Player profiles: Power forwards

An ever-evolving position, being a power forward today can mean a lot more than it did 10 or 20 years ago.

The name "power forward" comes from players at the four position being bruisers in the paint. Where the center position has balanced size and skill for many years, the PF spot traditionally meant a foul-prone post player that cleared out opposing players to hog rebounds and create driving lanes for others.

Today, that is no longer the case.

Players at the four spot can have a variety of skillsets and roles on a team. Today, stretch-fours that can shoot are as common if not more common than traditional post players.

You can be a stretch four or still carve out a role as a traditional, rebounding post player. Below we break out some current and former players at the highest level of the game for you to watch if you want to strive for either role.

Stretch-fours to watch

The concept of the stretch-four is not entirely new. Since at least the 90's there have been plenty of post players venturing out beyond the three point line. Many of them come from overseas as that has long been a staple of the European game. Likely the best power forward to do it is no exception.

Germany's Dirk Nowitzki is a stellar example of stretch-four. His use of his seven-foot frame allows him to shoot over the top of the defense from any distance. Though he is a fan of the three point shot, back-to-the-basket scoring ability has made him one of the most versatile scoring threats in basketball.

One of The Basketball Movement's personal favorites, Anthony Tolliver of the Minnesota Timberwolves is another excellent stretch-four example. The Springfield, MO native coupled his height with a shooting touch that has helped him on his way to a long and successful NBA career.

Kevin Love is a good example of a player that was rebounding and interior focused, but adjusted his game to expand his range. Playing alongside rim-attacker LeBron James meant more perimeter time for PF Love. It will be interesting to see how his game shapes up this season with LBJ now in Los Angeles.

Traditional power forwards

Many of the best examples of traditional power forwards have since retired from the professional game. Debateably the top PF to have played was Tim Duncan. "The Big Fundamental" could extend his range if the moment called for it, but he stayed within himself and did most of his damage with hookshots, offensive put-backs, and short-range barrages. His shot blocking and excellent footwork make him one of the most well-rounded players that you could study today.

Duncan's "replacement" in San Antonio, LaMarcus Aldridge is a solid scoring PF to watch as well. He has gradually expanded his range, but his knack for timely rebounding and interior scoring make him a bit of a throwback big. For a more defensive-minded traditional four, check some footage of Kevin Garnett. A capable scorer, KG made his biggest impact by being a ferocious defender.

Some imposing physical power forwards to watch in today's game are : Derrick Favors, Blake Griffin, and Taj Gibson. Some throwback guys are Charles Oakley and the ultimate rebounding power forward, Dennis Rodman.

Keep in mind as you strive to become or improve upon being a power forward, that shooting is becoming more and more important. The way the game is played today requires almost all players on the floor to shoot unless you have a center that can hold down the paint on his own (Dwight Howard in Orlando, Clint Capela in Houston, Deandre Jordan next year in Dallas).

You can still be a strong, rebounding-focused four, but do not neglect the softer skills of the game such as shooting and passing out of the post. For help, contact The Basketball Movement!

Player profiles: Small forwards

Not too big, but not actually small, the small forward is the in-between guy or gal on a basketball squad.

The term small-forward is a bit of an oxymoron, at least at the highest levels of the game. To be a forward, you would naturally be a larger or more stout player. Depending on the lineup of your team, the small forward can be expected to play on the perimeter or occassionally down in the post depending on the flow of the game.

Often a "jack-of-all-trades" for a team, the role of a small forward is varied. Some may be scorers, others may be defenders, and many times they are asked to do a bit of everything.

With versatility being the name of the game, it is best for current or prospective small forwards to do their best to balance their entire game. If the two guards are locked down by a full-court press, it falls to the small forward to become the ball handler. If the two post player get locked up double-teaming in the post, it becomes the small forwards job to get in the paint to protect the weak side.

Most examples of small forwards to watch at the highest level of the game can do a bit of everything on the floor. We will still break it up a bit by scorers, defensive-minded, and Swiss Army Knife type players.

Scoring small forwards

In looking at starting small forwards in today's NBA, it is unusual to find many scorers that don't also make a substantial impact on the defensive end. Even Kevin Durant, who is perennially one of the top scorers in the world, stepped up his defense this year, using his length to become a formidable shot-blocker. Still, he is a great one to watch for his ability to score in the post on out to the three point stripe.

Though he is starting to show signs of aging, Carmelo Anthony is a true example of a scoring small forward. His footwork, fadeaways, and nose for driving lanes make him a good example to emulate on the offensive end.

A few more examples are: Demar DeRozan, Rudy Gay, Tobias Harris, and Brandon Ingram. A former pure-scoring SF was Larry Bird. Larry Legend could do a bit of everything on the floor as well from passing to guarding multiple positions. However, post play and early adaptation of perimeter shooting made him a nightmare to guard at the small forward position. A few more are Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, and Julius Erving.

Defensive-minded small forwards

Historically, Bruce Bowen of the San Antonio Spurs is one of the first defensive-minded small forwards that come to mind. Often pushing the limits with what he got away with, Bowen is still an excellent example of a defender at the small forward position - able to guard perimeter and post players alike. Really there are multiple players to examine from not that long ago; Scottie Pippin, Shawn Marion, and Metta World Peace (Ron Artest) are all standouts.

Also defensive-minded, but a bit more offensively capable than Bowen, current NBA player and former NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala is a tremendous example to watch today. Iguodala did some scoring and distributing for his former teams, but coming off the bench for the Warriors, he is allowed to focus on his specialty; defense. His defense on LeBron James and timely three point shooting is what landed him 2014-15 Finals MVP honors.

A few other examples of current small forwards are Jaylen Brown and Otto Porter Jr. Both of these players have carved out defensive roles on their teams, but are constantly working to enhance their scoring ability as well. P.J. Tucker is an example of a more pure defender.

One takeaway from defensive-minded small forwards is the players that established themselves as defense-first stars and then blossomed their offense later. Kawhi Leonard and Giannis Antetokounmpo both broke into the league with defense, but are now well-rounded stars.

Swiss Army knife small forwards

The best small forwards are often the ones that can do it all. The ultimate do it all SF past or present has to be LeBron James.

LeBron entered the league already having great size and speed, allowing him to defend multiple positions. His ball-handling and scoring ability put him on par with any guard on the court. He developed a shooting touch as well, rounding him out as one of if not the best all-around players in the history of the game.

We have already touched on Durant, Antetokounmpo, and Leonard who would now be considered all-around small forwards. Another Swiss Army knife SF that needs to be mentioned is Paul George.

Considered to be one of the best two-way players in the game, PG-13 is one of the top small forwards to watch on both ends of the floor. On defense, he knows when to have active hands vs. when to just use his body and size. On offense, he uses his whole repitoire to score when the defense forces him either out of the paint or off of the three point line.

Gordon Hayward of the Boston Celtics is another example of a good two-way SF, with former Celtic Paul Peirce being a prime example as well. Pierce was known for his scoring, but his underrated defense was fueled by his competitive fire. Some good examples from a little further back would be Chris Mullen and Dominique Wilkins.

If you need some small forwards to watch and mold your game after, the above players should provide you with a great starting point!

Power forwards are up next!

Player profiles: Shooting guards

A shooting guard or "two-guard" can be various things for their team. Shooting is in the title, but defense can be paramount as well.

Point guards bring the ball down and initiate the offense, but they are not alone on the perimeter. Offense often runs through the wing players as well, as they have superior angles for passing into the post or swinging the ball around the outside.

As the title suggests, shooting is a duty that has long been reserved for the two-guard in a lineup. However, with the evolution of the game, there are now shooters at every position. For this reason, shooting guards have been asked to do more and more on the floor. A superior wing defender is now as coveted as a solid shooter because they can guard the opponent's top perimeter scorers.

Let's get into some shooting guards that you can emulate if you are or want to become a shooting guard.

Scoring shooting guards

In today's game, it is tough to find scoring shooting guards that are not also solid defenders. If you are needing some examples of SG's that can score though, below are a handful of players to model your offense after.

Bradley Beal and Devin Booker are some of the sweetest shooting two guards in the game right now. Another, more underrated scorer is Kris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks. A former player, recent enough that there is plenty of film on him, is Ray Allen.

One of the top, if not the top scoring shooting guard in the game is Klay Thompson. He is a good defender, but he is the player to watch if you want a scoring SG to emulate. He has what may be the prettiest shot in the game and the way he works to get it off is a great example for any current or budding shooting guard.

Lockdown defenders

Though many teams/coaches would prefer at least a three-and-D type of player, some shooting guards get by on their defense alone. Defensive focus at the highest level takes a lot of work, though you must still remain an option on offense by at least slashing to the basket and being a willing distributor.

Two examples of this type of player today are Andre Roberson of the OKC Thunder and free agent, Tony Allen. Don't watch film of Roberson shooting, but watch some of his time on the defensive end to understand his place in the NBA. Roberson's use of length and Allen's use of positioning, footwork, and strength are great things to watch for.

An example of a couple of three-and-D type players still in the game are Danny Green and Avery Bradley. Some former players are Sidney Moncrief and Michael Cooper, who could defend multiple positions.

Somewhere in-between

With point guards, it appeared that somewhere between pass-first and shoot-first would put you in a great spot in the modern game. With shooting guards, things appear similarly, as some of the all-time greats were not only fantastic scorers, but elite defenders as well.

The best shooting guard to date is Michael Jordan, who was not only a 10x NBA scoring leader, but also 9x All-NBA Defense, including Defensive Player of the Year in 87-88. For film analysis of a SG that could do it all, MJ is the ultimate example.

One of the most elite scorers in basketball history, but also another accomplished defender is Kobe Bryant. If you need to work on footwork, Kobe is one of the best guards to watch.

A few current players to watch that do a little bit of everything are Dwyane Wade, Victor Oladipo, and Jimmy Butler.

That should give you plenty of homework if you need to study up on becoming or improving upon being a shooting guard. That wraps up the guard positions, so forwards, you're up next with the player profile on small forwards. Stay tuned!

Player profiles: Point guards

This is the first of a five-part series about specific basketball positions. We will show you some examples of players to watch at each position, starting with point guard.

Point guards have long been described as "floor generals" on the basketball court. They are in charge of bringing the ball up the court to initiate offense. Typically, the point guard will determine which plays are to be run, or the coach will relay the plays through the point guard. Some of the best point guards are the equivalent of another coach on the floor.

In player profiles, we will give you a few examples of players to watch if you are a point guard or would like to become one. There are dozens of players that set great examples on the floor, especially in the pros (which this series will primarily focus on). We will pick out a few of the best in the game, or maybe some older players if there is adequate footage.

Let's open up with the more traditional point guard style:

Pass-first point guards

In the age of the three point shot, perimeter players are often attempting to emulate the likes of Steph Curry. Historically, point guards have been less scoring-oriented and more concerned with facilitation and assist-to-turnover ratio.

Many of the best pass-first point guards have retired, such as Jason Kidd or Steve Nash. Their highlights are still worth watching as well as more general game footage. Their ability to keep their head up while dribbling allows them to see every passing angle available on the floor.

There are still a few pass-first PG's left in the NBA. Mike Conely of the Memphis Grizzlies has come into his own as a scorer, but is still defensive and passing-minded. Future Hall of Famer, Chris Paul is a pass-first guy that is a terrific example if you are on a team that plays at a fast pace.

 Another example is Rajon Rondo. Rondo has had an up-and-down career, but when he is locked-in, he may be the best example of a pass-first PG you can learn from in today's game.

Scoring point guards

Being a point guard means you will have the ball in your hands a lot. When you have a lot of touches and can score, it is a great benefit for your team. You will naturally get assists as well, but scoring guards are typically relied on by their team more for points.

There are many examples of scoring guards in today's game. Steph Curry, Kyrie Irving, and the combo guard James Harden are some big-name examples. An often underrated theme between these guards is their ball-handling ability that allows them to shake defenders on the perimeter and get to the rim at will.

Another great example to watch is Damien Lillard. Dame "Dolla" is a no-nonsense scorer that leads his team with a competitive fire.

Somewhere in-between

Not everything is black and white in terms of labeling a point guard's style. If you are interested in being a facilitating point guard that is also a capable scorer, there are plenty of those options as well.

The ultimate do it all guard today is Russell Westbrook. Coming off of his second season averaging a triple-double, Russ is a great one to watch as he overcomes his point guard size to ferociously attack the glass, the defense, and anything that stands in his way. Despite his tenacity, he always has his eyes open for teammates as one of the league's top assist men.

Another good in-between guard is John Wall of the Washington Wizards. Wall is not a skilled outside shooter, but his mid-range game and slashing ability make for solid scoring. He is also among the best passers in the NBA, typically averaging around 10 per game. He is a good one to watch if you are a speedy player that needs to strive for control.

Another in-between point guard to watch film on is Magic Johnson, who scored when necessary, but was always on the lookout for the open man. For more up close and personal work with an experienced point guard, you can of course get in some Basketball Movement training with former pro, Rob Yanders.

That's it for Player Profiles: Point guards! Current or future shooting guards, keep your eye out for the next installment as we break down top player examples at that position. Forwards, you will be up next! 

Dealing with referees

Referees have the impossible task of trying to point out every reasonable instance that rules are not followed. Sometimes, they get some things wrong.

If you have been around basketball at any level, for any amount of time, you have seen a referee miss calls or misinterpret infractions. Whether they are youth sports volunteers, part-time high school refs, or professionals, they all make mistakes just the same.

In a competitive atmosphere such as basketball, it is not tough to get heated when things like calls aren't going your way. Turnovers and mental errors are within your control as a player, but when something outside of your control like not getting calls starts happening, it can take you out of your zone. What are you supposed to do in these scenarios?

Sometimes it may be easier said than done, but you must always do your best to shrug-off bad calls and not let them get to you. Referees are human and are prone to make the same types of errors with calls that players sometimes make with the basketball. Keeping your head in the game and not letting referees get to you is the best thing that you can do for your team.

Never let your emotions overcome you by slamming the ball, throwing your hands up, or verbally displaying your frustration. These things show your opponents weakness. If a foul call, accurate or inaccurate, can get under your skin, so can an opposing player.

Maintaining a next-play mentality is a key in the game of basketball. If you get called for a charge or travel, give up the ball and try to make up for it on defense. If you are called for a bad foul, shake it off and be a little more careful next time, but still play hard. One of the worst things you can do for your team is start to accumulate technicals and take yourself out of the game, so always keep your cool.

Malicious referees

Once again - refs are people too. They are not only prone to some mistakes, but some other human flaws as well. Rarely, you may cross paths with a referee or two that make things too personal. Maybe they have a bias toward one team that skews the whistle blowing. Maybe they don't like your face. Hey, I'm sure you have a great face, but not all refs are going to be great people.

How do you handle these kinds of refs? Glad you asked! You handle them the same darn way.

The number one thing you can do if you feel like "getting back" at a terrible ref is to be unflappable. When someone is trying to get under your skin, keeping your cool and acting like you don't even notice is the best way to make them feel ridiculous.

The crowd may be getting rowdy as well as your teammates or coach. Parents - calling out refs from the stands will likely just make matters worse. They aren't going to reverse any calls; don't give them a reason to prolong their biased whistle blowing. Players - if your teammates are getting heated, go cool them off. Get between them and their issues, make eye-contact, and explain to them that their energy is needed for the game.

The individuals most equipped to deal with these situations are the coaches. Coaches - you need to keep your cool as well. Feel free to engage in occasional conversations with the refs, but don't scream. If you act reasonably, the refs are more likely to respond reasonably.

There have been some unfortunate instances of emotions boiling over recently that have been floating around online. Some have even turned physical. Remember, keep your cool and let your play and demeanor do the talking. We all want to win, but at the end of the day, the players, coaches, fans, and even referees are their because we all love the GAME.

Shooting: Extending to three-point range

In today's game, it is almost impossible to get by without a shooting touch. Is a three-point shot realistic for you?

For a long time, three-pointers were reserved for point guards and shooting guards. Post players would be chastised for daring a shot attempt beyond 16-18 feet from the rim. In today's game however, big players are getting faster, handling the ball better, and showing finesse in their shot attempts. For guards, shooting has become even more important to hang with such players.

The saying goes: "The grass is always greener on the other side." Players that can shoot would give anything to be a powerful dunker the same way a powerful dunker wishes they could shoot (though of course some can do both). Needless to say, most players wish they could drain threes from anywhere like Steph Curry.

Shooting, especially long-range shooting, is not an inherent talent. Shooting takes years of work to perfect. Players do not start out shooting from deep either. Before you can hit threes, you need to be able to hit deep two-pointers. Before deep twos, mid-range shots should be no-problem. Before that: shots in the paint.

This applies not only to young players, but also current ones that would like to extend their range. You must be able to hit mid-range before long balls the way you must be able to walk before you can run.

Determining if you are a three point shooter

No one can stop you from working on outside shooting. However, if your coach says "Stay in the paint", then stay in the paint and practice everything that they tell you while you are on their watch. Sometimes if you want to branch out, you must do it on your own time. Get in a gym - maybe one with a basketball shooting gun at its disposal... we may be able to help with that part.

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As mentioned previously, you can't become a deep-threat overnight. Extending your range must be a gradual process. Get comfortable hitting mid-range jumpers from everywhere on the floor. Once you are fully comfortable and efficient from that range, reward yourself with some three-point shots. Just make sure you are practicing the right way. 

Again, The Basketball Movement can help.

For many young players it is a matter of strength. If heaving up threes takes you out of your traditional shooting motion, it might be a little early. Keep working on your strength and shooting from shorter distances. Patience is a virtue.

If you are already an established player looking to extend your range, seek guidance to make sure that you are starting the right way in terms of form, focus point, and situational awareness. Contact The Basketball Movement here to get started.

Outside shooting is not for everyone, so do not get discouraged if it doesn't work out. There are always other skills that you can work on to make you the best player you can be. You may possess abilities or qualities that other players wish they had, so focus on your strengths and keep grinding.

Team USA mini-camp

This week there has been a three-day Team USA mini-camp for 35 men players interested in competing in the 2020 Olympics.

The 2020 Olympics will be held in Tokyo, Japan and will feature some of the best athletes from around the world. Among those will be the reigning gold-medalist USA basketball team, poised for another gold medal run.

As there are most summers, there is a short camp for team USA basketball. This year's has been held in Las Vegas from July 25-27. Coach Gregg Popovich will be at the helm after Duke University's Mike Krzyzewski stepped down after a long, successful stretch coach team USA.

The roster of players at the camp is 35 strong. Team USA can still add or remove players as it chooses for next year's FIBA World Championship in China or the 2020 Olympics. This means that if they are still up for it, players like LeBron James or Chris Paul could still be added to the trimmed-down roster at a later time despite skipping camp. Given their comparatively advanced age, it could go either way.

A few players had to miss the camp despite being on the roster. Minnesota Timberwolves' Jimmy Butler, had offseason hand surgery and Washington's Bradley Beal had the birth of a child. One interesting absence is Kawhi Leonard, who may not feel like seeing Coach Pop after his falling out with and recent trade from the San Antonio Spurs.

Plenty of teammates are on the roster such as Detroit's Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond, Indiana's Victor Oladipo and Myles Turner, OKC's Paul George and Russell Westbrook, and the Warriors' Steph Curry and Kevin Durant. Interesting ex-teammate situations such as Durant and Westbrook abound as well.

The roster at the camp is as follows, per Bleacher Report:

Team USA Roster

Harrison Barnes (Dallas Mavericks)

Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards)

Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)

Jimmy Butler (Minnesota Timberwolves)

Mike Conley Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)

DeMarcus Cousins (Golden State Warriors)

Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)

Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans)

DeMar DeRozan (San Antonio Spurs)

Andre Drummond (Detroit Pistons)

Kevin Durant (Golden State Warriors)

Paul George (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Eric Gordon (Houston Rockets)

Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors)

Blake Griffin (Detroit Pistons)

James Harden (Houston Rockets)

Tobias Harris (Los Angeles Clippers)

Gordon Hayward (Boston Celtics)

Kyrie Irving (Boston Celtics)

LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)

DeAndre Jordan (Dallas Mavericks)

Kawhi Leonard (Toronto Raptors)

Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers)

Kevin Love (Cleveland Cavaliers)

Kyle Lowry (Toronto Raptors)

CJ McCollum (Portland Trail Blazers)

Khris Middleton(Milwaukee Bucks)

Victor Oladipo (Indiana Pacers)

Chris Paul (Houston Rockets)

Isaiah Thomas (Denver Nuggets)

Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors)

Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers)

Kemba Walker (Charlotte Hornets)

John Wall (Washington Wizards)

Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder)

For now, fans will have to wait until the FIBA World Championships next year to see these guys in action together. The closest we'll get until then will be the 2019 All-Star game in which many of these stars will mingle with fellow NBA players from around the globe.

Stick with The Basketball Movement as we follow this and other noteworthy teams, keeping you up-to-date on basketball movement around the world.

2018 WNBA All-Star lineups officially set

The WNBA is trying out the same All-Star format that the NBA used this year. How did the teams shake out?

Much like Team LeBron vs. Team Steph, 2018 marks the first year for the WNBA to try out the team captain approach. The 15th WNBA All-Star contest will feature Team Delle Donn vs. Team Parker. This is the first year that the format will not be Eastern vs. Western Conference players, with players from each representing either team.

The game will be Saturday July 28th in Minneapolis at 2:30 Central time. The game will be on ABC as well as broadcast live on SiriusXM's NBA radio.

The WNBA season is 34 games long, so it is already slowly winding down with the conference standings taking shape. The Atlanta Dream may be the hottest team, leading the East with a 15-4 record, though their seven-game win streak just barley has them ahead of the Washington Mystics and Connecticut Sun.

The Seattle Storm are dominating the West at 18-7, though the West is more competitive from top-to-bottom.

The selections

Elena Della Donn selected first while Candace Parker chose second, alternating throughout. Familiar names pepper each roster, with team Della Donn sporting the only rookie in the contest, A'ja Wilson. Interestingly, team Parker has the first sister pair ever to compete in Chiney and Nneka Ogwumike.

Below is the full team list taken directly from WNBA.com

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No NCAA hoops, no NBA, no problem with some great basketball on deck from these women. Once again, you can tune in Saturday afternoon the 28th on ABC or listen on SiriusXM's NBA radio channel. 

NBA Summer League: Deonte Burton hits game-winner

Remember when we recently discussed The Basketball Movement and Edge Sport's Deonte Burton? He has been a busy man.

Just a few weeks ago, we talked about the ascension of former Iowa State Cylcone, Deonte Burton. After college, he played overseas, where he was the most valuable player of the Korean Basketball League. This year he was invited to work out and play for the OKC Thunder's Summer League squad. Now, he is under contract for the season.

Burton has already signed a two-way contract for the 2018-19 NBA season. The two-way contract means that he will split time with the Oklahoma City Thunder and their G-League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue. The contract means that he can play a maximum of 45 games for the Thunder.

Each team gets just a pair of two-way contracts. Last year was the first year for them and OKC used theirs on Daniel Hamilton and PJ Dozier. They both got a lot of run in the G-League and played in six and two NBA games respectively.

Burton was signed once his workouts at the Thunder training facility were complete - so they did not even need to see him in Summer League action to know that they wanted him on the team. He still decided to show out in Summer League anyway.

The highlights are already underway for Burton

Rob Yanders has done a lot to help Deonte Burton with the mental side of the game, which is huge at every level - especially the NBA. Deonte's full game was on display this Summer League, with heady defense, eye-popping athleticism, and yes - a game-winning jumper.

Did you watch the above video? Seriously, take the two minutes to watch this guy in action. The Basketball movement is very proud of what Deonte has already accomplished, but he is clearly destined for so much more greatness.

He finished his NBA Summer League outing with averages of 11/6/3 in just 20 minutes per game. Most impressive is his 1.6 steals AND 1.6 blocks in his five games of action.

The OKC Thunder have to find a way to work The Basketball Movement's Denote Burton into what they're doing this season. We will be watching closely as his career heads in a great direction, so keep it locked right here and follow us on Twitter @BBall_Movement

All stats per NBA.com

 

 

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!

2018 NBA Draft pick Alize Johnson - The Basketball Movement

Missouri State Alum Alize Johnson talks with The Basketball Movement after being selected in the 2018 NBA Draft.

The first Missouri State Bear selected in the NBA Draft since Winston Garland (1987), Alize Johnson is a versatile threat destined for professional basketball at the highest level. No stranger to The Basketball Movement, we had the opportunity to talk to him after the draft.

Fans of Missouri State basketball are very familiar with Alize's game. He is a capable scorer and is a 20-rebound threat despite his versatility as a stretch-big. With the size and quickness to guard multiple positions, he was coveted by several NBA teams.

Alize Johnson has had a very busy Summer, working out with 12 NBA teams all over the country. He said that it was a "Dream come true" being in all of those facilities and meeting the personnel.

Players or fans alike would recognize another versatile big man named Johnson that Alize got to meet recently. "Meeting Magic Johnson in LA was not normal" Alize said. "I had to act normal, but to meet someone on his level with his experience... it was definitely cool."

He has encountered players at all levels on his journey. He said of his fellow draftee, Dante DiVincenzo that he was not surprised in the least that he went 17th. He also mentioned De'Aaron Fox, who was drafted last season but is technically younger than Alize. "He has been great to defend this offseason. I've learned where I need to be in my lateral movement from his speed."

The Draft

Hearing your name selected in the NBA draft is an incredible accomplishment for basketball players from every corner of the world. In case he was not tired of answering the question already, we asked Alize what it felt like to get drafted:

“It felt like a dream. I have worked extremely hard and been through a lot with my family. It was an emotional night, but now I’m looking forward to getting to play with the best players in the world.”
— Alize Johnson

When asked what the next step is for him, Alize explained that NBA Summer League is the next big moment. "I'm learning plays and getting a feel for how they want to use me" Alize said. He aims to impress them with his ability to fill any role on the floor. He says he would be comfortable at the 3 or 4 position - whatever the team needs.

He said he is currently working on conditioning and getting back to being a knock-down three-point shooter like he was his Junior year at MSU. Speaking of putting in work...

Alize Johnson and The Basketball Movement

His time at Missouri State is what led to meeting Rob Yanders and working out at The Basketball Movement. He said that he heard this is where local guys came to get great workouts.

“Rob is a great guy - very genuine. He can explain how to work out efficiently for you specifically. He’s a great trainer but an even better dude.”
— Alize Johnson on Rob Yanders

As it is often goes with time spent at The Basketball Movement, it is easier to show you the work than to explain it in words. Check out the video below for some of the work Alize Johnson put in here at The Movement.

Asked to give advice to The Basketball Movement's up-and-comers on how to get your name called in the draft, he had a few simple tips.

Our personal favorite is "Use Rob." Alize explained that Rob has played as a professional and had players come through his doors from the highest level. Having such a resource here in the Midwest is a great way for players to get ahead.

Beyond that, Johnson spoke on the importance of character and leaning on whatever religion you may follow. He said to remain humble, but also to work extremely hard.

If working "extremely hard" doesn't scare you off of your path to the top, contact The Basketball Movement to get to work right away.

We wish our friend, Alize Johnson the best of luck in the NBA! Summer League in Vegas starts tonight with all games televised on either NBA TV, ESPN, or ESPN U, so don't forget to tune in!

Happy 4th from The Basketball Movement!

As you safely celebrate Independence Day, we thought we would bring you some highlights from Team USA.

The world may slowly be catching up, but USA basketball has been the undisputed kings of the worldwide basketball scene. From the Dream Team to LeBron James and Kobe Bryant teaming up, there have been a lot of fun moments.

The Dream Team got its name for a reason. To assemble Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Stockton & Malone, and the rest was a dream come true. Here are a few of their highlights from the '92 trip to Barcelona where they took home the gold:

They may not have gotten a cool nickname, but the 2012 team that took gold in London was pretty solid also. LeBron, Kobe, Melo, Westbrook, Harden, Durant, Paul, Love, a young Anthony Davis... gimme a break.

Here are a few of their highlights:

There are of course many other Men's Team USA players worth mentioning. We know however that you have family and fireworks to get to, so we'll leave you with this.

Men's USA basketball is certainly not the only dominant basketball team repping the United States on the global level. Below are highlights from the 2016 women's national team that took gold under Maya Moore, Britney Griner, Elena Della Donne, Tamika Catchings, Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, and more.

The next Olympic Summer games aren't until 2020. We will have some FIBA championships in the meantime as well as Olympic training camps.

We at The Basketball Movement hope that you have a safe and fun Fouth of July with loved ones. Take a day off if you have to, but remember to get some shots up tomorrow! USA! USA! USA!

Jahad Thomas - The Basketball Movement

Jahad Thomas works out with The Basketball Movement following a successful collegiate career. His goal? The NBA.

From Williamsport, Pennsylvania originally, Jahad Thomas has worked and worked to become the player he is today. A red-shirt freshman at UMass Lowell, Thomas was clearly patient, as he exploded onto the scene his official freshman season averaging 14 points and 1.3 steals.

Thomas' numbers climbed each season, culminating in senior-year averages of 21/8/4 and 1.8 steals per contest. Averaging 8.7 boards his final two seasons is a very telling figure for the 6'2" guard. He is clearly a high-motor player that is not afraid to get in the paint.

The greatest strides that Jahad has taken as a player are intangibles according to him. Leadership and positivity are things that he has had to work at, but they have played great dividends. For the ultimate in leadership and positivity, Jahad found himself in front of the perfect trainer - Rob Yanders.

Enter The Basketball Movement

Jahad Thomas says that he heard about Rob Yanders and The Basketball Movement through his friend, Alize Johnson. Now drafted by the Indiana Pacers, Johnson has been an ally of The Movement for a while. Upon being introduced to Rob, Jahad said that he was blown away by the way Robert treated him like he'd known him for years.

Side note: Watch the video below. Some things are easy to show than to put into words. Watch this man get in his work with The Basketball Movement in one of the best examples of intensity we have, especially from about 3:45-on.

Having seen the impact of positivity and leadership, Thomas said that when he is around Robert, he does his best to be a "human sponge" to soak up as much as he can.

Being a sponge around experienced guys like Rob, working hard to learn as much as possible, and taking care of his body are the big keys for Jahad right now.

“Robert has helped me tremendously. He has taught me how to be a professional on and off the court. I’ve learned a lot from him about communication and the importance of making connections.”
— Jahad Thomas

Asked about his ceiling as a basketball player, Thomas first answered "Very high", but then corrected himself; "No ceiling." He says that consistent work with Rob and continuing to work out in other ways has built his confidence to continue to elevate his game.

Next steps for Jahad Thomas

Already an established scorer at the collegiate level, Jahad says that he wants to continue to round his skill-set so that he can play the game as it comes to him, no-matter the situation.

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Continuing to improve will help him reach his goal of making it to the NBA, no matter how long it takes.

“Rob explained to me that with my goals (the NBA), it’s alright even if it doesn’t go exactly the way you want.”
— Jahad Thomas

He went on to explain that Robert has taught him a lot about the importance of great routines and consistent workouts. Things like knowing when to go hard and when to slow down are important skills that you do not always get to hone without concentrated training such as what is offered at The Basketball Movement.

Jahad comes across as being laid-back, but is a gym rat through and through. This is a guy to keep an eye on as he continues to elevate his game.

It also says a lot that he spoke so highly of Rob Yanders in such a short period of time. If you are serious about taking your game to the next level, contact The Basketball Movement here.

Payton Henson - The Basketball Movement

Payton Henson is working hard with The Basketball Movement as he eyes a professional hoops career.

Originally from Arkansas, Payton Henson has been spending his summer right here at The Basketball Movement. In speaking to Henson, he seems humble yet hungry - realistic yet confident. This is a guy that is willing to put in the work to take his game to the next level.

He recalls growing up with/playing against DaShaun Stark, who has been working feverishly with Rob Yanders and The Movement this summer also. Henson says that his time at The Basketball Movement largely began as seeking a place to work out - a search that ended in a premier destination here in the Midwest.

Payton says that the professionalism he has experienced at The Movement is evident from the get-go. It has taught him a lot about playing the game at the next level.

“Rob has been around and has seen a lot. Working out is one thing, but he has shown me how to take all of that a step farther.”
— Payton Henson

Taking Henson's game a step farther with The Basketball Movement

When asked how The Movement is helping in his training and preparation, Henson had several answers. "Eating right, recovery, and continual improvement." With Rob's focused and tailor-made workouts, players are able to get in and get better every single day.

Henson says that he has learned to "take treatment and dieting seriously" as he has gotten a bit older. Eating healthier and taking the time to stretch/focus on recovery have been some big eye-openers that he's taken away from his time here.

Payton Henson played his first two years of college ball at Tulane and finished up his collegiate career strong at the University of Vermont. Henson shot an impressive 81 percent at the line in his final two seasons, averaged double-digit scoring figures, and was hitting threes at a 40 percent clip by his senior year. Good stuff from the 6'8" Henson.

In talking about how he is striving to improve as a player, Payton spoke about transitioning his college game to the pro level:

“I played the 4 in college, but I’m trying to transition to more of a 3. I’m working to get better off the bounce and working on pull-up shooting from mid-range on out.”

What's next for Payton Henson?

"Playing at the highest level", Henson responded when asked about his aspirations as a player. "I will take it one step at a time until I secure my first contract."

He says that it is a bit of a waiting game right now. He can try to get in front of the right people to carve out a place in the NBA G-League, or play overseas where he has already garnered interest. Payton could potentially head from one of those squads in Germany, Spain, or France.

Asked about some of the top basketball experiences he is drawing from, he had a pretty cool answer. His Junior year, they were 16-0 in the conference, but had to come back from behind in the championship game. Payton hit the go-ahead and-one with 30 seconds left to secure the victory and a NCAA Tournament berth.

Henson is experienced, articulate, and driven to power his game to the next stage. The help from The Basketball Movement will be evident for whoever is smart enough to give him his next shot.

All statistics from ESPN.

Edge Sports International, Inc. sends players to The Basketball Movement

The Basketball Movement just keeps growing with help from our friends at Edge Sports.

Edge Sports International, Inc. is a sports marketing and management firm out of Chicago, Illinois. They represent professional athletes at home and abroad and are sending some of their talent to Southwest Missouri and The Basketball Movement.

According to Edge Sports' website, "Edge Sports International is an elite sports management and marketing group representing top professional athletes worldwide." They offer multiple services such as: contract negotiation, business advisory services, marketing, media relations, and more.

Edge Sports represented five players in the NBA last season and many more in the NBA G-League and all the top international leagues.

Sam Cipriano

I spoke with Sam Cipriano, Senior Vice President with Edge Sports ahead of the arrival of the Edge Sports players. He gave us the scoop as far as what Edge Sports is all about and which players they would be sending to The Basketball Movement.

Roughly the same age, Cipriano says he and our Founder Rob Yanders grew up in Wisconsin, where Sam followed Rob's basketball career closely from high school on up. Sam and Rob reconnected at the NBA Summer League a few years back.

The Basketball Movement and The Edge Sports, Int. have a mutual client in professional player, Deonte Burton. As we have touched on before, Burton had an extremely successful first season playing in South Korea and is poised to continue his ascension.

Giving players "The Edge"

Naturally, the firm is all about giving their athletes an edge over the competition. They go above and beyond in their marketing and are very experienced in contract negotiation. Their involvement with The Basketball Movement confirms that they are also very thorough in making sure their players are constantly improving.

We asked Cipriano about the importance of monitoring the continual improvement of the players they represent:

“Extremely important... Players at every position on the floor must be so skilled in today’s game. Every player must be able to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, attack close-outs, and keep the ball moving. We help our clients add something new to their game each and every off-season.”
— Sam Cipriano

When asked about how the agency gives its players that coveted "edge", Sam described that Edge Sports is a family-oriented boutique agency that has been representing players in the NBA and worldwide for over 25 years. He explained that their clients feel like "our brothers" that get their full focus on and off the court.

Involvement with The Basketball Movement

Deonte Burton of Edge Sports has of course been working out with The Basketball Movement for a while and will continue to do so. There are more players inbound that Edge Sports would like to see hone their skills with the unique, professional quality workouts of The Movement.

Cipriano says that they currently have about 13 guys that will be playing in the NBA Summer League that he would like to get in front of Rob Yanders and TBM's other trainers. Rob will make sure that the players get his trademark efficient, customized workouts to take their game to the next level.

The backgrounds of each of these players are varied. There will be guys like Deonte Burton that are Americans with overseas experience, several NBA rookies, foreign players, you name it.

We will keep you up to date as The Basketball Movement continues this exciting collaboration with Edge Sports International. For more on what the guys over at Edge Sports are all about, check out their Twitter @Edge_Sports. For more on The Basketball Movement, you are already in the right place.

For inquiries, you can contact Sam by email at scipriano@edgesportsintl.com

Pro baller Deonte Burton - The Basketball Movement

With a year of pro ball under his belt, Deonte Burton is poised to make a splash at the NBA Summer League this year.

The Basketball Movement's Deonte Burton is already working out at the OKC Thunder training facilities preparing for Summer League. Playing for the Thunder's team will get him plenty of exposure as he looks to advance his professional basketball career. 

Burton played his college ball at Marquette and Iowa State. He played last year for Wonju DB Promy of the Korean Basketball League, where he was the league MVP.

Burton was the Big 12 newcomer of the year in 2016 when he tranferred to Iowa State, despite having to wait out multiple games per NCAA policy. By his senior season, he was second-team all big 12, and clearly ready for the next level.

Honestly this whole article could be highlight videos. From high school to Korea - the big shots, blocks, and dunks haven't stopped coming. Burton is going to make sure that they do not stop any time soon either.

Playing professional basketball

When asked to compare the Big 12 to playing overseas in Korea, Burton said "It's really apples and oranges". The style of basketball may be very different, but he notes that the discipline and competitive style from college helped translate to any variant of pro basketball.

“I went from playing 30 games to playing 60. You have to really take care of your body and work on the little things. Things like stretching everyday that you didn’t really worry about in college.”
— Deonte Burton on his pro experience

Burton explained that though he was playing more games, conditioning was similar because it's a two way street. "The more games you play, the better shape you'll be in" Deonte said.

Deonte said that this has been his first time overseas for more than a year. He says that it has been a fantastic experience and he has learned a lot about Korean culture and about himself. Wonju is a very traditional South Korean town that has allowed him to learn a lot about Eastern culture.

Deonte Burton and Rob Yanders - Milwaukee guys

When asked how Deonte got hooked up with Robert and The Basketball Movement, he threw it way back. He said his older brother and Robert were great friends growing up in Milwaukee. The connection remained and Rob remained great example for Burton on and off the court.

 He discussed how Robert has been helping him with the mental side of the game.

“That part of the game is really big. I’m physically gifted, but so are other people at this level. Discipline and hard work separates everyone.”
— Deonte Burton

Shooting has been the biggest focus for Deonte this Summer. He is already a solid shooter, but he said that you must constantly improve because every league requires you to be able to shoot the ball.

Focusing on a well-rounded offensive game is what he would like to demonstrate in the Summer League; defense, his improved shooting, and whole offensive repertoire.

His workouts with OKC this offseason he calls well-balanced, but overall similar to what he's been through many times before. The NBA Summer League tips of in early July, so Deonte Burton is ready to show the world what he can do. His goal?

"Dominate Summer League"

We believe he can. The games will be televised between ESPN and NBA TV, so remember to tune in!

DaShaun Stark - The Basketball Movement

An athletic 6'5", DaShaun Stark is working with The Basketball Movement to prepare for the pro-scene.

Friendly and articulate with a humble confidence, DeShaun Stark is poised for basketball at the professional level.

Originally from the area, DaShaun Stark moved to Arkansas around age 10, where he went on to play high school ball. Many from Southwest Missouri may recognize DaShaun Stark from his freshman and sophomore seasons as a Drury Panther (2013-2015).

After red-shirting a year back down south for the Arkansas Razorbacks, Stark got much more run his senior year for William Woods University. Stark shot nearly 50 percent from the field that year, also using his length to grab boards, disrupt opposing players, and now - draw attention on the pro-scene.

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Asked what us next for him in his career - Stark says that improving is his number one priority. 

“I have to keep improving and just get in front of some teams in the G-League. From there I can keep rising.”

One of the experiences that Strark draws on the most is his time at Arkansas. He says that his eyes were opened to the level of basketball he was capable of playing. He also cites his first collegiate game - an exhibition at Duke - for igniting his passion for continuing to play the game.

Stark's time with The Basketball Movement

Playing on his Step-Father's team back in 8th grade, DaShaun recalls going up against a Robert Yanders-led squad. He said the Rob liked his game, approached him, and made the connection.

DaShaun said that he has become a much better player mentally since putting in work with The Basketball Movement. Rob's experiences have been really applicable to his circumstances and mindset. He is also striving to transition into more of a point guard role, so Rob is working with him to improve his handles and shot from deep.

The further you go in a basketball career, the harder it is on your body. Stark had a standout point that he has been learning about: water.

“I’ve never been big on water or just hydration in general, so that’s been a big change. The little things day-to-day have become more important - what to eat and especially what not to eat.”

DaShaun is very appreciative of his time with Robert Yanders. He says that The Basketball Movement has helped his game "tremendously". Professionalism, routine, and specifically catered curriculum are a few of the highlights that Stark pointed out to us.

“Rob has been a great basketball influence for many years.”

When asked about his ceiling, Stark said that his mindframe is that he has no ceiling. "Sky's the limit." After seeing his game and committment, we believe him.

Happy Father's Day from The Basketball Movement!

At the core of The Basketball Movement, family (blood or not) drives everyone to be their best.

Your Father may have put up your first goal, driven you to practice, or even coached you. Today is a great reminder to thank your dad - or whoever filled that role in your life.

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In my a sit-down interview with The Movement's Founder, Rob Yanders, I learned that fatherhood played a big role in his business. The desire to be the best for his own son propels Robert and his team of trainers to be the best they can for the boys, girls, men, and women that walk through the doors of The Basketball Movement.

“I have a son. I selfishly also want my son to grow up around other leaders and be led in the right direction in this community.”
— Rob Yanders

Not everyone has a desirable father-son or father-daughter relationship. For almost everyone though, there are people in their life that have stepped up and been a great example. Today is certainly for those individuals as well.

I (@WilHarrington) am set to become a dad in seven or so weeks. I am excited at the opportunity to draw on the experiences I've had with my Father, who was also my basketball and baseball coach. I intend to also draw on examples set by Robert and other strong father figures I've been able to be around in my life.

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The Basketball Movement is a fraternity for basketball lovers and its doors are open to you and yours. Mentorship and excellent role models abound here and we invite you to become a part of it.

Happy Father's Day from The Basketball Movement!

Home court advantage

Whether you have it or you don't, it is tough to deny the existence of home court advantage in basketball.

We just saw it in the first game of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals - we see it in grade school hoops; home court advantage helps in our sport.

Whether your fanbase is big or small, there is something to be said for the extra adrenaline that comes from preforming in front of your fans. Nothing builds confidence quite like a crowd going crazy when you hit a shot. The intensity really does seem to ramp up when the crowd chants "DEFENSE" as you prepare to make a stop.

Even if the parents/biggest fans travel well on the road, the crowd is almost never quite like it is when you play in your team's home gym.

The kind of energy brought on by playing on your home court is one that players must learn to harness. The extra energy and adrenaline is a great thing, but playing the right way and remaining focused on your own strengths are still what will pull you through.

For every home team, there is an away squad.

Okay, okay, this is pretty obvious. Still, it is worth pointing out that focus is important at home, but even more important on the road.

When you travel to another team's gym, they will get all of the above benefits. When the home team is on a role and all of the energy in the gym shifts to them, it can be intimidating as a visiting player.

Many of the same tips that apply at home still apply on the road. Laser focus on your role and your strengths become even more important. Road teams can get the same adrenaline, but in different ways. There is nothing quite like quieting a raucous crowd with a big block or by draining a timely three-ball.

Keeping your head up and focusing on the task at hand can be tough in a hostile gym, but it is often the key to stealing a win on the road.

No home team?

This time of year in particular, AAU games, various Summer tournaments, etc. means that both teams are playing in unfamiliar territory.

In a way, this produces some very pure basketball. No home court advantage means that there is a level playing field. Little crowd noise means that you can hear a few shouting coaches, every bounce of the ball, and sneakers squeaking as players drive all over the court.

Sweat and skill determines such games, meaning it is a great time to test your mettle.

Make The Basketball Movement your home court by reaching out to us here!