Rob Yanders Memorial Game 2026 - Thank you!

We are once again humbled and grateful following the 2026 Rob Yanders Memorial Basketball Game

“I was impressed,” said Rob Yanders’ wife, Jen Yanders, about the Memorial Game and day last weekend. “I didn’t think that many kids would show up. Three years is a long time.”

We had a wonderful turnout and, unsurprisingly, some great basketball last Saturday for the 2026 Rob Yanders Memorial Game. Rob passed in 2023, meaning this was the third time we have held the game, though there were some emotional hoops played near the time of his service in ‘23 also.

The Basketball Movement, Yanders Law, and We Are United prep families are large and continue growing each year. Particularly since Rob’s passing, we have felt the true weight and breadth of his impact through stories told through tears and laughs.

Rob always wanted a basketball family, and he certainly got one.

We were also impressed with the number of younger players who showed up to play and show respect, understanding the importance of who Rob was not only for hoops but for the entire Midwest community.

There were young players, old players, and (Rob was at it long enough), old-old players with families and kids of their own. Young guys were eager to take a crack at the older guys, and the older guys were more than ready to show them what it means to be a vet of a Rob Yanders-led program.

“The whole thing was about appreciation and love,” Jen says. “I am shocked at how people keep showing up for us. Rob would be proud of what he built. He invested, and they still care. It means the world to me and sets such a great example for my kiddos who get to see it all. It is a blessing.”

2026 Rob Yanders Memorial Game

Thank you to everyone who came out to remember and to celebrate. What Rob built is still in action today through young, active players who play the right way and through alumni and friends who are leaders and driven, top-notch people in their communities.

Please continue to support Rob’s work - Get yourself or your young ones in the gym for workouts, try out for Yanders Law AAU hoops, follow us and interact on socials, and reach out any time to see how you can get involved. We love you all!

2026 Rob Yanders Memorial Basketball Game

It’s time again for one of our favorite times of the year, as we reflect upon and celebrate the life of our founder, Rob Yanders.

A bittersweet but favorite tradition at The Basketball Movement is our annual Rob Yanders Memorial Basketball Game. Rob was taken from us too soon, and we still feel the sting and the void of his powerful and inspiring presence. One of the times we feel closest to filling that void is during this game.

Well, we should say “these games.” We anticipate a nice turnout of current and former Yanders Law players, We Are United grads, The Basketball Movement trainees, and other friends of the program. There will be plenty of basketball to go around.

The event will be held at The Basketball Movement on Saturday, August 8th, from 3:00 to 5:00pm.

Non-players are, of course, welcome as well! We would love to have anyone looking to remember our guy. Plus, there will be some damn good basketball to watch. Seating will be first-come, first-served.

Doors will be open most of the afternoon for friends and participants who would like to join earlier. We would love to get a group photo around the middle of the event to capture as many of your faces as possible!

We are hoping to see many friendly faces and hoopers eager to play the way Rob liked to see the game played. See you Saturday, August 8th!

2025 Rob Yanders Memorial Basketball Game

It’s time again for one of our favorite times of the year, as we reflect upon and celebrate the life of our founder, Rob Yanders.

A bittersweet but favorite tradition at The Basketball Movement is our annual Rob Yanders Memorial Basketball Game. Rob was taken from us too soon, and we still feel the sting and the void of his powerful and inspiring presence. One of the times we feel closest to filling that void is during this game.

Well, we should say “these games.” We anticipate a nice turnout of current and former Yanders Law players, We Are United grads, The Basketball Movement trainees, and other friends of the program. There will be plenty of basketball to go around.

The gym will open at 2:00 p.m., although anyone is welcome to visit throughout the day. Group pictures will be taken at 3:30, and games will follow. We will have our usual Saturday Clinic in the morning.

Non-players are, of course, welcome as well! We would love to have anyone looking to remember our guy. Plus, there will be some damn good basketball to watch. Seating will be first-come, first-served.

We are hoping to see many friendly faces and hoopers eager to play the way Rob liked to see the game played. See you this Saturday!

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!