We Are United prep is underway in its inaugural school year, with all young men reporting for duty.
NIXA, Mo — Monday afternoon, August 23rd at The Basketball Movement. Following a four-mile run this morning and a break for lunch and online classes, the first-ever We Are United prep team files back into The Basketball Movement facility.
Some light stretching and shooting later, and Head Coach Rob Yanders divides the players into teams for 5-on-5 runs. Expectations are set as always, and play gets underway. Kanon Gipson (6’3 G) penetrates and makes the offense go for skins, and Jonathan Dunn (6’7 F) bangs a quick outside J for shirts. Yanders observes closely.
Some of these guys have been coming around The Basketball Movement for years. Others are still acclimating to Yanders’ relentless style and level of expectations. The expectations are for these young men to experience on-and-off court growth.
“We are happy they’re here and excited to show them the culture and let them know what we expect,” says Assistant Coach Craig Smith. “Opportunities here are earned. By working hard every day, they can be successful. That is one of the best lessons you can teach a man.”
Rob is the Head Coach, his brother Sly Yanders is Assistant Head Coach, and Craig Smith and Emmanuel Brookshire are the assistants. Rob says that people can expect a hard-working group this season.
“We are excited for these guys to be part of a great community,” Yanders says. “This is not just historic for myself or The Basketball Movement, but for basketball in our area with the addition of this prep school.”
Players are being housed by We Are United in a gated community on the south side of Springfield. Yanders is setting a standard for his program that is unlike anything the area has seen or is likely to see again. Coach Rob takes pride in every bit of his work with basketball and the community; We Are United will receive the same treatment.
September 9th will be an open day for college coaches to evaluate this crop of guys. Yanders reports that he has been fielding calls from programs around the country that are taking interest. We will keep you up to date right here on developments, offers, and chatter.
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