a bar box. Alex was doing 12 balls not 9 or 10 that day.

[@77.billiards]

one of the best interviews yet, keep it up guys!

[@vincenttovar9938]

Guys, keep doing this! I love hearing and seeing you guys talk pool and bringing in great players! Thank you.

[@heginschristianstrong7707]

Alex, that One Pocket match with Scott Frost for 20k? 8 ahead match I think. That was the best One Pocket I have ever seen played. You played unreal.

[@derrickallen2054]

I saw that match too, Alex really stepped his game up. Like he had an extra gear in other words

[@jordancesarmagos5843]

great the lion... invite efren reyes for interview , he won the exhibition match earlier against gorst...🎉🎉🎉

[@donmackey1386]

We will be releasing an interview done by our guy in the Philippines - Ted Lerner - a few years ago. We promise we'll do an incredible sit down with Efren when we get the opportunity later this year.. Note what Kim said abot us doing "Legends matches"......The Next big thing will be the debut of the PRO TOUR NETWORK. Very SOON.

[@jordancesarmagos5843]

@@donmackey1386 thank you ...😍😍😍

[@donmackey1386]

@@jordancesarmagos5843 Right back at you, Jordan.

[@antoniobalentawak2599]

yeah get Efren for the interview. The mind of that guy fascinates the pool world for sure

[@freone111]

Removing the Jump Cue will be the best

[@manuelpalogan496]

Alex has achieved an acknowledgement of his pool skills by being enthroned in the Billiards Hall of Fame---- the first Ibanag from CagayanValley Philippines to do so Maggayaya nga tatung nga nala mo nga fama.

[@rldabomb33]

it was just like yesterday he was in the front cover of a magazine in 2004.. he was the best in the world.. time goes by fast

[@acu112]

Glad to see the comment old school guy's instead of old guy's

[@RED_WIRE]

When I was on college back in the Philippines it was my first time seeing Alex on TV as a teenager. Time flies so fast. Just like what he said he started to be serious about playing pool when he migrated to Canada. Back then Efren Reyes and Amang Parica was the two most famous players from the Philippines.

[@DeeMoback]

We had same problem on FloridaTour back in 1970's-1980's .....was race to 7 winner break.....flip for break was huge.....

[@ranrefael]

Great interview

[@jaypisme2343]

Alex is awesome!

[@stevemerritt2721]

I whole heartily agree with eliminating the direct jump shot, takes away the strategy and defence

[@alas2210]

That's how people play on the philippines back then, no jump because it messes up the table and it's expensive to repair. This is why filipino pool players develope their shots

[@alas2210]

But when 9 ball became popular it changes the rule of the common players. They want to jump all the time, it's easy

[@soulmusic775]

I agree with diamond having the best rails. Not a fan of the faster felt and the smaller pockets but the more I play on it the better I become as a player. It's a love hate. Mr. Pagulayan is a monster at pool. Shout out to an honest and genuine individual

[@earthtribe786]

Bet this guy will be a character

[@DeeMoback]

Going back in time ..... I am pretty sure that I played Santos and Parica before the rest of them came over to USA

[@andresjrbawas9405]

Dapt ganyan🤙🤙🤙, efren number 1

[@tonybrady1176]

Nice one

[@EFFTrudeau-001]

Ok I'm trying to find out about what you guys are talking about with the spot shot tie breaker. You have a link to video showing a spot shot playoff or what that even means?

[@louienineball4184]

Alex ONE word WOW!!!!!!!!!!!

[@donmackey1386]

Jumping makes you unable to play great strategic pool. I believed that in the 90's and I believe it now.

[@Brownie-tg3nu]

I agree with you,and I’m not sure if it’s because I’m shitty at it,or because it does take a ton of strategy out of the game.

[@donniek7182]

Yeah it's a different story when you kick at the ball.

[@PostUp_Time]

Watch the latest Tournament from Poland. 02/2023 World Pool Championship by Matchroom Billiards. You will see the greatest jump shots ever done. Jumping and Banking. Jumping and Cut Shots. Jumping the ball when object ball is just 6 inches away, never knew can jump so short. AND ALL SUCCESSFULL, Poceted Balls. Best jumping ever seen. Wish they put a highlight video of just the jumping from that Tourn.

[@davidharcrow8343]

Good stuff!

[@crissixstrings]

Alex should see Danny Barouty to up his Straight Pool IQ. Danny is at Easy Street in Monterey, where John Schmidt ran 626.

[@joshmiller8192]

Alex has never tried carbon fiber for daily use. I'm glad they asked him that. Every player almost in my pool hall uses cue tech cynergy or bull carbon

[@ProBilliardsTour]

Alex is kind of old-school he likes to feel of wood going through his fingers in my opinion wood gives you a much better touch and feel than carbon🎱 as most of the players when I was competing preferred wood having said that the great players of today seem to prefer Carbon🤪

[@gboladeokuneye1196]

I’ve seen him play with carbon fiber…though, if I remember correctly, he switched back to wood by the end of the match.

[@rogerscottcathey]

Never played ghost, but have played left handed against right handed. In which case for a rotation type game, no ball in hand after break. If the first shot on the one isn't available, no push out so the only option is to tie up balls. Switch hand. Only full cue jumps. Ball in hand for misses and fouls.

[@Yezir760]

The lion is the man.

[@anthonytubbs6110]

lets not over look the great cory duel as one of the smartest pool players

[@donmackey1386]

Trust me, we know that Corey is a true Legend and we're hoping we can sit him down with the guys and shoot the.....Stay tuned.

[@DeeMoback]

Golden 8-ball ..... Indian School road was excellent.....way back ...... Reed's place in Mississippi (I forget the name) years ago....that place and his table was a trap....lol....stay there a week and you still wouldn't learn that table and you would be out of money......lol....that's not a joke

[@alphamotivation852]

he is a great guy

[@PostUp_Time]

*WHY DIDNT THEY ASK ALEX ABOUT HIS LEG? AND ABOUT TOURNAMENT HE CONCEDED DUE TO PAIN IN LEG. INTERESTING ALEX SAYS PLAYING FOR 100K IN THE BACK ROOM!*

[@EFFTrudeau-001]

Ya I remember watching that event where he had to quit I believe against Shaw

[@MrAntonnio96]

I agree im a feel player myself the hell with carbon but im about Alex age a couple years older

[@PostUp_Time]

*ALEX GAVE AN HONEST OPINION ABOUT THE PREDATOR SPOT SHOT FORMAT. ALEX WAS SMART NOT TO REVEAL WHERE HE PLACES, SHOOTS THE CUE BALL FOR THE SPOT SHOT. EVEN THOUGH HOST ASKED TWICE. "WHERE DO YOU PLACE THE CUE BALL...."* _INTERESTING, WILL NOT ENTER THOSE TOURNAMENTS. ENTERED 4X AND EACH TIME WAS OUT FROM SPOT SHOTS AGAINST A KID_ *GREAT ANSWERS, INSIGHT FROM ALEX & HOSTS*

[@tomburns890]

I don’t think the spot shoutout is a terrible idea too along with too short of race/sets

[@lighthousesociety.]

Ban the jump cue in every major

[@killah7832]

Efren never likes to run for office he said that already even there is alot of offer. He doesnot like it. He learns one pocket from efren and wnats to learn straight. That how great alex is he is a beast and when he plays here there is always funny moments.

[@MrAntonnio96]

Gold crown are tough tables way harder then diamond in my opinion

[@08robertb]

I’m an amateur player and I hate the jump cue. I think it takes skill out of professional games but also most recreational players don’t have jump cues so it is a barrier to entry

[@PostUp_Time]

YEP! watch old timers play, you will never see them jump the cue ball. they will do incredible shots off rails or curve shots or masses. They had to know the Diamond System well. (plenty of old videos on YT to verify)

[@PostUp_Time]

not sure what you mean when you say not having a jump cue is a barrier to entry. the little handle is not expensive. or if you buy a break jump cue, it comes apart. to have a jump cue.

[@williammcdowell3718]

When you have many pros saying the same thing, maybe the promoters should listen. Cause Pool is dying if they don't fix things. Otherwise, this form of Pool will come and go and I don't know what we will have left on the bone after this.

[@PostUp_Time]

Pool Industry always had to stand on its own 2 feet. Pool doesnt get huge sponsors like Budweiser, Chevrolet, etc.. Or TV coverage like it did by ESPN in the 90's. When even Trick Shot Competition was held on ESPN. Other real problem is harder to make a living at it because of all these foreigners are allowed to join the tournaments. Back in the 90's or before the 90's you knew all the American Pool Players and they were the same guys competing, making a living. Now its a MAJORITY of foreigners at these events. And the simple law of averages takes place. 10% Americans and 90% Foreigners, then people say USA doesnt have good pool players. Tiny Home Living Magazine

[@gandyvalle]

3:15 1998, 17??? bente uno kana no'n boss...

[@chriscripplercruz1833]

It was during event in Nashville he yelled out of the green room "tell archer he's got the 8" lol haha me and some friends from Knoxville billiards club were there and we've been telling that story ever since lol

[@TSGOrgan]

Why aren’t any of them looking at each other?

[@gboladeokuneye1196]

He’s being modest…for someone who supposedly doesn’t know how to play straight pool, I’ve seen a video of him running 200+ in NY, probably at Steinway…though I understand he’s talking more about the strategic aspect of the game since, like he said, he and other pros obviously know how to pocket balls…but as an elite one-pocket player, he has it already. And this thing about not liking jump cues is a generational divide and a matter of opinion, kinda like how some older folks don’t like computers. At the pro level, it’s an invaluable skill that is no less important to properly execute as kicking, considering they have to do it well enough to still leave for the next shot. A well executed jump shot can be said to be more exciting to watch, like Jesus Atencio’s double-jump during a match…I believe I’ve seen him do it on two occasions. A poorly executed kick is no fun either. And I’ve seen him play with carbon fiber, though if I remember correctly, he switched back to wood by the end of the match. One of the best all-round players, including snooker.

[@jaypisme2343]

He just beat Josh Filler twice.

[@PostUp_Time]

*_QUESTION FOR VIDEO: WHY DON'T POOL PLAYERS GET "NICKNAMES" LIKE THEY DID BACK IN THE DAY?. SUCH A COOL THING. -WAS A TRADITION, HONOR, TO GET A NICKNAME FROM YOUR PEERS?_*

[@DeeMoback]

Something else about these "new" balls.....not just the color....new balls seem to be made out of a different material.....play sort of soft or sticky or something.... cut different.... I don't know how to explain it....the cloth doesn't have the old simonis skid and banks different coming off of the rails....but whadda I know I am just an old man

[@Carvis2022]

Take away the jump cue in certain tournaments lol it’s like that in certain tournaments already so

[@kuangtien3980]

Two shot roll out rules would make it more skillfull ,less b.i.h.'s , more difficult shotmaking , banks , lucky hook rolls less meaningful , more strategy and tactics invoved....old school gambling rules for rotation pool. No jump cues !!!

[@BrenttttttMCMXC]

not a fan back then but his good

[@keichannnn]

Iyan dapat papalit kay Bata pero sa sobrang kunat ni Bata, parang magkasabayan na sila 😂

[@jamesbrinson7488]

Looks like Canada lost a pool player

[@junmin3089]

I Got lucky---Efren Reyes

[@elijahsammy4393]

What happened to Alex, he looks so ill.

[@smpgambles6123]

Why does every pool video you watch seem like it’s from the early 2000s… we need updated podcasts about pool and interviews. Loved the interview but little awkward set up and stale and we wonder why pool isn’t gaining interest

[@donmackey1386]

Come on, Man. The interview happened in November, on site, at the International Open in Norfolk. The whole idea is to NOT "stage" or script the show. It's straight talk about pool. Admittedly a raw and under produced. But - it's a level of pool that you won't get anywhere else. Sometimes "awkward". Sometimes funny. Sometimes REAL POOL that real players want more of. And, BTW - interest in billiards is exploding around the world.

[@nsp74]

jump shot destroys the beauty of pool

[@MrAntonnio96]

spot shot to move games faster no good for pool

[@DeeMoback]

RAY MARTIN.....REMPE

[@albertosamaniego2476]

That predator format of 2 sets is trash. Just run to 9, 11 or 13. And the change of the colors of the balls sucks too

[@brodsta111]

Take your hand on his back 😂😂acting like his dad or something

[@ProBilliardsTour]

I’m old enough to be his grand dad

[@gsabog]

jump shots ruined the game

[@Joseph-xi5bt]

Still a nice skill. But should be limited. Maybe max 2 jumps per match is reasonable

[@PostUp_Time]

*LIAR, ALEAX SAYS HE WILL NO LONGER PLAY IN PREDATORS FORMAT, RACE TO 4. HERE WE ARE, TWO WEEKS LATER AT THE LAS VEGAS OPEN 2/22/2023. WHERE IS ALEX? PLAYING THE PREDATOR FORMAT IN LAS VAGAS!! LIAR*

[@DeeMoback]

Hate the ball colors

[@gsabog]

ban the st*pid jump shots

[@johndenver752]

Emily Frazer, pro players talk to her about the pool balls, and she shuts the convo off by saying i like it. who the heck put that profane at the helm of the biggest pool promoter...biiiig mistake!!!

[@rockyj2008]

Stupid rule….unbelievable

[@jcjosh26]

Pagulayan, should take a shower and toothbrush and also need to iron his t-shirt!

[@tariboclaxton2123]

jump cues 👎

[@gabinobarrera6048]

What are you talkin about horrible interview trying to get this guy to talk about straight pool that game is dead 90% of the balls are pocketed in the bottom two pockets the other 10% up table nobody wants to watch that game that game was created before television and the internet when all you had to do is sit around and watch the grass grow or watch paint dry people wanna fast exciting game straight pool needs to be in a museum let's hear about some of his action games past present and future. I love to hear the old timers condemn the new techniques like jumping it is a skill if you don't want them jumping freeze them up on the ball

[@donmackey1386]

Interesting that Alex, Earl and Jason Shaw all said on our podcast that they like to PLAY 14.1 - because it challenges them to learn and raises their overall game. Efren has also said he learned a lot from watching Mike Sigel - the king of 14.1 post Willie. It's not as fast or exciting as 9 and 10 ball, but, if you appreciate the skill involved with safety play and table strategy, 14.1 is as good as it gets.