NBA prospect - Payton Willis

Minnesota Golden Gopher Payton Willis has declared for the NBA draft and has Rob Yanders in his corner.

Rob Yanders is a name that has circulated among basketball elite across North America as a trainer that can genuinely maximize potential. Those that have their sights aimed at the top understand this and seek out “the basketball Mecca of the Midwest” - The Basketball Movement.

Payton Willis is one such player.

Declared for the NBA Draft, Payton Willis has an impressive resume that will only improve as he hones his skills here in Southwest Missouri.

“I guess I’ve been a bit of a journeyman,” Willis says. “I have been to Vanderbilt, Charleston, and Minnesota. I wound up with half my college career at Minnesota.” Willis rounded out his collegiate career nicely as a Minnesota Golden Gopher but soaked up each stop along the way.

“I got to experience beautiful cities and schools,” Willis says. “(Each program had) different styles and coaches, and my role changed some, but basketball is basketball.” Having experienced several programs, Willis is uniquely suited for the ever-changing atmosphere of pro hoops.

Last year, the 6 foot 4 Willis averaged 15/6/4  for his squad, demonstrating his ability to contribute across the board.

“I defended three different positions and see myself as a versatile player,” Willis says. “I have been a shooting and playmaking specialist, but I can fit any role a team puts me in.”

Currently, Payton Willis is working on becoming efficient from NBA (3pt) range and tightening his handles. These are just a couple of examples of areas Robert Yanders and his team specialize in. Willis says his time around Yanders has been “great.”

“Obviously (Yanders) has a super nice facility and great workout equipment,” Willis says. “He does super tough workouts, which have definitely been developing my game. The best part is mentorship; I am taking every tip and making sure I’m running with it.”

Willis is applying these lessons rapidly, as he has already had a few NBA workouts with more on the horizon.

The Atlanta Hawks and championship contending Golden State Warriors have already worked out Willis, with the up-and-coming Timberwolves on deck. We asked Payton how these workouts usually shake out.

“(The workouts) are super conditioning based,” Willis says. “They get you tired and then see who wins one-on-one or three-on-three. They know your game already, but they want to see who is strong mentally or who has been putting in the time to be in the best shape possible.”

Willis wants to make sure that decision-makers for these NBA teams know that he is a winner. “I try to be a great guy on and off the court,” Willis says. “I am going to fit in wherever and do whatever is asked of me.”

As anyone that has worked with Rob Yanders can attest, Payton Willis is certainly battle-tested. We wish him the best!