One-on-One with Yazoo Motif

The Basketball Movement has been collaborating with photographer and visual art mastermind, Yazoo Motif.

Robert Baker (better known by his artist name, Yazoo Motif) is a man on a mission - using his cameras to capture the versions of others that they most want to see. Always improving, always wanting to make his family proud, Yazoo is simply creating masterpieces whether it is at The Basketball Movement or in NBA arenas.

Originally from Yazoo City, Mississippi (yes, obviously that is where his moniker comes from), “Zoo” has been moving around for much of his life. “I moved to Atlanta when I was 12,” Yazoo recalls. “From there it was Lexington, Kentucky, where things sort of took off.”

Kentucky is where Yazoo linked up with friends of Kentucky Wildcats center, Willie Cauley-Stein, who now plays in the NBA for the Dallas Mavericks. Yazoo, Cauley-Stein, and videographer/editor “iburks” became a tight crew, working together to propel themselves to the top levels of their respective crafts. Check their hashtag #SHIFTeverything on Instagram to see all the collabs between the three.

Willie Cauley-Stein started his NBA career in Sacramento in 2015, taking his stud media duo along for the ride, allowing Yazoo to shoot an abundance of NBA talent (see below). WCS began the 2019-20 season in Golden State before being traded to Dallas last January to provide rebounding and explosiveness in the paint.

“Everything you see on Willie Cauley-Stein’s page is either me or iburks,” Yazoo says. “Getting to go with him, I’ve had the opportunity to see greatness through a lens and study every detail. I don’t take being in those situations for granted.”

Motif cites his access to the Golden State Warriors media day being one of his favorite opportunities so far. “Getting to shoot Steph, Klay… that really hit home as far as where I was and the greatness I was surrounded by,” Yazoo says. One of his other favorite subjects is recording artist, Yoku Naru, who he also linked up within Kentucky and has been working with for several years.

“(Working with) Yoku Naru is great because we have excellent back and forth,” Yazoo says. “It’s the same thing with Rob Yanders.”

Yazoo Motif at The Basketball Movement

On collaborating with Rob Yanders and The Basketball Movement, Yazoo says the experience has been “refreshing.”

“Rob has been great,” Yazoo says. “He is honest and speaks his mind. He gives you full creative control, but his suggestions are still highly relevant. It really improves upon the process.”

Yazoo says that the back-and-forth with people like Rob is what allows him to bring out exactly what people like to see. “My main goal is to work with people and bring their best version to life,” Yazoo continues. “Everyone has a vision of themselves and they want to see themselves in the best version of that, so understanding that and bringing that out is how I set myself apart as an artist.”

Motif often goes by “Zoo,” which he says works well because he sees as himself being able to work with all different “animals” or all the different looks he can create based on the subjects.

“For Rob, he is intense and attention detailed. I think I have been able to capture that for him.” (He definitely has - see below video)

Asked what drives him creatively, Yazoo Motif says it is the desire for constant improvement. “I’m my own worst critic,” Motif says. “I want to improve on every detail from piece to piece. Another motivator comes from my wife and my one-year-old son - I want to keep growing and make them proud.”

The Basketball Movement asked what is next for Yazoo Motif: “Working with bigger and bigger brands,” Yazoo says. “Figuring out how to do that is part of the adventure. My main thing is not stealing ideas and being original. I don’t want to become mainstream; I want mainstream to be me.”

Please go check out Yazoo Motif on Instagram, Twitter, or yazoomotif.com to see his work. His creative mind deserves exposure and The Basketball Movement has been fortunate to have him around. Check out some more of his stuff below and follow along for more visual poetry!

Pro-level workouts

The Basketball Movement offers pro-level workouts for men and women that are aiming for the top.

At The Basketball Movement, we go through skill workouts, clinics, and camps with athletes of almost all ages. Some of our favorites, and some that we are best-equipped for, are pro-level workouts with men and women with professional aspirations.

Even if you are already a professional hooper, we have proven over and over that The Basketball Movement can elevate even the most elite athletes. Whether you are a junior or senior in high school, college player, overseas or domestic pro, we can help you get to your personal next level.

(Peep the video below to see what a professional jump shot looks like with Toshua Leavitt)

With the NBA returning with all teams arriving in the Orlando “bubble,” we will finally get to see a return to action for guys like Monte Morris, Alize Johnson, Deonte Burton, and Anthony Tolliver that can all attest to what The Basketball Movement can provide.

For many other players that are not able to resume game action, now is the time to elevate. Robert Yanders is a former pro and specialist in this area. There are few trainers that can match Yanders’ intensity, experience, and knowledge of the game.

For all pro players and agents (or anyone interested in training at the highest level), reach out to us at basketballmovement@yahoo.com to get with Yanders and his staff. We can accommodate difficult schedules and assist in making arrangements for those that need to travel.

Everything Yanders does is centered around the fundamentals of the game, but the speed, intensity, and purpose of his drills are what sets him apart from other trainers.

“Rob’s a great guy. He genuinely knows what he’s doing and exactly what he’s talking about. He has been a great mentor for me because of his experience and that he doesn’t sugar coat anything; he tells it like it is.”
— Alize Johnson, Indiana Pacers

Check out our social sites; they provide media that offers a window into what these workouts look like. Every hooper has a limit, and we will find yours and push it. The Basketball Movement is designed based on professional facilities. We are equipped to help you get that work, but can also assist in cooldown. The facility features a film study room as well that allows us to teach some of the most undervalued skills in the game.

If you are a pro or want to be a pro, come see us. We are the top training facility in the Midwest for the best players to come to if they are not satisfied just being elite. Do you want to be great? We want to help.

Ania Bracken - Xclusive Apparal

Ania Bracken is creating apparel that appeals to people like her that just want to be different and feel good. This is Xclusive Apparel.

The Basketball Movement is known for propelling young lives on the court, but those that know us best know that it is the off-court impact that drives us. Our founder, Rob Yanders is committed to enriching and empowering the lives of those around him. In this case, he is helping to lend his platform to his niece, 16-year-old Ania Bracken, and her new brand: Xclusive Apparel.

We sat down one-on-one with Ania to get the scoop on this exciting new venture.

Ania says that the idea behind Xclusive Apparel is all about being creative and different in your own way. “I’m a colorful person,” Bracken says. “So, I try to make everything I do fun and colorful.”

T-shirts will quickly become the staple of Ania’s new collection, but she says that she plans to add hoodies soon as well as possibly moving into shorts, joggers, and anything else that can add variety to her unique offerings.

When asked about the memorable Xclusive Apparel logo, Ania seemed to have one main goal in mind - to be different. “When I thought about it, I knew I wanted it to be fun,” Bracken says. “One eye has the X, one is regular, the braces… I just have a bit of an over-indulgent personality, so I wanted that to shine through. It should appeal to those who have attention for detail, like me.”

For Ania, being different is what inspires her creativity. “I believe people are at their best when they are being themselves,” Bracken says. “For me, that is knowing that I’m different than my peers. I figured out that I like different things; I love drawing and being creative. I arrived here creatively by investing time in finding myself and my personal style - my swag.”

“I believe that people are at their best when they are being themselves.”

Asked what helps Ania get into her creative mindset, she says that she keeps it simple. “I love listening to music. I also love just sitting outside and looking at the sky. It gets my brain going, then I get paper or a notebook and just start sketching.”

“I also have an entrepreneurial spirit, so I am trying to use my creativity to be my own boss and hopefully make some money,” Bracken says. She continues by saying that she would love to be able to capitalize on her creativity rather than having to work for someone else. She is not the only one in her family that has that mindset.

Ania says that her Uncle Rob has helped her “tremendously” to this point. “(Yanders) has helped set everything up so far,” Bracken says. “He really believes in me. I told him, and he was on it immediately. We think alike in a lot of ways.”

The “kindness in his heart” is what has shown through the most from Ania’s Uncle Rob.

When asked what people can expect from Xclusive Apparel going forward, Ania gave a short and convincing answer: “Dope clothes.”

“I am going to be bringing a lot of different styles and colorways,” Bracken says. “There will always be more color and more fun, which I keep saying, but that is a key to this brand. Anyone that wears Xclusive Apparel will feel good, be comfortable, and know they are wearing something exclusive.”

We are excited to see where this empowered young woman takes her new business. You can be sure to find plenty of Xclusive Apparel in and around The Basketball Movement going forward, with all of our athletes looking to add to their collection of drip. Stay tuned to Xclusive Apparel’s Instagram as well for all the details!

One-on-One with Big Guard

The Basketball Movement has been blessed by a visit from “Big Guard” and sat down for a one-on-one chat with the mastermind.

“The Basketball Movement” is not just the name of Robert Yanders’ facility or business; it represents strides forward across multiple facets of the sport of basketball. Movement occurs anytime new ideas are formed, players elevate beyond what they had previously been, or strides taken to improve more than just an athlete’s on-court presence.

We also take notice when others are keeping the movement going.

Big Guard (AKA MaJuan Bates Jr.) is more than another hooper; he is one more excellent example of a player that won’t shut up and dribble - a rebel with a cause. His cause is to use his Big Guard platform to inspire, motivate, and elevate athletes that face hurdles similar to those he himself experienced.

“Big Guard is a lifestyle,” Bates tells The Basketball Movement in an exclusive interview. “It is all about thinking about the big picture to overcome obstacles. I represent the underdogs.”

For those that do not know, Big Guard is a social media force (check the Insta) that provides a platform to specific hoopers via exposure, vlogs, commentating, media, and more. The criteria for Big Guard hoopers? They are all under 6 foot 2.

“It is all about exposing the talent of small guards,” Big Guard says. “The platform is all about taking players that are going through the same struggle I did and in doing so, using their size to their advantage.”

Bates himself is 5 foot 9 or so, certainly not the stereotypical mold of a scoring guard. “I did have to become the Big Guard for real,” he says. “I was grinding it out from my freshman to junior years of college, earned a scholarship, got hurt, wasn’t on the same page as coach, kicked off the team… I missed games but dug deep. I came back, played, performed, and look back now to fully appreciate my own testament to not giving up.”

Wanting to walk away, but owing it to himself to finish out his dreams of being a college hooper, Bates finished up at Johnson & Wales University. The St. Louis native says that he proved a lot to himself and used the knowledge that he was not the only one going through the same struggles to maintain optimism even when his confidence was wavering.

A clear influence everywhere you find Big Guard is NBA Hall of Famer, Allen Iverson. Big Guard says A.I.’s impact on the game was “major,” especially to him.

“Seeing his playoff run in 2001… he had to get past Reggie Miller, Vince Carter, and Ray Allen. Then, he faces Shaq and Kobe in the Finals and swipes Game 1,” Big Guard recalls. “Seeing him do it at his size… I could only compare it to M.J. vs. the Monstars. It inspired me.”

“Any guard like that - Nate Robinson, Isaiah Thomas, anyone our size… to see them overcome obstacles in a sport that is so often defined by height inspires and motivates,” Big Guard says. “ Yeah, LeBron is crazy to see come down the lane and dunk it, but those other guys, they make normal-sized players believe in themselves.”

Big Guard at The Basketball Movement

“My first impression of Rob Yanders and The Basketball Movement came online. I saw a video of Rob just sitting down and spitting wisdom to hoopers in a way I hadn’t heard,” Big Guard recalls. “Then, I get this kid DM-ing me, Anton Brookshire, saying I should come watch him play. Didn’t know at the time it was Rob’s nephew.”

“I did pull up soon after to watch this kid play, I was blogging games at the time trying to do things in ways that you don’t always see. I bumped into Rob and he told me about a camp he was putting on that would have some real Big Guard types. I came to the camp and have stayed in touch ever since.

As for Brookshire, Big Guard says though he has been around top-20 level players, he has not seen a mentality as he sees in Anton. “His confidence, his mentality… he is way ahead of the game,” Big Guard says. “He has already had so many hurdles thrown at him. Kid lost his Mother and played his games unphased… which is tough. I also believe it is a testament to the figures in his life like his Uncles Rob and Sly.”

“All this mental toughness and he is still working and growing. When it’s done (Brookshire) is a pro.”

Rob Yanders’ family-first mentality is one of the biggest takeaways that Big Guard has had from his time down at The Basketball Movement. “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from Rob is that you think of how much you can help before you think of how much you can make for yourself. People are self-centered by nature, but he has shown me how you can put God’s work first,” Big Guard says of Yanders.

“I’m inspired, in awe to be honest,” Big Guard says. “Here is a guy just like me, a black male with such high morals and a family man before all else despite odds… the way he gives back to the community? It has inspired me to be a better family man. A better son, brother to my sisters… no doubt that is my biggest takeaway from my time here.”

What’s next for Big Guard?

With the Big Guard platform evolving and moving in exciting directions, we asked Bates what was next. “Branding a lifestyle,” responds Big Guard. “I’m going to be making things more personal - locking onto my life and making sure that I am adding value to those around me, in all areas of life.”

“People are going to be seeing new content beyond basketball.”

Basketball is moving beyond tall guys being the sole source of value. Height helps, but there are ways for anyone to use size to their advantage. Big Guard and Rob Yanders have taken their passion for the game and are using it as a tool to positively impact others.

It has been a pleasure for Rob Yanders and The Basketball Movement to be around, teach, and learn from Big Guard. Keep an eye out for potential collaborations on our end and make sure that you give Big Guard a follow on his social platforms.

Appreciation - The Basketball Movement

At The Basketball Movement, there is an emphasis on producing not only better players, but better people as well.

Too often in today’s game, players struggle to appreciate everything that is done for them. Players tend to see coaches, teachers, and guardians as little more than tools in place to help them improve. While coaches certainly do their best to help players improve, the good ones go out of their way to make sure that they are enriching the player’s lives beyond just the sport of basketball.

The amount of time that goes into being a successful coach is often dismissed because it revolves around a sport/game. People and players do not always stop and consider that coaches are putting in the time because they want to help young people grow in many ways using the sport they are coaching.

(Click here for more on Rob Yanders and how The Basketball Movement strives to set excellent examples for its players)

It is true that basketball coaches do what they do because they love it. Even so, good coaches are deserving of your gratitude. If a coach, assistant, ball boy, bus driver, or anyone in between has taken the time to help you get where you are - thank them.

The occasional “Thank you” can go a long way. Not only do coaches or anyone else truly love to hear it, but it can help to further connections that you have with these people. A coach-player relationship is symbiotic. That means that it is mutually beneficial for both parties. If the coach does improve not only your game but your future, they deserve your thanks. Likewise, player successes are also coach successes. Take the time to appreciate each other.

Speaking of thankless jobs, don’t forget to stop and appreciate parents/guardians as well. The hours, days, and years that they put in working, raising you, feeding you, covering your teams’ dues, buying equipment, and driving around deserve so much thanks. It is true that as parents or guardians, they have certain responsibilities. That does not mean that their hard work should go unnoticed. Players, these individuals in your lives deserve appreciation. Remember to thank them as often as you can.

Parents and guardians - remember that the grind doesn’t stop for you either. You have already put in so much time and effort, but you know well that those responsibilities don’t take days off. You are so lucky to have these players in your life. Soak up all of the good times and stay strong through the bad - your kids don’t stop needing you.

In speaking with The Basketball Movement’s founder, Rob Yanders, he describes that parent’s roles with their player are almost always bigger than either of them even realize.

“In helping get these kids through the recruiting phase, many people don’t realize that the guardians are being recruited and interviewed too. Parents often serve as a window into the player’s background and personal life. Recruiters don’t underestimate these roles and neither should the families.”
— Rob Yanders

You will have many relationships in your life. Some will be personal, some will be professional, and all of them should be handled with care. Take time to appreciate everyone that has been a part of your journey. Aside from personally reflecting on these relationships, go out of your way to thank the individuals involved.

In a time in which some players may feel entitled, stand out as someone that coaches and other individuals want to help because you are so grateful. Never stop grinding - on the court or in life!

College commitments continue despite recruitment difficulty

Many of The Basketball Movement’s standout high school athletes are selecting offers from schools or being heavily recruited.

The Basketball Movement and our affiliate, Yanders Law have been seeing plenty of success in terms of player recruitment, despite difficulties presented by the ongoing pandemic. One of our biggest goals is to elevate players to the next level of play, whatever that may mean to them; getting to play varsity hoops, playing in college, or going pro.

Many high school gym rats of The Basketball Movement have been receiving attention from division 1 teams recently. In addition, quite of few of those young players have been seizing those opportunities and committing to furthering their education and playing ball for the team of their choice.

Whether it is Isaac Haney and Elijah Bridgers going to Missouri State, Desmond Polk committing to SIUe, or Anton Brookshire heading to Mizzou, it has been a busy offseason.

NCAA recruitment has been slowed by restrictions brought on by the covid-19 pandemic. Many of our players have had to lean on their existing body of work, unable to showcase anything new for these coaches.

All credit goes to the players themselves, of course. The determination and hunger to be better is what has propelled them to reach these new goals and hopefully allow them to establish new ones.

That said, you are on thebasketballmovement.com, so we are going to plug ourselves for a minute as well!

It certainly does not hurt during this process to have your name, face, and skillset out there for the basketball world to see. We take media seriously and work hard for those players that work hard for us. During our events and occasionally workouts, we create highlights, hi-res images, and give shoutouts that go a long way in advancing yourself off the court.

So remember, The Basketball Movement is an accessible resource to help propel you in this sport. Reach out to us any time to get started and we will do our best to be a positive part of your journey for however long you will let us.

On another note, if you (or your athlete) frequent The Basketball Movement or play for one of the Yanders Law AAU teams, remember to reach out with any good news regarding recruitment. As you can see on our social sites, we often highlight D1 offers and college commitments for our guys and gals.

If you have any good news, email it to basketballmovement@yahoo or even DM us on our social media.

Congrats to all of our players that are currently enjoying so much success. The best is yet to come!

Knocking off rust

With basketball activities slowly but surely ramping up, how are you planning on knocking off rust?

There is no denying that we are in strange times. Closures of gyms, shutdowns of school ball, summer leagues on hiatus… it has been difficult to work on your craft; at least in the ways that players are accustomed to.

So, for many athletes, some rust has built up over a time where it would not have normally. Now what?

At The Basketball Movement, we are continuing to follow the government guidelines and are only doing individual or small-group workouts while monitoring the number of individuals in our facility. If anyone is displaying symptoms, we are asking that they stay home, as the health and safety of our staff and players is paramount.

We have already had many players reach out to us wanting to begin the process of knocking off rust. Getting into deal basketball shape is a difficult task, even for players that have been taking good care of themselves.

Conditioning is normally the most important part of knocking off the rust. To get the most out of workouts, players need to have enough energy in the tank to get through all training aspects. Basketball is unique in that it has dozens of quick, full-speed moments mixed into a continuous up-and-down flow. Players need to remain primed for explosion at any moment.

Starting slow is alright when getting back into shape - you must walk before you can run. Doing too much too fast can lead to injuries that make your comeback even more difficult. Test your limits, but listen to your body before going overboard. Patience is an important piece of this.

As for the finer skills, many of those have not left you, but may be lying dormant. The best way to wake them up is to get a good sweat going, rekindle some muscle memory, and fall back into what you know. That said, it is still best to sharpen all skills as often as possible. Even the basics of the sport need year-round attention if you want to be the best player you can be.

Having a trainer or coach with you during the process of knocking rust off is important as well. A trainer can help you monitor progress and workload while making sure you are doing things the right way.

If you are looking to get into the gym and get started, reach out at basketballmovement@yahoo.com

No one can argue that these have been difficult times, but as basketball makes its return, it is now also a time for excitement. We hope to see you at the gym soon!

We are all in this together

Rob Yanders and The Basketball Movement lament the loss of George Floyd and countless others that have lost their lives to hatred.

The highly visible murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis has shown light once again on a centuries-old issue in the United States of America. People of color are still fighting for equality in 2020. “This is not a white-versus-black issue,” says The Basketball Movement Founder, Rob Yanders. “This is about a fight against hatred, unfair stigmas, and racism. It predates all of us, but we still have an obligation to do our best to fix it.”

This fight, this responsibility does not fall to just one person, group, or race. “We are all in this together - I truly believe that,” Yanders says. “People of color have unique hurdles in life. It is unfortunate but true and we need to work as brothers and sisters to make sure everyone has a fighting chance.”

Yanders calls for a continuation of peaceful resolutions to these ongoing issues. “There are many ways to express what you are feeling right now. I absolutely understand the anger and hurt - it’s so frustrating. The way to approach this issue is through unity, organization, and accountability. We all have a voice. Sometimes though we need to stand up and say things all together.”

The Basketball Movement is built on hard work and hoops. At its core is a black man that is creating a safe place in our community for athletes and individuals of every color and creed. Inclusion and equal treatment is paramount. Our Yanders Law coaches and The Basketball Movement trainers understand what it means to be “more than an athlete.”

Our facility is in the heart of a predominantly white community. It is not lost on us that much of our success comes from people that trust their young athletes with us, despite various backgrounds and walks of life. We are endlessly appreciative of those opportunities to bridge worlds through the sport we all love.

That said, we ask that you carry that mentality everywhere you go. Don’t just shake Rob’s hand or let Coach Sly or A.J. know you appreciate them and then leave the gym and settle into complacency or outdated thinking. Go out into the world with the mindset that we are ALL a team. If you have the backs of people of color in America, walk that walk. Please.

You may not see what the fuss is about day-to-day, but that is the point. That is why so many are currently fighting, desperate to be heard. The brutality and hatred are nothing new. Not everything is caught on film. Racism and unequal treatment is often a daily struggle. Listen, read, and find ways to walk in the shoes of those you may not fully understand.

People are hurting and we ask for your support; some continued support, some new. We really are all in this together. Please join us in trying to extinguish the racism embedded in what should be a great country.

We are more than athletes… and we stand united.

Robert Yanders' Evolution of a Hooper

ICYMI: Robert Yanders’ Evolution of a Hooper program is available for coaches, trainers, players, and parents.

The Evolution of a Hooper is up and running for anyone around the sport of basketball that has a desire to improve. Click this link to go directly to Patreon, which is home to the Evolution. The on-court curriculum is in abundance in the form of drills that coaches, trainers, and players can benefit from.

These drills have been created and perfected over years by The Basketball Movement’s Founder, Robert Yanders. This curriculum has been a trade secret of Rob’s that has gone into elevating the play of NBA players down through college, high school, and younger athletes. New drills are uploaded frequently to The Evolution. To have access to all of these is an incredible value for the price, but it doesn’t stop there.

The off-court curriculum is included as well, focusing on many aspects of life that are important for ensuring a balanced approach to the sport. “The person is the player,” Yanders says. Making sure that your circle of friends, goals, and approach in all you do is optimized will translate to the court as well.

A “Midwife” section in the curriculum is made specifically for parents that want to help their athletes by doing all the right things and letting coaches and players take the reigns at the right moments. This is not a lesson in parenting, but how to be the best parent that you can be in terms of maximizing your impact related to your athlete’s performance.

Rob Yanders’ Evolution of a Hooper will continue to grow and will soon be linked with a documentary that explains where Rob has come from in the sport. Yanders’ journey through life has been directly linked to the sport of basketball through each step and we want to show how important it is to him that you get the most out of him as a coach and out of this product. His desire to improve those around him shines through absolutely.

Frequent drill uploads alone would make this online program worth it, but the abundance of other materials is what sets the Evolution of a Hooper apart. Give it a shot - for yourself or the coach/athlete in your life. You will not regret it. It is also the best way to support us as a small, local business in these times when we cannot be certain when we will be able to open our doors again as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

If you or your athlete want to maximize potential as a hooper, this is a must-have resource. Click here to give it a try, or go download the Patreon app for Apple or Android and search for The Evolution of a Hooper.

Comparing players across eras

“The Last Dance” documentary about Michael Jordan and the 1998 Chicago Bulls has raised debates about where MJ and other top players rank all-time.

ESPN’s masterful documentary series “The Last Dance” has concluded, leaving many with a hard stance that Michael Jordan is in fact, the G.O.A.T. Naturally, that has also led to many to also rise up in opposition, laying claim that LeBron James or someone else is actually the greatest. Once these debates start, other names wind up stirring into the mix - Russell, Wilt, Magic, Kareem, and so on.

More now than before his passing, Kobe Bryant is making his way into top-3 debates as well. Bryant clearly modeled his game after Jordan and had the ability, determination, and competitive tenacity to pull it off. The two were similar but found themselves in many different circumstances throughout their careers. How can we accurately compare individuals in a team sport that were in varied circumstances, let alone different eras of the sport of basketball?

LeBron James is a competitor, hard worker, and basketball savant. His combination of size, strength, and skill is unprecedented. However, it is known that Jordan and Bryant were MORE competitive than James. Winning matters and LeBron is not on pace to win as Jordan won. So, does winning in the ’90s outweigh being a dominant force in the 2000s?

There are clearly many questions inside these debates. The variables are immense across the history of basketball. Wilt Chamberlain was incredibly gifted and built for the sport of basketball. Wilt averaged 50 points and 25 rebounds in a season. However, the level of competition was undeniably low. Bill Russell was a great defender and teammate and he amassed 11 championships, but his Celtics only played seven other teams and owned a talent monopoly over the league for years. Also, neither Wilt nor Russell had the aid of the three-point line.

Did teams of the past, such as those in Jordan’s championship years really value defense much more than teams of today, or do the teams today just place so much more emphasis on offense than teams of the past?

The game has been evolving over time and each step has been special in its own way. It was fun to watch the Bad Boy Pistons bludgeon opponents. It was fun to watch the recent championship Warriors teams swing the ball and drop impossible long-range bombs.

Comparing players and discussing where the greats rank makes for a fun debate that you can have with almost any basketball fan. That said, it is worth acknowledging that it is actually an impossible task. We will never know how prime Oscar Robinson would perform in 2020. We will never see Jordan and LeBron go head-to-head. We can’t stick Giannis Antetokounmpo in the ’60s.

Debates will rage on, but remember that you are lucky to have seen the basketball players of the past. You are lucky to see today’s players in their primes. You will be lucky to see the next generation of players rise up. We are all witnesses to unique and exciting eras of hoops - that we can all hopefully agree on.

Desmond Polk commits to SIU Edwardsville

The Basketball Movement gym rat Desmond Polk has committed to SIUE and is ready to take his game to the next level.

It has been a long road for Desmond Polk of Link Year Prep, but the journey has finally led to an NCAA Division 1 commitment. Polk has verbally committed to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He said that Coach Brian Barone seemed to really want him and the team pursued him hard, despite hurdles.

“My recruitment took a hit last summer,” Polk tells The Basketball Movement. “I wasn’t performing and needed to rebuild myself. SIUE stuck with me.” Polk has been working hard and will be looking to let his new team know that they made the right choice by believing in him.

He does not know anyone on his new team yet but is looking forward to hearing how soon he can get on campus to go to work with his new squad.

“Strength is what I’m working on most,” Polk says about what he needs for the next level of play. “Everyone at this level has to get bigger, faster, and stronger. I’m working on ball handling, consistent shooting, and being a downhill, attacking player.”

Desmond has been at the gym at The Basketball Movement quite a bit in preparation for this big move and we couldn’t be happier to be able to help him on his journey.

“Coach Rob (Yanders) has definitely helped my jump shot. My form is now more comfortable and I’m getting better rotation on the ball.” He says that Yanders is also responsible for helping him become a downhill attacker on offense. “He has helped me make sure that I am thinking north/south instead of east/west.”

Polk was a good player when he first came to The Basketball Movement and we are proud to say that he is already much better. SIUE will be pleasantly surprised with the player he is and we will be watching closely as he continues onward and upward in his hoops career. Congratulations on your selection, Desmond, and good luck!

The Basketball Movement continues

With local restrictions lifting, The Basketball Movement is finally able to open our doors once again.

As cautious optimism spreads across the country in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, The Basketball Movement is slowly ramping back up. While things may not be back to normal, we are still excited to be back in motion even in a limited capacity.

Individual workouts are back underway at The Basketball Movement, so larger group and team workouts will still have to wait until the next phase. We are currently limiting the number of people in the facility to 10 when possible. It is tough, but we must all crawl before we can walk and be grateful to have our doors open again! We will keep you updated in the coming weeks as plans unfold in these uncertain times.

To inquire about workouts, please email us at basketballmovement@yahoo.com

The Basketball Movement trainers and staff have been blessed with good health to this point and we are feverishly cleaning and sanitizing to continue that trend. We ask that you be patient with us during this limited stretch as we do what is in the best interest of our people!

We will continue establishing a sense of direction before we hit it hard and recommend that you do the same. Stay informed, practice good hygiene, and get some shots up so you don’t come in too rusty!

Thank you to the community for all of your support. We really have a big family here that extends well beyond basketball and we are excited to be back. See you on the court!

What we are missing at The Basketball Movement

As we continue through these uncharted waters, we stop and appreciate what we are missing about The Basketball Movement experience.

Walking into The Basketball Movement is a sensory overload. Overload may be a term that some would shy away from, but for basketball junkies, it is just what you seek out in a gym.

The smell of hardwood is ingrained in the building. It has been that way for years and did not go away when we re-did the floors a few years back. Hoopers know the smell and can still recall it even after being away from the hardwood for a lengthy period of time. It smells like your home away from home. A place where you can shed blood, sweat, and tears for glory, for your brothers/sisters, or just for knowing you put in a helluva day’s work.

Sensory overload comes too from the sounds. Balls bouncing on both courts make the whole facility feel alive. You are not alone here. There are others that share your passion, your goals. They may be older or younger, male or female, professional or youth ball hopefuls. They are here too, smelling that same hardwood scent, shooting at the 10-foot hoop, dreaming of greatness.

There are sounds of shots going up. Many are connecting with the iron, some fall through with that ever-satisfying swish. Everyone hopes their shot is going in. Some do, some don’t. They all get rebounded and lead to more and more work on the journey.

Other sounds come from trainers and players. Some players are communicating with each other - striving for unison under the guidance of a coach. The trainers are barking, constantly producing advice, encouragement, and due criticisms with the goal of improvement for all. The more players succeed, the more the trainers succeed. The more trainers succeed, the more renowned the facility becomes, drawing in more players and more opportunities to produce something special.

Often hip hop music is bumping out of a speaker in the main gym. This lends to the facility’s urban feel, something that is a unique twist in our community. Still, the warm Yanders smile makes everyone feel right at home.

Rob Yanders, The Basketball Movement’s founder is constantly dispensing basketball wisdom, always in motion. He gives his athletes hell, then turns and gives the parents a sly wink. The parents see what is happening, as Rob is just pushing limits, bringing out the best in the players. Really, the players understand as well. Not just any player can step on Rob’s floor. He can tell if you want it or not and he will let you know.

For those players, their muscles burn as they pound the dribble, stay low, and keep eyes forward even as sweat streams down their face. They understand the privilege of their on-court agony and welcome it on the path to improvement.

The Basketball Movement is a special place. Sure, it has a barber station, leather seats, and a cushy film room. At its core, those that have stepped through its doors understand it to be a grindhouse - a place where players come to get their butts kicked and bodies pushed to their limits. This is where they improve as players. This is where they build character. This is a place they will remember for the rest of their lives as a temple of self-improvement.

We miss this place like crazy, and we vow to come back better than ever once this pandemic passes. Support us and keep up the hard work by checking out Rob’s Evolution of a Hooper program. Yanders had spent years amassing this collection of on and off-court curriculum - it is definitely worth your time. Keep checking back here with more updates as we work through this together. Thank you all!

Follow The Basketball Movement across all platforms

At The Basketball Movement, we do our best to keep you in the loop. Help us help you by giving us a follow on all social media platforms!

At present, The Basketball Movement's social media accounts certainly share consistencies, but also some slight differences too. To make sure you are getting the full experience, you should be following along across the board to take in all content.

Give us a like on Facebook! On Facebook, you will see these blog updates, the biggest player news, and facility updates. It is also a great place to reach out and let us know if you or your athlete have any big news concerning recruitment or otherwise.

On our Twitter, you will see much of the same in the form of these posts and big player news. In addition, Twitter is where basketball news often hits first. Big media names break news there and the NBA is all over the platform. This is where we funnel the most relevant news right to you.

Finally, our Instagram is the best place to get visual glimpses inside The Basketball Movement. The posts come directly from the founder himself, Rob Yanders. He drops workout videos, news, drip, and his patented motivation that everyone can benefit from.

Rob’s personal Instagram is another way that you can stay plugged into the brand that we stand for. Tonight, he will be dropping new never-before-seen footage from some of his most intense workouts.

So, make sure that you are tuned into all outlets of The Basketball Movement to get as much basketball goodness as possible! Even during these times that have our doors closed, we will be coming at you with recruiting news, basketball tips, motivation, workouts, and more.

Do yourself a favor and stay tuned! Thanks as always for being along for the ride!

Missing basketball / Maintaining perspective

With gyms shut down across the nation, it is a good time to examine priorities in our lives.

“I miss basketball” is a phrase that is being heavily circulated online as well as in conversation around the world right now. As the coronavirus pandemic continues, fans and hoopers alike are having withdrawals in a time that should be full of basketball goodness.

Men and women’s March Madness has been taken from us. High school seasons have been cut short around the nation. The NBA is on hiatus and may not complete the current season. The WNBA is expected to be postponed. All of the players involved as well as the fans are completely justified in missing hoops. Many of us have the sport deeply woven into our lives in multiple ways.

What we at The Basketball Movement would like to remind you to do in these difficult times is to maintain perspective.

The Basketball Movement is more than a hoops haven - it is a business. As long as our doors are closed, livelihoods will be impacted. So trust us, we get it. We are as ready to get back to basketball as anyone. Just remember that it is bigger than basketball.

Folks are losing their lives to this thing. Those people are parents, siblings, sons/daughters, and friends. Others are putting their lives directly in the line of fire to combat the virus and its effects. People are in hospitals for other reasons as well; illness, having babies… what have you. Those people cannot always have their loved ones present with them, which is devastating.

We must do our part to combat the spread of coronavirus. Stay home, demonstrate good hygiene, and practice social distancing as lives depend on it, because that just may be the case.

Missing basketball is 100% okay. As we said, we miss it as much as anyone in the world. Just keep in mind what is truly important. Enjoy film of old games, do ball-handling drills in the garage (like these), get up shots if you have a hoop. Just prioritize doing your part for the greater good.

This is a great time to reflect. Get priorities in order and just be ready for hoops when it is finally time to get back out there. You will probably get stir crazy, but that means you are staying in and doing your part. We are all in this together. Miss basketball, but always maintain perspective!

What is Evolution of a Hooper?

Robert Yanders’ Evolution of a Hooper program is available for coaches, trainers, players, and parents.

The Evolution of a Hooper is up and running for anyone around the sport of basketball that has a desire to improve. Click this link to go directly to Patreon, which is home to the Evolution. The on-court curriculum is in abundance in the form of drills that coaches, trainers, and players can benefit from.

These drills have been created and perfected over years by The Basketball Movement’s Founder, Robert Yanders. This curriculum has been a trade secret of Rob’s that has gone into elevating the play of NBA players down through college, high school, and younger athletes. New drills are uploaded frequently to The Evolution. To have access to all of these is an incredible value for the price, but it doesn’t stop there.

The off-court curriculum is included as well, focusing on many aspects of life that are important for ensuring a balanced approach to the sport. “The person is the player,” Yanders says. Making sure that your circle of friends, goals, and approach in all you do is optimized will translate to the court as well.

A “Midwife” section in the curriculum is made specifically for parents that want to help their athletes by doing all the right things and letting coaches and players take the reigns at the right moments. This is not a lesson in parenting, but how to be the best parent that you can be in terms of maximizing your impact related to your athlete’s performance.

Rob Yanders’ Evolution of a Hooper will continue to grow and will soon be linked with a documentary that explains where Rob has come from in the sport. Yanders’ journey through life has been directly linked to the sport of basketball through each step and we want to show how important it is to him that you get the most out of him as a coach and out of this product. His desire to improve those around him shines through absolutely.

Frequent drill uploads alone would make this online program worth it, but the abundance of other materials is what sets the Evolution of a Hooper apart. Give it a shot - for yourself or the coach/athlete in your life. You will not regret it. It is also the best way to support us as a small, local business in these times when we cannot be certain when we will be able to open our doors again as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

If you or your athlete want to maximize potential as a hooper, this is a must-have resource. Click here to give it a try, or go download the Patreon app for Apple or Android and search for The Evolution of a Hooper.

The Basketball Movement will be back!

Stay-at-home orders may have closed the doors at The Basketball Movement, but you can still follow the movement online.

Amidst unprecedented circumstances, The Basketball Movement is suspending activities as local officials issue stay-at-home orders in our area. Though we are all bummed, we are hopeful that these events will put a stop to the spread of the coronavirus that is wreaking havoc on our country and our community.

If you have been following us for a while, you know how seriously we at The Basketball Movement take the well-being of our community both on and off the court. We ask that everyone do their part to slow the spread by staying inside and practicing excellent hygiene.

The sooner we come together and beat this thing, the sooner we can get back hooping and doing what we love. That’s right - The Basketball Movement will be back!

We ask that you stick with us by giving a follow on Twitter, likes on Facebook and Instagram, and checking back frequently as we update this blog as usual. We are going to be doing our best to continue a flow of quality basketball content in a time that sorely misses the sport already.

To not only help support us as a local business but also to stay on top of your game in this surprise offseason, dive in on Robert Yanders’ Evolution of a Hooper series on Patreon.

Not only will your contributions help us come back strong from this trying time, but you will gain access to an incredible library of on and off-court curriculum from the basketball mind of our Founder, Rob Yanders. New drills will continue to be uploaded, many of which you can work on from your driveway, garage, etc. More on The Evolution coming soon.

Thank you to everyone who has already been doing their part to combat the virus. Everyone else, join in and just study some film for a few weeks! We will be back soon!

- The Basketball Movement

Film analysis with The Basketball Movement

Stuck at home? Need something to work on? An undervalued skill in basketball is knowing how to adequately prepare for matchups - a skill The Basketball Movement can help you develop.

As you grow in the sport of basketball, the intricacies get more and more important. You have heard for a long time that the little things add up - that becomes more true in each level of the sport. By the time you are playing high school ball and especially hit college or the pros, you should have the fundamentals down. You will be working on the finer things.

One area that too often goes uncoached is the art of mental preparation. You may be equipped with a deep bag of on-court skills, but if you aren’t as prepared as your opponent for the mental portion of the game, the scales will tip.

Luckily, you have a resource. The Basketball Movement has been helping players develop these skills for years, not only teaching players to learn on the fly but also what to look for in film analysis. As you grow in the sport, prepping for teams and individual players becomes crucial if you wish to be competitive. Shouldn’t you learn how to get the most out of this aspect of the game? (The answer is yes)

If you as a player or coach need to learn how to adequately prepare for matchups by studying film or even what to look for in-person, contact us at The Basketball Movement.

Our facility includes a state-of-the-art film room that is designed to teach these skills with interactive smart screens and just the man for the job. Head Trainer, Rob Yanders has learned from years of collegiate and professional basketball exactly what to look for and exactly how to look for it.

IMG_5188@0,3x.png

This is just one piece of what The Basketball Movement has to offer, but it is a piece that will be difficult to find anywhere else in Southwest Missouri. The specific knowledge and expertise that go into providing lessons on film analysis shouldn’t be discounted. We help hundreds of players each week in so many ways, but this is one way that does not get used enough. Use us! We want to help and need you to know how much more there is than on-the-court action.

Again, to take advantage of our facility and knowledge to give you an edge, please contact The Basketball Movement here and keep it locked to this blog for more of what we do best!

Check out our Open Clinic on Saturdays!

Every Saturday from 9:00-11:00 AM, The Basketball Movement hosts an Open Clinic

Boys and girls that are in 2nd grade all the way up to 8th grade are invited to come to The Basketball Movement's Open Clinic every Saturday. This is a great way to kick off the weekend by brushing up on basketball and getting a taste of what The Basketball Movement has to offer.

The one-day Open Clinic is essentially a mini-camp designed around the fundamentals of the game and basketball skills. Of course, if you are looking for more in-depth skill training, that is offered as well.

The Basketball Movement is working hard to provide an opportunity for area ballers-in-training to get into a gym and have a chance to learn from some of the best coaches in the area. If your player does not have a gym or needs a quick way to learn some skill or knock-off rust, the Open Clinic is perfect.

The two-hour session focuses on skill development, drills, and provides a scrimmage opportunity for the players to look forward to. Time to take advantage of one of the best basketball opportunities offered in the Springfield metro area.

If you have any questions, just shoot an email to basketballmovement@yahoo.com and one of our trainers will be able to assist you. Check out all that The Basketball Movement has to offer here. 

Join Robert Yanders' Evolution of a Hooper

ICYMI: Robert Yanders’ Evolution of a Hooper program is available for coaches, trainers, players, and parents.

The Evolution of a Hooper is up and running for anyone around the sport of basketball that has a desire to improve. Click this link to go directly to Patreon, which is home to the Evolution. The on-court curriculum is in abundance in the form of drills that coaches, trainers, and players can benefit from.

These drills have been created and perfected over years by The Basketball Movement’s Founder, Robert Yanders. This curriculum has been a trade secret of Rob’s that has gone into elevating the play of NBA players down through college, high school, and younger athletes. New drills are uploaded each week to The Evolution. To have access to all of these is an incredible value for the price, but it doesn’t stop there.

The off-court curriculum is included as well, focusing on many aspects of life that are important for ensuring a balanced approach to the sport. “The person is the player,” Yanders says. Making sure that your circle of friends, goals, and approach in all you do is optimized will translate to the court as well.

A “Midwife” section in the curriculum is made specifically for parents that want to help their athletes by doing all the right things and letting coaches and players take the reigns at the right moments. This is not a lesson in parenting, but how to be the best parent that you can be in terms of maximizing your impact related to your athlete’s performance.

Rob Yanders’ Evolution of a Hooper will continue to grow and will soon be linked with a documentary that explains where Rob has come from in the sport. Yanders’ journey through life has been directly linked to the sport of basketball through each step and we want to show how important it is to him that you get the most out of him as a coach and out of this product. His desire to improve those around him shines through absolutely.

Weekly drill uploads alone would make this online program worth it, but the abundance of other materials is what sets the Evolution of a Hooper apart. Give it a shot this shopping season - for yourself or the coach/athlete in your life. You will not regret it.

If you or your athlete want to maximize potential as a hooper, this is a must-have resource. Click here to give it a try, or go download the Patreon app for Apple or Android and search for The Evolution of a Hooper.