Anton Brookshire rewrites record books

After a pair of recent games, Anton Brookshire has set records for both Kickapoo High and Springfield, MO.

Already signed to SEC powerhouse, Mizzou, Anton Brookshire is not done breaking records at Kickapoo High School or even Springfield, MO for that matter. We have had many opportunities to see Brookshire grow through the years. He is a gym rat of The Basketball Movement and is one of the most impressive athletes ever to come through our affiliate Yanders Law AAU program.

There is little Anton can do to surprise any of us here at The Basketball Movement, but we are still prideful when one of our hardest workers hits a milestone, breaks records, or achieves goals.

During the Nixa Invitational Tournament, Anton completed a three-point play that made him the leading scorer in Kickapoo High School history. To those that don’t know, Kickapoo is a historically strong basketball school that has turned out professionals and numerous Division I athletes. Kickapoo won the tournament for good measure.

Brookshire’s other record came a day before when he knocked down a trio of threes that made him Springfield, Missouri’s all-time leading three-point shooter. For everything else Anton provides on the floor; ball security, distribution, scrappy defense, and penetration, this is a really impressive achievement.

Perhaps the most impressive part of these achievements is that there is still plenty of ball to be played. Kickapoo is rolling right now, lead by Brookshire and other big-time athletes of The Basketball Movement such as Isaac Haney, Trevon Brazile, and (when he returns from a minor injury) Cam Liggins. We are excited to see how the team fares in addition to what Anton can continue to achieve on a personal level.

Kickapoo is clicking at the right time and a slow-down does not seem likely. The highlights are flowing on our Instagram as always and there is more on the way.

Congratulations are in order for Anton for his individual achievements. As I’m sure he would tell you, Districts and beyond are where the legacy can flourish. Good luck to Anton and his Kickapoo Chiefs!

Anthony Tolliver - Minnesota Timberwolves

The Basketball Movement talks with Springfield, Missouri's Anthony Tolliver following his signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The gyms at The Basketball Movement have hosted a lot of terrific players over the years. One of the most successful has to be NBA player, Anthony Tolliver.

Prior to owning the facility, Rob Yanders worked out there as a player. Even before all of Rob's improvements, the space was one of the best basketball facilities in the area. Working out here during his pro days led to Rob meeting and playing against fellow pro, Tolliver.

Though he is originally from Springfield, Tolliver lives with his family in Dallas most of the year. He says that he still can see the impact of The Basketball Movement through videos and its viral presence.

“He (Rob) clearly has big dreams for this community as well. Giving back through knowledge is giving back the best you can, whether you have knowledge of engineering, basketball, whatever. He does a great job, especially with kids or individuals striving for scholarships or even pro ball.”
— Tolliver on Rob Yanders

That is high praise from Anthony Tolliver, who gives back to our area himself whether it's basketball camps, real estate investments, etc. Tolliver says that it is important to never forget where you come from - he hasn't.

What's next for the sharpshooting big man?

There was one word that Anthony Tolliver used to describe himself: "Worker". His summer is filled with consistent workouts, usually at gyms/high schools near his home in Texas. "As you get older, it's more important to work smarter rather than harder" Tolliver said. "The older you get, it's important to be smart about how you approach an 82 game season."

Now a 10-year veteran with almost 600 NBA games under his belt, Tolliver is no stranger to NBA free agency. We asked him about his mindest amidst the uncertainty.

“It’s always a struggle mentally, but I have been there many times. You know that you’ve done your work, so you just have to wait on the various team decisions.”
— Tolliver on free agency

After agreeing to a new one-year contract, he is now set to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves for the second time in his career. He played two seasons for the Wolves previously from 2010-2012. Clearly they remember his three-point shooting, rebounding, and willingness to defend around the rim. He now comes to them as a strong veteran presence (38 percent career three-point shooting doesn't hurt either).

As for living in Minneapolis when the time comes, Tolliver says the players are on their own. He will likely find a house to rent with his wife and children and get up there a few weeks before training camp.

Asked about NBA Summer League, Tolliver gave a chuckle. "I'm definitely past that" he said. "I did that for about five seasons, but it's for the young guys. I'm glad it's over."

Advice and faith

Robert Yanders built The Basketball Movement on faith. He has explained vividly before that every piece of wood in his floors, his color scheme, everything is based around giving glory to the God that allows him to follow his dreams.

If you are familiar with Anthony Tolliver or follow him on any media outlets, you know that that same faith resides in him.

“It is my foundation. I take it very seriously because it is my purpose on this Earth. I use my given skills with the knowledge of who I represent - I use my platform for His glory. It helps me stay confident and motivated - it is incredibly fulfilling to play in the NBA and use my platform in that way.”
— Tolliver on his faith

We asked Tolliver for advice for current Basketball Movement players and he brought it back to working smarter not harder. "It isn't rocket science; there are no secret drills that will get you to the NBA."

Consistency - working daily on the right things was his best advice. "You could work for three hours on the wrong things. Work on what's important."

Take a page out of NBA forward Anthony Tolliver's book; come get in work at one of the Midwest's top facilities. The Movement has come a long way over the years, bringing a professional, urban basketball presence to the community. Contact us here to get started.

We wish Anthony Tolliver and the Minnesota Timberwolves the best of luck in this upcoming season!