FLCC Basketball Alumnus Tim Springer Joins NBA Future Stars Program
CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. - Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) Athletics is proud to announce that men's basketball alumnus Tim Springer '03 has been selected as one of just 12 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) participants for the 2024 NBA Future Basketball Operations Stars Program (FBOS). Springer, who is an internationally renowned basketball player development coach in San Antonio, Texas, works with athletes across the NBA, WNBA, and international leagues through Spartan Basketball, which he founded in 2006.
Springer has grown Spartan Basketball from the ground up, beginning with a vision of shaping not only elite athletes but also leaders in society. What started as an initiative has expanded into a 140-player program, while Springer continues to elevate his influence at the professional level.
Former head men's basketball coach, Richard Jones, who coached Springer from 2000-2002 stated, "Tim is a great example of a young man that used his opportunity to play college basketball, and through passion and hard work, turned it into a career that will last him a lifetime. We are very proud of Tim, who never had anything given to him, but through sheer will, achieved success." Reflecting on his journey, Springer credits his time at FLCC for sparking his passion for basketball and guiding him toward a coaching career, "FLCC gave me a chance to play college basketball and fall in love with the game," he said. Springer emphasized the mentorship of Coach Jones, who not only pushed him to pursue basketball but also instilled valuable life lessons that continue to influence his coaching and leadership philosophy today.
After leaving FLCC, Springer embarked on a global journey that led him to coach and train players across Spain, Brazil, China, Italy, and beyond. His work spans multiple levels, including high-level athletes in the NBA, WNBA, and European leagues. "It's been a 20-year journey of building relationships and developing players," said Springer. Springer is eager to dive into the FBOS Program, where he will have the opportunity to expand his knowledge of the operations behind professional basketball. "What excited me the most is seeing the different sides of basketball that aren't always visible, like how everything moves so seamlessly behind the scenes," Springer said. "This experience will allow me to see the inner workings of basketball at a scale much larger than anything I've built before."
As an entrepreneur who has independently run his program for the past 15 years, Springer also sees the FBOS Program as a chance to refine his long-term business strategy. "I've always thought about where I can grow and make an impact on a larger scale, and this opportunity aligns with that vision," he added. In advising current FLCC students, Springer encourages them to fully embrace the opportunities available, no matter the size of the school. "FLCC may be a smaller college in upstate New York, but it still has so much to offer. Be where your feet are, and make the most of it, because great things can happen from any platform,".