After running a successful dynasty for 8 years, the Springfield Falcons are taking a step backwards to recuperate. Not a major step, but one big enough to cause some changes.
All was set and ready for this to be another competitive season in 2023 until their star guard Paul Hammond ruptured his achillies in the IHSA Regional Game on Saturday earlier this past week.
Springfield Falcons 2023 Season Preview: Not Title Contenders but certainly favorites for a playoff spot
The Springfield Falcons were one of the favorites to win the 2023 AAU National Championship but those odds fell drastically once Chandler Dawes had to take an unexpected leave from the team due to personal matters. Paul Hammond's injury was a stab wound to the heart of the Falcons title chances.
Conor McCaffrey and Jamison Jones III have significant championship experience. Combined with the new acqusitions, analysts are aware that even though they can't win a championship, they are certainly a threat in the AAU with a definite National Championship Bid for the playoffs.
Key Acqusitions
G Malcolm Thomas, G Sasha Vanderkecha, C Ben Chambers, F Bryce Lamberti
With the massive hole left behind by Chandler Dawes and Paul Hammond, the Springfield Falcons needed immediate help on the front line.
The additions of Malcolm Thomas and Sasha Vanderkecha were classified as steals by the Falcons who bring on good bench peices to provide a scoring punch.
Ben Chambers and Bryce Lamberti are depth pieces behind the veterans Clarence Davis and Jamison Jones III, who are both dealing with injuries and may be in and out this season.
Springfield Falcons Predicted Lineup
G Conor McCaffrey, G Jaime Marquez, F Jake Pollen, F Clarence Davis, C Jamison Jones III
Complete Roster
C Ben Chambers, F Clarence Davis, C Jamison Jones III, F Bryce Lamberti, G Jaime Marquez, G Conor McCaffrey, F Jake Pollen, G Tim Smith, G Malcolm Thomas, G Sasha Vanderkecha
Overview
As exciting as they were to watch because of their long-distance marksmanship, the Springfield Falcons system was potent due to their incredible ball movement.
Their off-ball movement and sharing of the ball paved way for open looks. Several players and coaches appreciated their unselfish brand of basketball.
With Paul Hammond and Chandler Dawes out for the season, the Falcons burden of long-distance shooting will fall entirely on Conor McCaffrey.
The Falcons system thrived on setting decoy screens and perplexing defenders with their constant movement. Although they won't be as lethel from distance as they used to be, their system will be influental for the new players.
The focus is going to be on Jamison Jones III, and how he functions returning from the serious knee surgery just 3 months ago. Jones is going to have to excel early, or else the Falcons might as well toss this season in the dumpster.
Prediction for the Springfield Falcons 2023 Season
Most experts and fans expect the Springfield Falcons to make the National Playoffs this season. Although they aren't quite title contenders, everyone has faith in Conor McCaffrey and potentially Jamison Jones III's capabilities of lifting the team to victory.
The acquistions have boosted their chances of a playoff spot, and certain oddsmakers and basketball followers have given Conor McCaffrey a potential run at the 2023 most influential team player, an award he would deserve if the team makes a deep playoff run.
The Springfield Falcons are certainly not the team they used to be and with this new lineup, many teams will underestimate the team's potential. They will, therefore, have to prove the league wrong and show the world that the dynasty is not going to end this year. Every successful dynasty is riddled with injuries: it's the cost one has to bear when they play sports at a high-level every year.
With Chandler Dawes and Paul Hammond absent, the Springfield Falcons understand that their chances at the title are slim. However, this could be an amazing opportunity to develop team chemistry and an amazing chance for Conor McCaffrey to show the basketball world how great of a team leader he can be.