Posted 4:36 a.m. by Marcus Whitaker -- AAU Basketball Analyst
(National Scouting Report, February 2025)
In the world of AAU Basketball, sustained success is nearly impossible. Most teams build their identity around a handful of talented players, rise to prominence for a few years, and then fade back into medicocrity as their stars graduate.
The Springfield Falcons? They've defied that reality for over a decade.
Under the leadership of head coach Will Jenkins, Springfield has become the gold standard for AAU excellence. They've won five national championships, appeared in eight Final Fours, and produced some of the most dominant players in AAU History.
But what makes Springfield different from every program?
It's not just the talent they produce, it's the culture they've built.
And now, as Springfield transitions into era without its legendary Big 3--Conor McCaffrey, Chandler Dawes, and Paul Hammond--that culture is being tested in ways it never has before.
Most teams crumble when they lose an entire generation of stars. But Springfield? They're reloading.
And that's because Jenkins had been here before.
The Birth of the Springfield Falcons: A Dynasty Built from the Ground Up
How Springfield Became an AAU Powerhouse
The Springfield Falcons didn't even start as an AAU powerhouse. In fact, before 2011, the program didn't even exist.
Unlike most successful AAU programs that emerge from the influence of elite high school coaches, national sponsorships, or deep-pocketed backers, Springfield's rise was built on a singular vision--the idea that a program could be built from scratch, nurtured over time, and developed into a self-sustaining dynasty.
That vision belonged to Timothy Allen, a basketball manager with a long-term plan. While most AAU programs focus on immediate success, relying on recruiting older, already developed talent, Allen had something different in mind.
Timothy Allen's Vision: A Program That Develops Its Own Talent
In 2011, Allen set out to build a program from the ground up, one that wouldn’t rely on quick fixes or temporary success but instead would cultivate young talent over many years, developing them into a dominant force.
Rather than competing for middle school and high school recruits, Allen decided to start young—very young. He envisioned a program that would take kids as early as seven years old, mold them into elite players, and keep them together for their entire AAU journey.
That required one crucial piece: a coach who was willing to commit to the long haul.
The Hiring of Will Jenkins: A Gamble That Paid Off
In December 2011, Allen made the most important hire in Springfield history, bringing in a 31-year-old Jenkins to lead the program. Jenkins wasn’t a flashy hire—he wasn’t a former NBA player, a well-known AAU recruiter, or a famous high school coach. Instead, he was a dedicated basketball mind with a gift for player development.
Most AAU teams change coaches frequently, hiring whoever can bring in the best talent. But Allen and Jenkins had a different plan—a coach who would stay with his players from start to finish.
“Most AAU teams shuffle through coaches and rosters like a revolving door. Springfield didn’t. They chose to build something lasting.”
— Jeff Patterson, AAU Recruiting Insider
“Start with a team of seven-year-olds and build them into champions.”
This meant no shortcuts, no reliance on outside talent, and no immediate results. Instead, Jenkins would build a team from scratch, develop their skills, and transform them into a dominant force over the course of a decade.
The Class of 2024: The First Springfield Falcons
In 2012, the Springfield Falcons officially began their journey with a handpicked group of young players—kids who had never played at a competitive level but had raw talent and potential.
This group would eventually become the Class of 2024, a class that would go on to win multiple national championships, dominate AAU competition, and establish Springfield as a premier program.
However, in the early years, there were no signs that this team would become a dynasty.
“It wasn’t pretty at first. They were young. They made mistakes. They lost a lot of games in the playoffs. But Jenkins never wavered. He knew this was a long-term project.”
— Derrick Landers, ESPN AAU Basketball
Instead of focusing on short-term wins, Jenkins built the fundamentals of Springfield’s system:
✅ Elite Guard Play – Developing high-IQ, well-rounded point guards who could dictate the game.
✅ Defensive Intensity – Teaching players that defense wasn’t optional—it was the backbone of winning.
✅ Next-Man-Up Mentality – Creating a deep, well-rounded team where everyone had a role.
The results?
By the time 2014 rolled around, Springfield was already making waves. The early losses turned into wins, the young core became stronger, and Jenkins’ vision was coming to life.
The Turning Point: Springfield's First National Championship (2014)
The first true milestone of the Springfield dynasty came in 2014.
The program had finally matured into a legitimate AAU contender, featuring young talents like Charlie and Chandler Dawes, who had grown into dominant forces under Jenkins’ leadership.
"2014 was the first real sign that Springfield was onto something. They went from being a development program to being a team that could beat anyone."
— Jeff Nolan, Midwest AAU Basketball Podcast
That year, Springfield made its first deep tournament run, eventually winning the AAU National Championship in dominant fashion. The championship wasn’t just a trophy—it was proof that Springfield’s long-term vision had worked.
And it was just the beginning.
The Challenge of 2025: Jenkins Is Starting Over Again
For over a decade, Will Jenkins guided the same core of players, taking them from seven-year-olds just learning the game to AAU national champions and eventually to college and professional careers.
Now, for the first time in his career, he has to start over.
The 2024 season marked the final ride for Springfield’s legendary core—Conor McCaffrey, Chandler Dawes, Paul Hammond, and their supporting cast. These were the players Jenkins handpicked when they were children, the players he spent years developing, and the players who turned Springfield into one of the most feared AAU programs in the country.
But the cycle of AAU basketball doesn’t stop.
No matter how dominant a team is, players age out, and the program must be rebuilt.
Now, in 2025, Jenkins finds himself in unfamiliar territory: rebuilding from scratch.
This means:
✅ No McCaffrey to control the tempo
✅ No Dawes to dominate the paint
✅ No Hammond to hit the clutch shots
For the first time since 2011, Springfield enters a season without a clear leader, without a defined identity, and without a championship-proven core.
"It’s not just that Springfield lost its best players—they lost their entire foundation. This isn’t a small rebuild. This is a complete reset."
— Derrick Landers, ESPN AAU Basketball
But if anyone knows how to build a team from nothing, it’s Will Jenkins.
What Makes This Rebuild So Different?
Unlike in 2011, when Springfield was just another AAU team trying to make a name for itself, this time Jenkins is rebuilding a program with an expectation of championships.
Springfield isn’t just another AAU team anymore—it’s a dynasty.
That makes this rebuild even harder because:
1️⃣ There is no patience for mediocrity. Jenkins had time to develop his 2011 core. Now, Springfield expects to win immediately.
2️⃣ The spotlight is bigger than ever. Springfield’s success has made them a target—every team wants to be the one to bring them down.
3️⃣ The program isn’t anonymous anymore. In 2011, Jenkins had total freedom to build however he wanted. Now, everyone is watching, waiting to see if Springfield can stay on top.
"Jenkins didn’t just build a great team—he built a brand. And now he has to defend that brand with a brand-new roster."
— Marcus Whitaker, National Scouting Report
The Pressure to Win Immediately
Springfield doesn’t have the luxury of a multi-year rebuild.
Their fanbase, sponsors, and reputation demand success every season.
Most AAU teams that lose a full generation of talent take years to recover.
Springfield doesn’t have years.
"Jenkins’ greatest challenge won’t be finding talent—it’ll be convincing people to be patient. But in Springfield, patience doesn’t exist."
— Jeff Patterson, AAU Recruiting Insider
Instead of gradually developing a new team, Jenkins must accelerate the learning curve for his young players and find leaders immediately.
Finding the Next Leaders
For Springfield to remain elite, Jenkins must identify new faces who can step into the leadership void left by the Big 3.
This means:
✅ Kruz Froebe must become the new Conor McCaffrey. The young point guard needs to learn fast—because Springfield’s entire offense runs through him now.
✅ Victor Alexander must develop into an elite big man. Springfield has always dominated inside, and Alexander is expected to continue that legacy.
✅ Brayden Anderson & Cody Seltzer must step up as scorers. Without McCaffrey and Hammond to take over late in games, these two need to become Springfield’s go-to shooters.
"Springfield doesn’t have time to let these guys ease into their roles. They have to be ready now. That’s the reality of playing for Springfield."
— Derrick Landers, ESPN AAU Basketball
How Will Jenkins Is Approaching the Rebuild
Jenkins knows that this rebuild isn’t about replacing McCaffrey, Dawes, or Hammond with one player—it’s about creating a new identity with a completely different core.
"Jenkins isn’t looking for another McCaffrey, another Dawes. He’s looking for the next generation of Springfield legends."
— Marcus Whitaker, National Scouting Report
This means focusing on:
✅ Establishing a new team culture
Jenkins isn’t forcing his new players to copy the past—he’s allowing them to build their own legacy.
"We’re not trying to be the 2024 Falcons. This is a new team with a new identity."
— Will Jenkins
✅ Rebuilding chemistry from the ground up
For over a decade, Springfield had the same core of players. That chemistry was built over years.
Now?
"We’re learning how to play together for the first time. That takes time. But we’ll get there."
— Jenkins on his 2025 team
✅ Adapting the system to fit new strengths
McCaffrey was a pass-first, high-IQ guard.
Froebe is more athletic and aggressive.
Dawes was a pure post player.
Alexander is more versatile and mobile.
Jenkins isn’t forcing these players into old roles—he’s adjusting the system to match their abilities.
The Big 3's Contiuned Influence: How McCaffrey, Dawes, and Hammond Are Shaping the Next Generation
One of the biggest advantages Springfield has over other programs?
Their stars never really leave.
Despite moving on to college and professional careers, all three of Springfield’s biggest stars—Conor McCaffrey, Chandler Dawes, and Paul Hammond—are still deeply involved in mentoring the next wave of talent.
"Most AAU teams rely on talent alone. Springfield? They rely on their system. And their system ensures that the next generation is always prepared."
— Marcus Whitaker, National Scouting Report
Each of them has taken on a specific role in shaping Springfield’s future:
Conor McCaffrey: The Extension of the Coaching Staff
If there’s one name that keeps coming up when discussing Springfield’s transition into the post-Big 3 era, it’s Conor McCaffrey.
For most players, once their AAU careers are over, they move on and leave the program behind. But McCaffrey isn’t most players. Instead of simply focusing on his college career at Augustana, McCaffrey has become one of the most influential figures in Springfield’s rebuild—essentially serving as an extension of the coaching staff without an official title.
The Bridge Between Eras
Springfield’s greatest strength over the years has been its continuity. The program doesn’t just develop great players—it develops great leaders, players who understand what it takes to win and pass that knowledge down to the next generation.
McCaffrey is the perfect example of this.
"Conor could have walked away after winning his championships and focused on himself. But that’s not who he is. He built this thing with Jenkins, and he’s making sure it doesn’t fall apart just because he’s not playing anymore."
— Jeff Nolan, Midwest AAU Basketball Podcast
Ever since Springfield’s 2024 national championship, McCaffrey has been deeply involved in helping Kruz Froebe transition into the team’s new lead guard.
Unlike McCaffrey, who had years to develop under Jenkins and gradually assume leadership, Froebe is stepping into a team that has just lost its entire veteran core. He doesn’t have the luxury of waiting—he has to be ready now.
That’s where McCaffrey comes in.
McCaffrey's Mentorship of Kruz Froebe: The Next Springfield Floor General
Springfield’s system has always been built around elite point guard play. From Charlie Dawes to McCaffrey, the Falcons have relied on high-IQ, tough, disciplined leaders to orchestrate the offense and dictate the pace.
McCaffrey, who was one of the most cerebral guards in Springfield history, understands that talent alone isn’t enough. A point guard’s job isn’t just to score—it’s to command the team, control the game’s tempo, and make the right reads in pressure situations.
"Being the Springfield point guard is about more than just putting up stats. It’s about controlling everything on the floor. It’s about understanding when to push, when to slow down, when to feed your bigs, when to attack yourself. Kruz is a talented kid, but I’m making sure he understands the responsibility that comes with this job."
— Conor McCaffrey, AAU Radio Interview
Froebe is naturally gifted—but there’s a big difference between being talented and being ready to lead a national powerhouse. McCaffrey is ensuring that Froebe doesn’t just step into the role—he thrives in it.
What McCaffrey Has Been Teaching Froebe
✅ Controlling the Pace – McCaffrey has been drilling Froebe on how to control the game’s speed, making sure he doesn’t rush possessions or get baited into the defense’s tempo.
✅ Reading Defenses – The key to Springfield’s offense has always been its adaptability. McCaffrey is making sure Froebe can recognize defenses in real-time, adjust, and put his teammates in the best positions.
✅ Leadership Under Pressure – Being Springfield’s PG means being the voice of the team in high-pressure situations. McCaffrey is preparing Froebe to take control in clutch moments and demand accountability from his teammates.
"Froebe isn’t just being asked to be a great player—he’s being asked to run the show. That’s a lot of responsibility. The good news? He has the best possible mentor in McCaffrey. The bad news? He’s going to be held to a ridiculously high standard."
— Marcus Whitaker, National Scouting Report
Froebe’s natural ability has never been questioned. The real test? Whether he can carry the weight of expectations.
More Than a Coach--A Walking Blueprint for Success
It’s not just about teaching Froebe X’s and O’s—McCaffrey is showing him what it takes to be great.
McCaffrey wasn’t always Springfield’s leader. When he first arrived, he was just another talented player trying to earn minutes. But through years of hard work, discipline, and learning the nuances of the game, he became the most successful Springfield point guard ever—winning four national championships and solidifying himself as one of the smartest players in AAU history.
Now? He’s giving Froebe the exact same blueprint.
"I’m not just telling him what to do—I’m showing him. I went through this exact same thing. I had to learn how to lead, how to run a team, how to manage expectations. I’m making sure Kruz doesn’t have to figure it out on his own like I did."
— Conor McCaffrey, AAU Radio Interview
It’s rare for a program to seamlessly transition from one great leader to another, but McCaffrey’s presence is giving Springfield the closest thing to a guarantee.
"There’s no mystery with Springfield’s rebuild. Kruz Froebe is stepping into McCaffrey’s shoes. And McCaffrey is making sure he’s ready."
— Jeff Nolan, Midwest AAU Basketball Podcast
The Added Pressure: The Family Factor
Of course, there’s one extra dynamic that makes this even more interesting.
McCaffrey isn’t just mentoring Kruz Froebe—he’s dating Kruz’s older sister, Kloe Froebe. And let’s just say, that adds a whole other level of pressure.
Kloe isn’t just one of Springfield’s greatest female players—she’s arguably the best women’s player in AAU history, having won six national championships.
By comparison, McCaffrey has four.
"Let’s be honest—McCaffrey’s under pressure too. Kloe’s got six nattys. He’s got four. You think that doesn’t come up in conversation? You think Kruz doesn’t hear that every single time he’s in the gym?"
— Derrick Landers, ESPN AAU Basketball
Froebe is carrying two massive expectations:
Living up to McCaffrey as Springfield’s next great point guard.
Living up to Kloe as the best Froebe basketball player.
It’s an impossible standard—but if there’s one thing Springfield has always thrived on, it’s pressure.
"Kruz has two choices: He can be the third-best basketball player in his family, or he can carve out his own legacy. Either way, McCaffrey and Kloe will both make sure he earns it."
— Jeff Nolan, Midwest AAU Basketball Podcast
The Verdict: McCaffrey's Role Is Keeping Springfield Culture Alive
There’s a reason Springfield’s transition isn’t falling apart like other AAU dynasties.
"Springfield isn’t rebuilding—they’re reloading. And McCaffrey is making sure of it."
— Marcus Whitaker, National Scouting Report
McCaffrey is doing more than just coaching. He’s carrying on a tradition, making sure the team doesn’t lose its identity, and ensuring that Froebe steps into the role prepared, not overwhelmed.
Would Froebe eventually figure it out on his own? Maybe. But with McCaffrey guiding him, the learning curve is exponentially faster.
"Jenkins built Springfield’s culture, but McCaffrey is making sure it lasts. That’s what separates Springfield from everyone else."
— Derrick Landers, ESPN AAU Basketball
With McCaffrey still involved, Springfield isn’t just hoping for success—they’re expecting it.
And if history tells us anything, Springfield expectations usually turn into championships.
Chandler Dawes: The Key to Unlocking Victor Alexander
For years, Springfield basketball was defined by dominant post play. From the Twin Towers era with Chandler and Charlie Dawes, to the Big Three era, Springfield has always relied on physicality, defensive anchor play, and elite rebounding to set itself apart.
Now, as the program transitions into the Victor Alexander era, the pressure is on to develop Springfield’s next dominant big man. And there is no one better suited for the job than Chandler Dawes.
Dawes, a Springfield legend and one of the most accomplished post players in AAU history, isn’t just offering advice—he’s coming back in March to directly mentor Alexander as an assistant coach.
This is huge for Springfield’s future.
🔹 The Chandler Dawes Legacy: A Blueprint for Victor Alexander
To understand why Dawes is the perfect mentor for Alexander, you first have to understand what made him so dominant.
✅ Thirteen-Time All-AAU First Team Selection
✅ Five-Time National Champion (2018, 2020)
✅ 2020 AAU Defensive Player of the Year Finalist
✅ Holds Springfield’s Career Records for Points, Blocks and Rebounds
Jeff Patterson (AAU Recruiting Insider, Prep Hoops Midwest)
"Dawes wasn’t just a dominant big—he was a system-changing force. He set screens that flattened defenders, controlled the boards, and protected the rim like no one else. When he was on the floor, Springfield played bigger, stronger, and tougher."
Dawes’ peak years (2018-2021) were marked by old-school, grind-it-out dominance in the post. He wasn’t a modern stretch big—he was a throwback. A bruiser. A shot-blocker. A glass-cleaner.
And in an era where AAU basketball was transitioning into pace-and-space, Dawes kept Springfield’s identity rooted in toughness and physicality.
"Dawes was Springfield’s defensive backbone. When you played against him, you felt it. That’s what Alexander needs to become."
— Derrick Landers, ESPN AAU Basketball
🔹 The Victor Alexander Project: Turning Potential into Dominance
Victor Alexander isn’t Dawes—but he doesn’t have to be.
At 6’10 with a 7’4 wingspan, Alexander already has the physical tools to be an elite shot-blocker and rebounder. But where Dawes was polished, Alexander is still raw.
Strengths:
✅ Elite size and length
✅ High motor on the glass
✅ Natural shot-blocking instincts
Areas to Improve:
❌ Footwork in the post
❌ Defensive positioning
❌ Finishing through contact
This is why Dawes’ mentorship is so important.
🔹 How Dawes Will Transform Alexander’s Game
Dawes knows firsthand what it takes to anchor a championship team. And that’s why his return as an assistant coach in March is one of the biggest storylines of Springfield’s 2025 season.
"Victor has all the talent in the world, but talent alone won’t make him dominant. Dawes is going to teach him how to be Springfield’s next great big man."
— Jeff Nolan, Midwest AAU Basketball Podcast
Here’s what Dawes will focus on with Alexander:
1️⃣ Footwork & Post Moves
Dawes was a master of sealing off defenders, establishing deep position, and using footwork to create high-percentage shots. Alexander, while physically gifted, lacks the technical polish to consistently finish inside against elite defenders.
What Dawes Will Teach:
🔹 Drop steps, up-and-unders, and counter moves to keep defenders off balance
🔹 Proper foot placement when setting up in the post
🔹 How to use his length to finish over defenders instead of through them
2️⃣ Defensive Positioning & Shot Blocking
Alexander already has great timing as a shot-blocker, but he often gets out of position, leading to fouls or offensive rebounds for opponents.
Dawes, a Defensive Player of the Year finalist, understood spacing better than anyone. He’ll teach Alexander:
🔹 How to defend without fouling
🔹 How to anticipate offensive movements instead of reacting late
🔹 How to become a better help-side defender
"Blocking shots isn’t enough. You need to control the paint, take away angles, and force bad shots. Dawes was elite at that. Victor needs to learn those nuances."
— Jeff Patterson, AAU Recruiting Insider
3️⃣ Strength & Physicality
One of the biggest differences between Dawes and Alexander right now? Strength.
At his peak, Dawes controlled the paint with sheer power. He could muscle defenders off the block, set hard screens, and finish through contact.
Alexander, while long and athletic, still lacks the core strength to dominate physically.
Dawes will put Alexander through:
🔹 Daily physicality drills in practice
🔹 Weight room workouts focused on lower-body strength
🔹 Toughness drills—learning to embrace contact instead of avoiding it
"Dawes wasn’t just big—he played big. Victor has to learn how to throw his weight around and be the enforcer."
— Derrick Landers, ESPN AAU Basketball
🔹 What This Means for Springfield in 2025 and Beyond
With McCaffrey grooming Kruz Froebe and Dawes developing Alexander, Springfield isn’t just transitioning to a new era—they’re making sure it’s built on championship DNA.
The goal? By the time Dawes finishes working with Alexander, Springfield will have its next dominant big man.
"This isn’t just about 2025. If Dawes unlocks Alexander’s potential, Springfield will be set for the next four years."
— Jeff Nolan, Midwest AAU Basketball Podcast
The Dawes-to-Alexander mentorship could be the single most important development for Springfield’s future.
Because if Alexander reaches his ceiling, Springfield might not just be rebuilding.
They might be reloading for another championship run.
🏀 The Big Question: Can Alexander Become the Next Chandler Dawes?
✅ If Dawes gets through to him, Alexander could be Springfield’s next dominant force.
✅ If Alexander embraces the physicality, Springfield’s defense could return to an elite level.
✅ If he fully buys into the mentorship, he could go from raw talent to future All-AAU selection.
The clock is ticking.
And by March 2025, we’ll know if Dawes has truly unlocked Springfield’s next great big man.
Paul Hammond: The Clutch Gene Mentor--The Gladitor of Springfield
When talking about Paul Hammond, one word comes to mind: fearless.
He wasn’t just a great scorer. He wasn’t just a talented playmaker.
He was a gladiator on the court.
A player who thrived in the most intense moments, who never backed down from a challenge, and who played every single game like his life depended on it.
There are great players, there are clutch players, and then there’s Paul Hammond—a man whose confidence and guts were unmatched.
“Paul wasn’t just a basketball player. He was a warrior. You ever watch someone just completely block out fear? That was Hammond in the fourth quarter.”
— Derrick Landers, ESPN AAU Basketball
The Ice in His Veins: Paul Hammond's Legendary Clutch Factor
If you played against Paul Hammond, you already knew what was coming.
It didn’t matter how many defenders were in his face.
It didn’t matter if he was double-teamed.
It didn’t matter if he was having the worst shooting night of his life.
When the game was on the line, there was no doubt who was taking the shot.
And 9 times out of 10?
He made it.
“We could be up 15 points for three quarters and think we had them beat. Then in the last five minutes, Hammond would just take over. It was ridiculous.”
— Former AAU Opponent, Anonymous
“There are some guys who are afraid of big moments. Then there are guys like Paul Hammond, who live for them. His confidence was never fake. He truly believed he was the best player on the court, no matter the situation.”
— Marcus Whitaker, National Scouting Report
Hammond’s clutch gene wasn’t just a skill—it was a mentality.
And now?
He’s passing that mentality on to Springfield’s next generation.
Teaching the Next Wave of Scorers to Be Fearless
Springfield has young scorers like Brayden Anderson and Cody Seltzer, talented players who have the potential to be elite, but haven’t yet developed that killer instinct.
That’s where Hammond comes in.
"Being clutch isn’t just about making shots. It’s about being built different. It’s about wanting the ball when the entire gym is watching. Some guys fold under that pressure. Paul? He fed off it."
— Jeff Nolan, Midwest AAU Basketball Podcast
Hammond isn’t just teaching them how to shoot—he’s teaching them how to own the moment.
"You can’t be afraid to fail. That’s the biggest thing I tell these guys. You can’t hesitate. You can’t think, ‘What if I miss?’ You have to believe that shot is going in before you even take it."
— Paul Hammond
This is the difference between a good scorer and a true assassin:
✅ A good scorer plays within the offense. A clutch player dictates the offense.
✅ A good scorer takes open shots. A clutch player creates their shot when nothing is there.
✅ A good scorer waits for the ball. A clutch player demands it.
“I’m making sure these guys understand that when the game is tight, someone has to take control. Someone has to have the guts to go and win it. That was me. Now it’s time for one of them to step up.”
— Paul Hammond
The Hammond Legacy: Fearless Basketball is Now Springfield's DNA
Paul Hammond didn’t just make big shots.
He made them in the biggest games.
When Springfield won its national titles, Hammond was the player who always had the last word.
He took over the fourth quarter of championship games like it was just another practice run.
And now?
He’s making sure Springfield never loses that edge.
"You can teach shooting. You can teach dribbling. But having the guts to take the last shot? That’s something only a few players have. And Hammond is making sure Springfield still has that killer instinct long after he’s gone."
— Derrick Landers, ESPN AAU Basketball
Springfield’s new wave of talent may not have Paul Hammond’s experience yet.
But under his guidance?
They’re learning how to be just as fearless.
Final Take: Springfield's Culture is Bigger Than Any One Player
The greatest challenge in AAU basketball isn’t just winning—it’s sustaining success after key players move on. It’s easy to build a team around a generational talent, ride that wave for a few years, and then watch it all fall apart when that talent leaves.
That’s where Springfield separates itself from every other AAU powerhouse.
Unlike most programs that live and die by their star players, Springfield has proven time and time again that their culture is what makes them elite—not just the talent on the floor.
Even after losing an entire core of legends, Springfield is not starting from scratch. Instead, they’re simply turning the page to the next chapter in their dynasty.
The Key to Springfield’s Sustained Success: A System, Not Just Players
When you look at the history of Springfield basketball, one thing stands out:
They don’t rebuild—they reload.
That’s because Jenkins’ system is bigger than any individual player.
🔹 The 2014 Team won a national championship without a proven AAU star at the time.
🔹 The 2018 Team won a title with a completely different playstyle.
🔹 The 2020 Team won with a new core of guards and wings.
🔹 The 2022 Team won with a mix of old and young talent.
🔹 The 2024 Team dominated with pace-and-space basketball.
Through all of this, Springfield never relied on a single style or a single player.
Instead, they adapted, evolved, and found ways to win—no matter who was on the floor.
"Most programs have 2-3 great years and then fade away. Springfield? They’ve stayed at the top for 13 seasons because they built something bigger than just talent. They built a system."
— Marcus Whitaker, National Scouting Report
And that system is still alive today.
Why the Big 3 Knew They Could Leave Without Worry
For Conor McCaffrey, Chandler Dawes, and Paul Hammond, the idea of leaving the program was never about walking away—it was about trusting that Springfield would continue without them.
They didn’t need to stick around forever because they knew Jenkins had already built something that could survive without them.
"We built this program on accountability, discipline, and unselfishness. That doesn’t go away just because we leave. That’s who Springfield is now."
— Conor McCaffrey
"We’re stepping back, but that doesn’t mean Springfield is going anywhere. It just means it’s time for the next group to take over."
— Chandler Dawes
Springfield didn’t need one single player to carry them forward. They needed everyone to buy into the system, just like every great Springfield team before them.
"That’s what makes this program special. We didn’t win because we had stars. We won because we trusted the system. And the next group is about to do the same."
— Paul Hammond
The Next Generation is Ready to Carry the Torch
Jenkins’ culture of winning doesn’t just mean that his past players buy in—it means that his current players expect to win.
The new core of Springfield isn’t looking at this as a rebuilding year. They’re looking at it as their turn to step up.
Kruz Froebe is embracing the leadership role.
Victor Alexander is ready to dominate the paint.
Julian Hopkins and Brayden Anderson are stepping into key roles.
They know that Springfield’s identity is bigger than the players who came before them.
"I don’t see this as rebuilding. This is just our turn. It’s our time to keep this thing going."
— Kruz Froebe
"Yeah, we lost some legends, but that doesn’t mean we can’t win. This is still Springfield. We’re still the best program in AAU."
— Victor Alexander
That confidence? That belief? That’s not an accident.
That’s culture.
The Final Verdict: Springfield is Built for the Long Haul
While other programs fade after a few good years, Springfield continues to thrive because they are built differently.
Their system, their coaching, their commitment to developing leaders year after year—that’s what makes them the standard in AAU basketball.
"Jenkins built Springfield once. Now he’s doing it all over again. That’s culture."
— Derrick Landers, ESPN AAU Basketball
With the Big 3 still involved and the next generation stepping up, there is no question:
Springfield’s dynasty isn’t ending—it’s just beginning again.