The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020 recap

A wild weekend of hoops has concluded at The Basketball Movement with the 2020 Invitational in the books.

You may stop believing us, but as it does every year, the intensity reached a whole new level at this year’s Invitational camp. Anyone in attendance can vouch for this indisputable fact. As he always does, The Basketball Movement’s Robert Yanders set the tone right from opening night and had the elite group of high schoolers ready to leave it all on the hardwood.

“This camp has a culture,” Yanders says. “That culture is based on toughness and old school, blue-color hard work.” This year’s Invitational had the most player jawing in recent memory, but we thank them all for keeping things good-natured and displaying sportsmanship throughout.

Things started off with a bang, as the camp hosted its first-ever official Three-Point Contest. One round was played with classic NBA rules and the three high scorers moved on to compete in a final round. All three finalists were from the Yanders Law AAU family: Isaac Haney, Drew McMillin, and Zach Howell.

All three knocked down shots at an impressive clip throughout, but Zach Howell was built for this contest. His quick, minimal effort release allowed him to hum along quickly and consistently. Haney put up a great fight, but once Howell was locked in, it was over.

Another first for The Basketball Movement Invitational was a Slam Dunk Contest. We have let the participating athletes show off their slams in the past, but this time, we had a panel of judges to add a level of seriousness. Alize Johnson, Forward for the Indiana Pacers acted as a guest judge for the contest.

We had multiple high-flyers in the building, but a few separated themselves clearly from the rest. Nicholas Kern had some slick dunks, but Tyrese Hunter and Trevon Brazile stood out immediately. Brazile leaped over a fellow competitor, 6’8” Jonathan Dunn and later windmilled an Isaac Haney lob off the side of the backboard.

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Tyrese Hunter was whipping out Vince Carter-esque slams that impressed in a big way with his 6’1” frame. Unfortunately, he could not get his final attempts to stick, allowing Brazile to bring another contest title to the Yanders Law family.

After the dunk contest, some 1v1 king of the court action started. The competition was fierce and the matchups did not disappoint. From there, the camp moved to 3v3 and 4v4 contests, and multiple rivalries were immediately formed. The next day, some more king of the court, including full-court 1v1 pushed the competition to the limit.

“Of everything we did, king of the court, particularly full court was my favorite,” Rob Yanders says. “As a competitor, I love it. There is nowhere to hide.”

Rob says that this was the fiercest camp to date. “Every one on one, contest and game was close,” Yanders says. “Every game was within seven points at the buzzer. This was the most competitive atmosphere we have ever created in this gym.”

Naturally, this made for some incredible basketball games over the final two days. Players committed to D1 schools, nationally ranked talent, and unknowns with little interest laced up and clashed in epic fashion with incredible results.

“We look for certain kinds of players and pit them against each other,” Yanders says. “Our games are great because we reward the competitors. We don’t care if you’re ranked - If you are complacent, you aren’t a competitor. If you’re a ‘21, ‘22, ‘23, ‘24 grad, it doesn’t matter. You show up and prove you’re good, THEN you belong.”

For all of the talent and impressive performances, there could be only one MVP.

In his fourth and final time participating in The Basketball Movement Invitational, Anton Brookshire fittingly took home his first MVP in the gym he practically considers home.

Brookshire’s team (Team One Day One Life) was the winningest one at the 2020 Invitational. There were multiple key players, but Brookshire’s perimeter prowess and improved playmaking stood out as a steadying force for the squad. “He is a big-time kind of player,” Yanders says of Brookshire. “He has a great feel for the game and knows when to get his own or get others involved. He worked hard all weekend.”

Yanders says that the way the camp consistently elevates each year means that everyone should be very excited about where the event is headed. “We want to thank absolutely everyone who participated,” Yanders says. “Coaches, trainers, staff, refs… we couldn’t do it without you.” We are already excited to see you again next year!

The Invitational - Rob's second wave

Robert Yanders is ready to release the second wave of invitees for The Basketball Movement Invitational. Here are the next 15.

With The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020 drawing closer (October 16-18th), The Baksetball Movement’s Rob Yanders is revealing the players that are receiving invites. The first 15 names have already been released. Today, we have an additional 15 and more will be coming soon.

Check out the below for a few more of the top names invited to this elite camp:

Cam Liggins, Kickapoo High: Joining his Kickapoo teammates we mentioned previously, Cam Liggins is an up-and-comer looking to show off his well-rounded game. Liggins’ ability to put the ball in the hole at all three levels will quickly be apparent at The Invitational when it comes to game time.

Tamar Bates, Piper (KC): A Texas commit, Tamar Bates is 6’5” shooting guard with a sweet lefty stroke and knack for getting all the way to the cup. He has the size to guard multiple positions and is primed to grow his game even more at the next level.

Michael Foster, Hillcrest Prep (MIL): At 6’9” 220lbs, Mike Foster is ready for the pro game. A Milwaukee native like our own Rob Yanders, he is ranked number six on ESPN’s Top 100. Kansas, Michigan, Florida… Foster has his pick of many schools and is NBA-bound as he continues to hone the finer parts of the game.

Patrick Baldwin, Hamilton High (WI): Recruited by essentially every major program in the country, Patrick Baldwin Jr. is a 6’9” force on the basketball court. Ranked number 2 on ESPN’s Top 100, Baldwin is another likely pro-bound big that has all the tools to make an impact at either end of the floor.

Jonathan Dunn, Hazelwood Central: Recently committed to Western Illinois, Jonathan Dunn is a 6’7” aggressive rebounder and defender. He is also more than capable of putting the ball in the hole in a variety of ways.

Seth Trimble, Menomonee Falls (WI): Heavily recruited in the Wisconsin area, Seth Trimble is a 6’2” point guard from the class of 2022. A capable scorer and distributor, Trimble is a willing defender as well - able to contribute for his teams in any way necessary.

Brandon Miller, Cane Ridge (Nashville): Currently number five on ESPN’s 2022 player rankings, Brandon Miller is a 6’6” small forward that has all the tools to be a truly elite talent. Miller is crazy athletic and capable of setting off fireworks above the rim.

Nick Smith, Sylvan Hills (AR): Another class of 2022 stud, Nick Smith is a 6’3” guard out of Arkansas. Smith is ranked 52nd in the class of 2022 on ESPN. He boasts offers from some major Midwest programs and is only likely to receive more as he keeps banging home triples and elevating his team.

Tyrese Hunter, Saint Catherines (WI): Already committed to Iowa State, Tyrese Hunter is a big time player for his 6’1” frame. Ranked 62nd in ESPN’s top 100, he has no problem finishing around the rim and is one of the most explosive point guards in the country.

Drew McMillan, Republic High: A veteran of The Basketball Movement Invitational, Drew McMillan has tremendous feel for the game and can lend his offensive skillset to any squad he is a part of. Defenders must respect his shot-making ability.

Jason Jones, Nixa High: Another vet of The Invitational, Jason Jones a a 6’6” forward out of Nixa with an impressive post game. In addition to his ability to go to work down low, Jones is an excellent ball handler and is a threat in transition. He exploded for 40 points and 16 boards in one of The Invitational contests last year.

Kaleb Wofford, Nixa High: Our other Nixa invitee is Kaleb Wofford, a 6’2” guard with a solid all-around skillset. Wofford must be respected from deep, giving him the ability to put the ball on the floor and make plays for his teammates or himself.

Keshon Gilbert, Durango High (Vegas): UNLV commit, Keshon Gilbert is a 6’2” point guard out Las Vegas that has no problem scoring the basketball. He also distributes nicely and brings intangibles and defense beyond his size.

Coen Brown, Sacred Heart Sedalia: 6’2” guard Coen Brown is an impressive 2022 player that can do a lot of damage on the offensive end. He is an aggressive scorer, able to put the ball on the floor or launch from deep.

Learic Davis, Bradley Tech High, (MIL): Learic David is another Milwaukee standout. 6’6” from the class of 2022, Davis is a high-flyer that can turn defense into offense in eye-popping ways. His jumper has a high release point, making him a difficult cover inside and out.

The invites are beginning to stack up, but we are not done yet. Stay tuned to The Basketball Movement as we continue seeking out elite talent and preparing to continue our tradition of putting on the most elite basketball camp in the Midwest. Part camp, part showcase, part tournament - iron sharpens iron here and we cannot wait to light the fire.

The Invitational - Rob Yanders first 15 invites

Robert Yanders has announced his first 15 invites to The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020.

In order to host an elite, invitational camp, you must first… well, invite elite players. The Basketball Movement’s Founder, Robert Yanders is a former pro that has worked with players at every level of the sport over many years. Rob has the difficult task of making the selections for The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020’s players.

Here are his first 15 invitees:

Anton Brookshire, Kickapoo High: No surprise here. The Mizzou commit is not just a gym rat of The Basketball Movement, but a top 100 player in the country via ESPN. The 6’2” point guard boasts some of the best handles and long-range shooting in not just in the state, but the nation.

Jordan Nesbitt, St. Louis Christian Academy: At 6’6”, 180lbs, Jordan Nesbitt’s stock has been going through the roof. He has great size and the ability to develop into a pro. He boasts offers from 11 D1 programs around the country.

Tarris Reed Jr., Chaminade: Mizzou, Creighton, Xavier… there are many teams that would love to get their hands on the 6’10” St. Louis native, Tarris Reed Jr. His height gives him ability above the rim, but he is capable on the block as well, with a nice touch and clear upside.

Isaac Haney, Kickapoo High: The reigning Missouri Class 1 player of the year, Isaac Haney has taken his talents to Springfield and Kickapoo High to test his mettle. The 6’1” guard is a prolific scorer and has already committed to continue hooping at Missouri State University.

Yaya Keita, De Smet Jesuit (StL): Recently committed to Mizzou, Yaya Keita is a 6’9” 225lb forward out of St. Louis. Size aside, Keita is just an excellent basketball player. His skill in a pro-frame makes him an incredible get for Missouri.

Logan Applegate, Nevada: Logan Applegate is no stranger to The Basketball Movement. We have been lucky to see growth from the guard in many ways over the years. His athleticism is head-turning and his defense and long-range acumen make him a valuable asset for any team he is on.

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Jaden Jones, St. Louis Christian Academy: Another standout from St. Louis Christian Academy, the 6’7” Jaden Jones committed to the Rutgers basketball program in March. He is a top player in the state and can impact the game on both ends of the floor.

Aminu Mohammed, Greenwood Academy: Standing at 6’4” with 190lb of mostly muscle, Aminu Mohammed is the number 11 player in the nation per ESPN. He has not picked a college program, but whoever lands him will get a high-upside player that can bully his way to the rim at will.

Mario Fleming, Cardinal Ritter College Prep (StL): An elite scorer for his size, Mario Fleming is not to be overlooked. He has the ability to take opposing guards down on the block for post-up buckets and has the perimeter game to keep defenders on their toes.

Trevon Brazile, Kickapoo High: Another recent Mizzou commit, Trevon Brazile is 6’8” with a 7’1” wingspan. Brazile has added several inches over the last year while maintaining a quick second-jump ability and a nose for the ball.

Zach Howell, Springfield Catholic: Prepped for a breakout season with Springfield Catholic, Zach Howell has improved every year we have seen him. His deadly shooting and motor in a 6’3” frame make him a valuable player no-matter what role he needs to take on the floor.

Jackie Johnson, Southeast (Wichita): One of the top players in Kansas, Jackie Johnson is a bucket waiting to happen. Currently uncommitted, Johnson is a pro-level shooter, able to turn his size into a non-factor with his range and end-to-end quickness.

Larry Hughes Jr., Christian Brothers Academy: Larry Hughes Jr. is a 6’5” 170lb St. Louis native, already knocking on top-100 billing as a 2022 graduate. His jumper is pretty and his basketball roots let you know that he knows his way around a court.

Nicholas Kern, Vashon: 6’6” and 180lbs of terrific hooper - could Nicholas Kern keep the title of Invitational MVP in a Vashon player’s hands? Kern has all the tools and has terrific experience having played alongside Cam’Ron Fletcher and company. The upside here is ridiculous.

Robert Martin, Christian Brothers Academy: Another standout 2022 player from CBC, Rob Martin possesses the clutch gene and shooting ability to make plenty of noise wherever he laces up. A bit on the smaller side, Martin is the ideal player to come and learn from former pro, Rob Yanders, who turned his size into his strength.

That is a quick glimpse into the talent to expect from The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020. 15 invites down, plenty more to come. If you have not heard from us, DM Rob Yanders or The Basketball Movement on Instagram or email basketball_movement@yahoo and we will take a look. More soon - stay tuned!