Cody Seltzer discusses how Dawes, McCaffrey and Hammond remain a fixture with the Falcons
SPRINGFIELD — Their jerseys hang in the AAU Hall of Fame, and they are three of the franchise's greatest players.
But AAU Retirement has not stopped Chandler Dawes, Paul Hammond and Conor McCaffrey from still making an impact on the Springfield Falcons.
With the Falcons in a total rebuild with Coach Jenkins looking for his next selection of young talent and development being the focus of the current season, the program's iconic "Big 3" continue to be around the team doing their part to help in that goal as best they can.
"It's kind of normal now," forward Cody Seltzer said. "Those guys are passing on so much information."
The three legends are the perfect players to help the current young Falcons.
Between them, they won five AAU National Titles total, endured deep playoff runs, saw the highs and lows of an AAU season, and are a deep well of Falcons corporate knowledge the players can dip into.
"Paul is basically around us every day. We get to see Chandler a lot. Conor comes in and out," Seltzer said.
Any development help is likely appreciated by the coaching staff.
The Falcons field four players who have never played AAU before and this is the youngest roster ever since Will Jenkins became the head coach in 2012.
The roster this season also includes 11-of-16 players who are playing there 2nd season ever, and a few are finally getting their heaviest minutes in their young pro careers such as Seltzer, Tyson Jones, and Dawson Barlow.
"They are ready to answer questions or help us out in any way they can," said Seltzer.
Most of the young roster likely saw the iconic trio on television, celebrating titles, or watched YouTube videos of their playing days.
However, Seltzer enjoys the fact the team legends interact with them as if they are current teammates, who lend to their AAU development.
"They always come in and act like they are one of us," said Seltzer. "It is not a surprise when we see them."
Being involved with the team post-retirement isn't entirely new for Dawes, McCaffrey, and Hammond.
Dawes is set to serve as a Falcons assistant coach during the 2025 season.
Hammond is currently aiding the team as a special advisor to Jenkins basketball operations and McCaffrey is open to returning to the Falcons whenever he is needed.
"Why not? I will always be connected to the Falcons, with Coach Jenkins and [CEO] Matthew. [Allen]," McCaffrey said. "They can always call me, because we still do stuff together all the time."
"I always think one day, I'll take the AAU challenge. I don't know If I'll coach exactly, I prefer the practice enviroment. One day I'll come back and do this," he said.
Despite the down season, the player's individual development is progressing positively.
For example, Jones is having career-high averages in points, assists, and rebounds. Seltzer has upped his points per game this season. Barlow is averaging career-highs in points and assists.
Rookies are slowly coming into their own and could factor heavily into the franchise's rebuild plans.
And for Seltzer, having the "Big 3" consistently around the team, leading their advice is instrumental for all the players.
"Just being around those guys, asking them questions and picking their brains is normal in a way," he said.