Legacy

What we can learn from the legacy of Rob Yanders.

Sometimes, when you are building something, you do not have time to step back and appreciate it. Robert Yanders knew what he was building and completed much more than he likely even knew.

What was he building? More than a professional basketball training facility, AAU program, or prep school. He was building a family and a brother and sisterhood of ambitious leaders, competitors, community members… He was building better people.

Since Rob’s tragic passing, the Springfield, Milwaukee, and basketball communities have paused to behold his works. In his time with us that was entirely too short, Rob managed to create a lasting impact on the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals.

“Legacy” is the long-lasting impact of a person’s life. If Rob had any desire to have a legacy, we can all certainly agree that he achieved his goal.

He was not done building, but he did leave behind his blueprints. If you want to leave a legacy, you have now seen what it takes.

You do not have to be an NBA star to use basketball (or any other sport) as a tool. If you have a passion, you can use it to grow others around you. It is not an easy path - nothing is given. Do right by others, work hard, take care of your own, work harder, and do not give up on your dream.

Rob would want each of us to leave a legacy when we are no longer here. Keep that in mind throughout this week as you go to school, work, or the gym. Then, keep it going for the next month, then a year. Keep Rob’s fire going.

The Rob Yanders legacy was making people better. If you are reading this, he likely did that for you. Return the favor and KEEP ROB’S FIRE GOING.

LEGACY

Rob Yanders Memorial Game

The Basketball Movement is holding a memorial basketball game to celebrate our Founder, Rob Yanders.

On August 17th at 3PM, The Basketball Movement will be hosting a game in remembrance of the great Rob Yanders, celebrating his legacy and accomplishments.

We are not celebrating his accolades as a player or record as a coach, but his impact as a leader, family man, friend, and mentor.

Much like the game that took place around this harrowing time last year, the participants will be current and former Yanders Law players, We Are United prep players, and gym rats of The Basketball Movement.

To keep track of who would like to participate and to better facilitate the event, we ask all current and former players that are interested to reach out in advance.

Call or text Coach Craig at (417)861-2166, or email us at basketballmovement@yahoo.com if you plan on participating in the game.

Spectators are welcome and encouraged to come watch the game. We have two court-length rows of leather chairs that will largely be first-come, first served.

It has been a difficult year for The Basketball Movement family as we navigate a reality without our legendary leader. Nothing helps to alleviate that pain more than seeing Rob’s works in action. A full gym - his gym - with players playing in his style is a powerful testament to his accomplishments not just as a basketball guru, but as a man.

Expect fights over jump balls, immaculate outside strokes, a few tears, and countless smiles as we express our love for Rob through the beauty of basketball!

The Basketball Movement - Home of Yanders Law

For everything Yanders Law, follow along with us at The Basketball Movement.

Like The Basketball Movement, Yanders Law was started by former pro, Rob Yanders as yet another way to elevate the hoops scene in the Midwest. The AAU program has seen hundreds of the area’s best young hoopers come through since its establishment in 2010.

As an elite training facility, The Basketball Movement is the perfect home base for the competitive grassroots teams. The same is true online, as everything you need to know about Yanders Law can be found through The Basketball Movement.

You can follow Yanders Law on Twitter for news and other updates, but make sure to follow along with The Basketball Movement on Instagram as the most consistent source of highlights of YLB ballers in action. Those clips feed into our Facebook stories as well if that is more your scene!

Highlights and player updates are based primarily on the older players in the Yanders Law program for privacy reasons. The exposure gained through The Basketball Movement mediums has helped numerous athletes gain exposure and be noticed at the collegiate level.

Also, the highlight clips are just dope.

Our social media pages and thebasketballmovement.com are your home for Yanders Law Basketball. For any questions about the program or details on how to get involved, please email basketballmovement@yahoo.com and a coach will get back to you.

Thank you #LawNation for your support. Go Yanders Law!

Yanders Mentality

Many have heard of the Mamba Mentality, but around here, people know about the Yanders Mentality.

During Kobe Bryant's reign in the basketball world, a term was coined: Mamba Mentality. Bryant was the most skilled, ferocious competitor we had seen since Micahel Jordan himself. The Mamba Mentality embodied not only extreme competitiveness but also the mindset that is required to be the best.

Here in the Midwest, many of us have witnessed or been touched by something very similar: the Yanders Mentality.

Rob Yanders was an extreme competitor in his own right. His desire for personal domination was unique, though, as he had an equal desire to elevate those around him. The Yanders Mentality certainly encompasses a competitive nature and voracious work ethic, but it also has the spirit of servitude.

Our time with Rob may have been too short, but it was more than enough to demonstrate the Yanders Mentality.

Rob held himself to incredibly high standards. He also held those around him to incredibly high standards, practicing what he preached about who you keep in the circle that surrounds you. We at The Basketball Movement continue his methods. If you come through our doors without the Yanders Mentality, you can turn right back around and find another elite training facility.

Hunger to improve your craft. Hunger to be the best that you possibly can. Hunger to improve the people around you. That is the Yanders Mentality.

After reading this, we want to challenge everyone to take a moment of self-reflection. Do you have a hunger for the things mentioned above? Are you feeding that hunger?

Some days, it is easier to grind on your craft and improve yourself than to improve others. That is what makes it so difficult to maintain the Yanders Mentality. We are challenging ourselves and challenging you to improve someone close to you today.

That may mean picking someone up who is down. It may mean telling someone something they may not want to hear but need to (another Rob specialty). If you are focused and intentional, opportunities present themselves more than you may expect.

The path is not always easy, but Rob never saw an obstacle in his path that he did not find the ability to conquer. We all miss him. But, we can honor him and keep his fire going by leaning on each other and living with the Yanders Mentality.

Rob Yanders to be honored at Drury University

Drury University is planning to honor the late Rob Yanders on January 27th.

As many of you know, The Basketball Movement’s Founder, Rob Yanders, played high school ball in Milwaukee before coming to SMSU-West Plain and then SMSU for his college hoops. Following his pro career in Europe, Yanders returned to the Springfield area, profoundly impacting the community through the sport he loved.

He may not have been a Drury Panther, but his tutelage has produced several; the current men’s team is loaded with former Yanders Law AAU players and We Are United post-grad players.

The program, like so many others, has been touched by Rob Yanders’ legacy.

Drury plans to honor that legacy BEFORE their home game against the University of Illinois-Springfield on Saturday, January 27th. Tipoff is at 3:00 pm. Tickets are available at the Drury box office or online here.

The Yanders family would like to invite everyone to come early to the game and catch the special moment. Then, stick around to see a continuation of Yanders’ vision. Catch our guys, Colin Hardrick (WAU), Logan Applegate (YLB/WAU), Elijah Whitley (YLB), and Juok Riak (WAU)!

Rob's story

A reminder that we are asking for stories, testimonies, and photos from everyone’s experience with Rob.

As we had mentioned previously on social media, Rob’s wife, Jen, has a favor to ask!

To help Isaiah and Ella understand who their father truly was, has Jen asked that you email any personal stories, testimonies, kind words, and/or pictures to yanderslegacy@gmail.com. This will be made into a book for Jen and the kids.

We know so many of you had moving things to share about Rob already, but it was such an overflow of support that there simply was not enough time to fully appreciate it.

Thank you all for the overwhelming love. We each had an idea of what Rob was doing on-and-off the court, but to see the significance of that impact all at once has been staggering and beautiful. We would love for his children to see that as well.

Again, the email is yanderslegacy@gmail.com

Thank you again!

The Basketball Movement - Home of We Are United

For everything We Are United, follow along with us at The Basketball Movement.

Like The Basketball Movement, We Are United prep was started by former pro, Rob Yanders as yet another way to elevate the hoops scene in the Midwest. The prep school has quickly been established as a premier destination for hoopers looking to elevate their game post-grad.

Unfortunately, we have been unable to access We Are United prep’s website or Twitter since the tragic passing of Head Coach Rob Yanders. Fortunately, The Basketball Movement can serve as the home base for the program both digitally and physically.

As an elite training facility, The Basketball Movement is the perfect home base for the competitive basketball program and school. The same is true online, as everything you need to know about We Are United can be found through The Basketball Movement.

You can follow us on Twitter for news and other updates, but make sure to follow along with The Basketball Movement on Instagram as the most consistent source of highlights of WAU ballers in action. Those clips feed into our Facebook stories as well if that is more your scene!

The exposure gained through The Basketball Movement mediums has helped numerous athletes gain exposure and be noticed at the collegiate level.

Also, the highlight clips are just dope.

Our social media pages and thebasketballmovement.com are your home for We Are United prep. For any questions about the program or details on how to get involved, please email basketballmovement@yahoo.com and a coach will get back to you.

Thank you for your support. Go We Are United!

Legacy

What we can learn from the legacy of Rob Yanders.

Sometimes, when you are building something, you do not have time to step back and appreciate it. Robert Yanders knew what he was building and completed much more than he likely even knew.

What was he building? More than a professional basketball training facility, AAU program, or prep school. He was building a family and a brother and sisterhood of ambitious leaders, competitors, community members… He was building better people.

Since Rob’s tragic passing, the Springfield, Milwaukee, and basketball communities have paused to behold his works. In his time with us that was entirely too short, Rob managed to create a lasting impact on the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals.

“Legacy” is the long-lasting impact of a person’s life. If Rob had any desire to have a legacy, we can all certainly agree that he achieved his goal.

He was not done building, but he did leave behind his blueprints. If you want to leave a legacy, you have now seen what it takes.

You do not have to be an NBA star to use basketball (or any other sport) as a tool. If you have a passion, you can use it to grow others around you. It is not an easy path - nothing is given. Do right by others, work hard, take care of your own, work harder, and do not give up on your dream.

Rob would want each of us to leave a legacy when we are no longer here. Keep that in mind throughout this week as you go to school, work, or the gym. Then, keep it going for the next month, then a year. Keep Rob’s fire going.

The Rob Yanders legacy was making people better. If you are reading this, he likely did that for you. Return the favor and KEEP ROB’S FIRE GOING.

LEGACY

Where to put in WORK

The Basketball Movement is the home for any hooper with ferocious work ethic.

High school boys and girls, professional hoopers, grade school kids, college players… it does not matter who you are - we want to help you reach your next goal as a player. Hopefully, we can teach you enough about putting in work that it also carries over off the court.

Though we accept willing players from all levels, we ask a lot from the athletes who step on our court. If you cannot work hard and give the necessary effort, Rob Yanders does not want your money. We hold ourselves to high standards and associate only with players that do the same.

If that sounds like you, come get this work.

The Basketball Movement’s bread and butter is skill development. Our trainers include former college players, pro players, and individuals that have been obsessed with the sport for as long as they can remember. You will be challenged, and if you are willing to accept that, you will improve.

We also offer film analysis for higher-level players - one of the most undervalued skills you can have at the college and pro levels. Learning it can be difficult, and we are one of the few teachers around.

One-on-One workouts, group work, strength and conditioning… we are equipped with everything necessary to elevate your game, all wrapped up in a facility modeled with professional setups in mind.

If you or your athlete are prepared to take their game to the next level, reach out to us at basketballmovement@yahoo.com or even drop by and see for yourself what we are all about at 2135 N Sports Complex Ln, Nixa MO 65714.

Serious improvement is not for the faint of heart. We look forward to hearing from the warriors who want to sharpen their iron with ours. We’ll see you on the court.

The Basketball Movement atmosphere

What is it really like inside The Basketball Movement?

The Basketball Movement accommodates many different levels of athlete. Rob Yanders could be on one court working with a professional hooper on finishing around the rim, while Coach AJ works on the other court, honing the free throw routine of a promising fourth grader.

While the workouts can vary greatly, there are also many constants. As with all Rob Yanders’ entities, there is an intensity that is unmatched elsewhere in this part of the country.

That intensity sets a tone for The Basketball Movement. Atmosphere-wise, it comes across as an electricity in the air that rarely fades. The requirement of “giving it your all” does not differ from young athletes to veteran hoopers. There is an expectation that if you are in The Basketball Movement working, you are working HARD.

For all the intensity, there is also a feeling of warmth. Yes, you are sweating your a$$ off, but we are talking about the sense of caring that Yanders and his staff couple with the intensity so beautifully.

We can push our players so hard because we know they can be capable of more, and we want them to see it too. Our hard-nosed, hard-working approach translates beyond the basketball court. We want what happens here to elevate athletes as people for life.

The tough love approach (or whatever you want to call it) is born out of an undeniable urban vibe that Yanders sees as a needed quality in crafting his vision for the basketball Mecca of the Midwest.

More tangible things in The Basketball Movement’s atmosphere are the constant bouncing of balls, swishing of nets, and the sounds of a caring staff teaching like there is no tomorrow. The hardwood smell caps off the basketball sensory overload. The facility is a hoops escape like few others.

We love it here. Players not afraid of the work it takes to get better love it here.

The workout equipment, film room, barber shop, office, press box, leather courtside seats, and more add a professional touch to a facility that we keep accessible for ballers of all levels.

If you want to check out the facility for yourself, stop by anytime. There are people in our facility getting better at nearly all hours. We would love to have you or your athlete do the same.

To contact The Basketball Movement to inquire about skill development training at any level, please email basketballmovement@yahoo.com, and a trainer will get back to you with details such as pricing, availability, etc.

Push limits with Rob Yanders and The Basketball Movement

What limits you from being the best player you can possibly be? The Basketball Movement can help you push those limits.

Every individual has limits, whether perceived or literal. A literal limit may be that you are considered undersized for the sport of basketball; you can’t change when you are done growing. A perceived limit is that your small stature means you can’t guard bigger players, get up for rebounds, and so on. Those are perceived limits because you can do something to change that. We can help.

“When they say you can’t, they show you their limits, not yours.”
— Kevin Keenoo

One of the biggest lessons that I (Site Blogger, @WilHarrington) learned growing up came on the basketball court. My teacher was Robert Yanders.

I’d been working out with Rob on and off for a year or so and was just 13 or 14 years old. I had started bringing a teammate along and it was definitely elevating our skill level. The breakthrough for me though was all about pushing limits and the power of mind over matter.

We were nearing the end of one of Rob’s trademark grueling workouts, got to shed our weighted vests, and got on the line to do some running. He wanted us to do a simple down-and-back, but put a very limited amount of time on the clock. He blew his whistle and my friend and I took off, touched the line to head back, and didn’t quite make it before the buzzer sounded.

We thought Rob was simply going to have us try again. However, he stepped over to the scorer’s table and took a second off the clock. Was this punishment? We lined up again, made our attempt… and missed the mark. We were completely exhausted at this point. What did Rob do? Let us grab a drink to come back and try again? Let us hit the restroom to vomit in peace? Of course, he took another second off the clock.

My friend and I never made eye contact, but we clearly had the same thought flash in our minds. “This guy is crazy. This is an all-out sprint because if we don’t do it this time, we’ll be doing this until we leave in wheelchairs.”

“Ready,” Rob shouted with his whistle in his mouth. “Go!”

Adrenaline propelled our tired legs and carried us like we were running for our lives. There was nothing but teeth-gritting, sweat flying, and the blur of two desperate white boys moving faster than they had ever moved. We went down and back, both touching the final baseline with a second or two to spare.

This lesson didn’t change the fact that I was five-foot-eight and just interested in playing the sport for fun. I never had NCAA aspirations or professional delusions. But what I learned that day shaped me as an athlete in general and as a person. It showed me that my limits were in my hands and I could push them as far as I wanted.

The confidence I gained from that day in the gym that would become The Basketball Movement helped me to push my high school self to two All-State baseball selections, contribute to a basketball team that took 3rd in state, be an All-District cross country runner (hell, even All-District choir for that matter), and the courage to date the girl that would become my wife.

That all may seem like a real leap to draw from a down-and-back run. Those who have trusted Rob Yanders to help them as I have can attest to what I’m saying though.

Assuming you are not already the best in the world, you must try to push your limits to see what you can really do. Not only on the court but in all aspects of life. For those interested - reach out. The Basketball Movement was built for this. We’re ready if you are.

The Basketball Movement process

“The process” of what goes into improving our players.

The process of improving all aspects of a player on the floor is difficult to describe without famous quotes and buzzwords. The little details behind every aspect of player improvement come from time spent on specific skills and lessons.

Though each player and program use their own form of process, The Basketball Movement is confident that our process ranks with any in the nation. It all starts at the top with a basketball mastermind, our founder Rob Yanders.

Watching Rob work with his players is fascinating. The constant movement and improvement are peppered with brief pauses that he takes to pull plays and schemes out of thin air. He will run players through a variation of a play, reposition them, and start over until the play is perfect. The results are well-known in the grassroots basketball community.

Rob’s players pound the dribble like crazy, executing five-on-zero drills with in-game ferocity. Each player rotates to every position, so they know every action inside and out.

From such run-throughs to the minutia, the intricacy of each jump shot and free throw routine, these players have a true advantage that comes from The Basketball Movement process.

Every coach and player is unique, but the methodology is the same - outwork your opponents and over-prepare for every situation. This mentality can be applied outside the game, as we have seen through players’ academic successes and alumni's collegiate and professional proficiency.

The emphasis on this process will be evident not only on the court but through each player’s life. We think that’s pretty special.

Individuals involved with The Basketball Movement process already know what we’re talking about. If you aren’t part of the family yet, hit us up and we’ll talk about it! Player development is vital, but people development is paramount, so we are ready to give everyone a shot.

Keep track of The Basketball Movement process by checking in here and following us across all platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

What is your favorite thing about basketball?

Basketball is a global game for a reason. There are so many things to like; what is your reason?

Major sports are popular because they are not only fun to play but fun to watch. Players get satisfaction from things going right on the court, and fans get satisfaction from watching competition - human successes and failures, head-to-head in real-time.

As a player, your favorite thing may be the swish of a pure bucket. It could be the camaraderie of playing as a team. It could be amassing victory after victory, until being at the top of a league or region.

As a fan, a favorite thing may be the success of a favorite team or player. It may be highlight reel dunks or the experience of attending a big game in person.

Many people get to watch their children play. Many players get to team up with their best friends. The things to like about basketball are nearly endless.

At The Basketball Movement, we check all of the above. We love everything about the sport: behind-the-scenes work, bright light show outs, and the community it can form.

Rob Yanders has used the sport to help others in need, bring people from all walks of life together, and bring out the best in countless individuals.

On and off the court, the betterment of others is likely our favorite part of the sport. Shaping young players into leaders, helping transform dreamers into professional hoopers, and using a fun game to genuinely touch lives... nothing better.

What is your favorite part about basketball? The NCAA tournament? Your daughter's AAU team? #NBATwitter? There is something for everyone, so everyone is welcome to celebrate the sport with us at The Basketball Movement!

Skill Development Workouts

Take a look at the cornerstone of The Basketball Movement: our skill development workouts and training.

Rob Yanders and his trainers at The Basketball Movement are well-known as developers of people. Through the sport, they have grown young people into more confident individuals and better leaders. Also, folks that come around here tend to get exponentially better at the game of basketball.

The Basketball Movement has many things to offer, but individual or group skill development workouts provided here are what put the movement on the map.

Whether training a professional hooper or working with a group of grade schoolers who need to hone the fundamentals, The Basketball Movement approaches the sport with a seriousness and intensity that gets the most out of players.

Yanders is hard-nosed, driven, honest, and a true developer of people. He also happens to be one of the elite basketball minds available in this part of the country. Those who have come to Yanders to get better must be ready to WORK. If they can hang, they will rise above their competition. If you follow basketball in Southwest Missouri, you have seen it yourself.

High school basketball is one thing, but The Basketball Movement is also equipped to train collegiate and professional players. With a theater dedicated to film study, room and board, a barber shop, and other amenities modeled after pro facilities, Yanders’ has built something few others in the Midwest could try to replicate.

To get involved with The Basketball Movement and come get this work, contact us.

Not every player will be up to the sweat-drench, basketball knowledge overload that The Basketball Movement delivers. But, those with a passion for the game and a genuine desire to improve are welcome. You want to get to the next level, and we can help you. Reach out!

Rob Yanders: Playing professionally overseas

The Basketball Movement's founder, Rob Yanders, dishes on his experience playing professional ball in Europe.

Rob Yanders' local impact through The Basketball Movement has been immense. He cherishes this community and is here to give back and enhance it through the sport he loves. Rob's time in Springfield and West Plains was a big part of his career, but his professional experience led him to a much different place.

For some of us, it is easy to forget that there is more to basketball than what we see in high school, the NCAA, and NBA. There are basketball teams worldwide; many are at the professional level.

The Basketball Movement is unique in offering Euro Preparation to players looking to break into the pro scene. Rob's experience is a fantastic resource for any American player considering playing basketball abroad.

I (@WilHarrington) sat down with Robert at The Basketball Movement to discuss his time in Europe.

Rob's experience playing overseas

After college,Rob Yanders headed to Sheffield, England, to begin his rookie year of pro ball. He said it was indeed a culture shock, but the team won the British Championship, easing his transition. "When you're successful and winning, everything is great." He credits the people he met and his teammate for helping to make it a great experience.

“My experience in Europe helped mold me into the person I am today - my experiences getting away and getting cultured through these different walks of life. Sheffield, France, Scotland, Treviso, Norway, Zurich, Germany, Israel - because of basketball. Because of that round, orange thing, I’ve been to some amazing places.”

In his pro career, he won three European Championships, two regular-season Championships, a National Cup, and Finals MVP. In France, Rob was also voted team MVP with both VCB and KABCA teams and earned All-Star Team honors in 2012. His time as a pro in Europe was undoubtedly a success.

How Rob applies what he learned to The Basketball Movement

As a pro, Robert told me that you are always thinking about what comes next. Players are rarely guaranteed a safety net in their brief careers. When Rob thought about what he wanted to do, he leaned on what made him happy: basketball.

Enjoying and being around the sport of basketball does not have to end when playing days are over. Robert was a Community Recreation major in college and knew that he wanted to build or run a sports facility.

“I grew up in Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Clubs, and YMCA’s. Those were places that gave me shelter to play the game and keep me safe from the streets.”

He talked about the alone time you experience playing in a foreign country and how much time it allowed him to reflect on the future. He also participated in many camps, clinics, speaking opportunities, and mentorships. His leadership grew even more, allowing him to confidently assume his role as founder and owner of The Basketball Movement.

Advice for players considering college or the pro game

Robert's advice on this topic centered around personal circumstances - situations vary greatly from player to player.

“Do what’s best for your family. Invest in you and invest in your family - your time is valuable. Make sure you get the right council and information.”

Rob also warned that the pro game would be a stark contrast for any players that are talented enough to play professionally straight out of high school. Playing with grown men that are playing for paychecks is a whole new world.

If the opportunity for a "one-and-done" type of player to play professionally presented itself, and they needed money, he may recommend going if the player is confident in professional ball as a career. For most, though, education is always a great idea. It will pay off more than fizzling out after a few pro seasons. 

Recently, collegiate athletes have been afforded the opportunity to make money from their name and likeness, which is also opening new paths.

As Rob mentioned, receiving good counsel and information is crucial when considering playing in Europe or anywhere else. Coach Rob, Coach Anthony Shavies, and more can help players with this preparation right here at The Basketball Movement.

If you are interested in any capacity in playing overseas, pleasecontact us and let us help you navigate the intimidating options that follow.

The Next Brookshire and Haney

The Yanders Law program and The Basketball Movement facility recently bore some of the area’s greatest hoopers. Who’s next?

Coming from Milwaukee to Springfield, Missouri, Anton Brookshire seized an opportunity. His uncle, The Basketball Movement Founder Rob Yanders, was a ready and willing coach, teacher, and mentor. Also, he held the keys to the premier basketball training facility in the Midwest.

Brookshire has natural talent but had to fight for what he has accomplished. Having gym access does not make someone a Division I basketball player. Being a little over six feet tall certainly does not make someone a Division I basketball player.

Isaac Haney was a good athlete from a small town. Unfortunately, good athletes from small towns are usually like a flame in the wind; they burn brightly, gaining recognition from those nearby, but quickly fade. Haney could have easily ridden into that sunset.

Instead, Haney, like Brookshire, seized an opportunity. He uprooted what he knew and aggressively pursued a different path that he knew would lead to where he wanted to go. Of course, it would be a more difficult path, but that is so often what it takes.

Being Yanders Law athletes and absolute gym rats of The Basketball Movement meant that Brookshire and Haney saw quite a bit of each other. First, one of them would become a good shooter. Then, the other would become a great shooter. The constant collision of their improvement honed them both until they were some of the greatest basketball players the area has had.

Then Trevon Brazile grew to be 6’10.

Another Yanders Law alum, Brazile helped to push Brookshire and Haney even further, allowing them to not only have a teammate with NBA potential but also more iron with which to sharpen their own aspirations.

Not every player is going to have a seven-inch growth spurt. But many players out there could be the next Brookshire or Haney.

Life has thrown a lot at Anton Brookshire. Yet, he has shown true steel in overcoming obstacles to focus on his craft and continue his ceaseless journey to be great. Isaac Haney had to drive over an hour and a half several times a week for most of his basketball career to get to work with the best.

Not everyone has what it takes. Many players with more talent than Brookshire or Haney will fade out long before they do. So who has what it takes to seize the mantle of the best hoopers in the area?

As far as we are concerned, we know there are big shoes to fill. So for those players that do not just want to be great but HAVE to be great, you know where to find us.

Rob Yanders and his staff are waiting for the next major players from our area. We have proven what we can do. Now, it is up to you.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

As a black-owned business, The Basketball Movement recognizes the gravity of Martin Luther King Junior’s impact.

Rob Yanders and his entities have always made a point to embrace diversity, practice acceptance, and remain vigilant in upholding the vision of trailblazers such as Martin Luther King Jr.

Being knowledgeable about the triumphs and struggles of those that have come before is critical, but the learning can never stop. Therefore, Yanders makes sure his staff, Yanders Law athletes, and students of We Are United are well-versed in the history that makes what he does possible.

Yanders is a black man that has started a prep school, created and run a successful AAU program, operated a training facility that has bettered the lives of thousands, spoken at events, and put on charitable functions that have impacted many individuals. The sacrifices that occurred to make these things possible in America are not lost on him.

“We have obviously come so far in this country,” Yanders says. “Just as obvious is that we still have work to do. I am proud of our community and the work being done. I hope that the acceptance we see at our facility is also being practiced behind closed doors so that we can continue improving with each generation.”

As a proud black business owner, Yanders hopes that everyone spends Martin Luther King Jr. Day reflecting on the teachings of Doctor King as well as practicing self-examination. Stifling ingrained prejudices is not easy. But, we must all work on ourselves, lift up others, and always bring our A-game regarding matters of acceptance and equal treatment.

Basketball and sports, in general, are great equalizers that bring people together regardless of race or ethnicity. Every year, the NBA does a great job of highlighting Dr. King and blasting reminders of his legacy while delivering a terrific slate of games.

Tune in while you spend your time reflecting. Hoops can bring us together, but so can learning, time spent giving back, and uplifting action. We at The Basketball Movement appreciate you for reading and taking the time to reflect and better our community. Come by any time, and we can get better together!

We Are United Signings

The Basketball Movement is taking you behind the scenes for a few of our recent We Are United signings.

Rob Yanders and The Basketball Movement have been fortunate to see many players progress from young hoopers to collegiate athletes. We recently highlighted some of our shared accomplishments with NCAA basketball getting underway across the country.

Even though We Are United is a young program, it has already produced collegiate talent and is continuing to do so as well.

This year’s We Are United prep squad already has several players committed to playing for their future programs. The Basketball Movement took fans inside the process of inking those commitments to make them permanent.

Check out some of the behind-the-scenes footage:

Coach Rob and his organizations are exceedingly proud of these young men for finalizing essential steps in continuing their education and playing careers.

The best part about it all? This is only the beginning. Follow along with We Are United as more players receive offers and elevate themselves on and off the court.

Rob Yanders - Vision to Reality

Tonight is a celebration and a showcase of how Rob Yanders, The Basketball Movement, Yanders Law, and We Are United have elevated our hoops community.

Tonight, college basketball tips off around the country. Millions of fans finally get to see their school’s new squads in action. But, for Rob Yanders, tonight means something a little bit more.

Between Yanders’ from-scratch entities - The Basketball Movement, Yanders Law Basketball, and We Are United prep - he does not have enough screens in his home to watch all his players tonight. ESPN, ESPN+, Fox Sports… there are 16 of his players in action on TV this week. Sixteen.

For Rob Yanders, this is a case of vision turning into reality.

“This is a showcase of our hard work,” Yanders says. “We’ve come so far. The vision has always been to bring basketball to another level in this community.”

Many individuals throughout Southwest MO have Rob’s back. Countless parents and athletes have trusted him with the keys to drive their hoop dreams.

Before there was a prep school or AAU program, there was a man with a vision, opening the doors to a gym by himself. Rob says you first have to show people what you are made of, and then the help comes later. It’s turned into a helluva show.

The opportunities now afforded to the area because of Yanders are often difficult to quantify. However, some concrete figures you can point to is the money saved by community members gaining college scholarships because Rob helped them capitalize on the game they love.

“I am proud of where we are now, especially considering the journey and the battles,” Yanders says. “When you are in the trenches day in, and day out, you don’t always have time to step back and admire what you have built; what you are still building.”

“Tonight is special,” Yanders continues. “I am super excited. I mean, on night one, we have Zach Howell, probably immediately a starter or sixth man playing against Purdue. It’s just wild when you see how far we’ve come in elevating these young men and women.”

Rob has been in the game long enough now that he even has college coaches popping up that are Yanders Law alumni. He has worked with many professional athletes, but these players that have grown up with his programs are undeniably his proudest accomplishments. He takes pride in every achievement they have on and off the court.

Yanders’ footprint on the basketball landscape is increasing exponentially, and he is only getting started. Stay tuned!