We Are United - Ishmeal David

Another We Are United prep commitment rolls in - this time, it is St. Paul, Minnesota’s Ishmeal David.

6’3 athletic wing Ishmeal David has been added to We Are United prep’s 2022-23 roster after his recent commitment. David brings playmaking, a good offensive feel, and stout perimeter defense to Rob Yanders’ squad.

David describes himself as a great kid to be around and “a pretty cool guy.” On the court, he says that coaches have praised him for defense that is more than pretty cool. “Coaches tell me I’m a force to be reckoned with,’” David says.

In addition to his defense, Ishmeal says that he brings plenty on the offensive end of the floor. “I’m very unselfish and know when and when not to force things,” David says. Regarding areas he is currently working on, he mentioned aggression on offense and understanding the game better in terms of spacing.

David says that he chose the prep route to expand his knowledge of the game of basketball and become a better player. He has come to the right place.

First impressions of Head Coach Rob Yanders quickly tell players that visit The Basketball Movement all they need to know. He does not hide his tenacity or his expectations for players that may attend We Are United.

“He demands a lot from his players,” David says of Yanders. “Out of the gate, he is very intense. I think that will gel very well with me, actually.”

Overall, Yanders was why Ishmeal David chose We Are United for his next step. “I have seen things from Coach Yanders - he has gotten players to the next level, and that is my goal,” David says.

We are excited to see Ishmeal in action and be a part of his basketball journey. We will do our part to help him achieve his dreams! Follow along right here at thebasketballmovement.com for more.

Remembering Jeremiah Dotson

The Basketball Movement family mourns the loss of We Are United prep’s, Jeremiah Dotson.

There are truly no words to express the tragedy of a young life lost. However, the post below by We Are United’s official account does as good a job as is possible.

The Basketball Movement echoes those sentiments and asks everyone to be patient with We Are United, Yanders Law, and The Basketball Movement family going forward as we work through these difficult times. Please respect Jeremiah’s family’s privacy also. They are all in our thoughts and prayers, and we hope in yours as well.

Rest in peace, Jeremiah.

Workout with The Basketball Movement

This St. Patrick’s Day, we want you to know how to get the most out of your “green.” When it comes to hoops, at least.

Many of the hoopers from this area and beyond have been elevating their game with The Basketball Movement. Those familiar with the local basketball scene see that many of the best players are part of #LawNation (Yanders Law AAU) or have put in time at The Basketball Movement.

We assure you, this is not due to luck (sorry, St. Pat).

Most of us at The Basketball Movement are parents ourselves and understand the desire to see our children succeed. By now, we have proven that the best way for athletes to experience success is by putting in time at our facility with our elite core of coaches.

There are many ways to work on basketball skills, but we are confident that we provide the most bang for your buck, not just in Southwest Missouri but in the whole Midwest. To get your athletes in front of trainers requires green no matter where you take them, so why not the most proven talent developers in this part of the country?

The good news? For what The Basketball Movement provides, our pricing system is very reasonable. To get a feel for what that looks like for you or your athlete(s), contact The Basketball Movement. Younger plays can also check out our Saturday Clinics to try out our atmosphere before diving into skill development workouts.

Get the most out of your green not just St. Patrick’s Day, but year-round with Rob Yanders and his elite crew of trainers at The Basketball Movement.

The process before the promise

Jeremiah Dotson of We Are United prep has received an offer from West Plain Junior College.

After putting in WORK with Robert Yanders and We Are United prep, Jeremiah Dotson has received an offer from a Division 1 Jr College (NJCAA Region 16) just down the road. West Plains has a history of recognizing hard workers and slept-on talent, so this offer for JDot should come as no surprise.

“He has been one of the best at embracing the process,” Head Coach Rob Yanders says of his We Are United athlete. “He likes this offer, and I believe the fit would be a good one. But, as always, that is for him to decide.”

Wherever Dotson commits, he says that they will be getting a hard worker and someone they can count on to be “the same guy every day.”

“It has been a long, hard process being able to get better,” Dotson says. “I have really been finding myself (at We Are United) and discovering my true position.”

In addition to his on-court acumen, Dotson has found himself developing as a person under Rob Yanders. “It has really prepared me for life after basketball,” Dotson says.

Originally from Brown Deer, Wisconsin, finding himself in Springfield, Missouri, has invigorated Dotson much the same way it did for Milwaukee’s Rob Yanders years ago. An offer from West Plains makes for a nice full-circle moment for one of the most all-in players that Yanders has in his We Are United program.

Dotson is already a steady rebounder and has the ability to play around the rim on both ends of the floor. He says he is focusing on his low-post game, and we are excited to see his continued improvement as he contemplates his next steps.

Congratulations, Jeremiah! We will be in our corner no matter your decision!

Introducing The Basketball Movement Exclusive

Robert Yanders is proud to announce the launch of The Basketball Movement Exclusive

The Basketball Movement Exclusive is your portal to the very best content Southwest Missouri has to offer in prep hoops. Boys and girls basketball is flourishing at the high school level in this area. The Basketball Movement is narrowing its scope and making sure you local hoop-heads do not miss a thing.

As a member of The Basketball Movement Exclusive, you would be granted access to articles, photos, and videos that highlight the very best area high school hoops have to offer. Articles will feature area tournaments, standout players, notable performances, and more. Rob Yanders’ local player rankings are live on The Basketball Movement Exclusive as well.

Photos and videos will be flooding these pages. For previews, check out all the latest highlights on The Basketball Movement’s Instagram. If you like what you see there - buckle up. All content on our social media is just a teaser for what is included with The Basketball Movement Exclusive.

This is a player-focused experience that highlights the best of the Midwest. Give it a shot and come see why you need to be a part of the newest hoops movement!

Establishing a support system

In basketball and life, you are going to need a support system. The further you want to go, the more critical it becomes.

Whether it is 100 people or just one person, you will need a support system of some kind as you advance in your basketball career. You may already have a circle, but is it filled with individuals who genuinely support and want the best for you?

Yes, your mama can be your support system. Yes, a teacher, friend, or coach can be your support system. It doesn’t matter who it is as long as they are honest, supportive, and willing to have your back. Taking any path in life by yourself will be exponentially more difficult than doing it with the support of others. Even more challenging is going through life surrounded by the wrong people.

Individuals can, unfortunately, be toxic in many different ways. There are those that scheme and undermine you intentionally, though it may not always be immediately apparent. Sometimes people just don’t want you to succeed and will work behind the scenes to hold you back. It is a harsh reality to face when this happens, especially when it comes from a source that you believed was in your corner.

Often, there is an even more difficult obstacle to detect. Some people in your corner may be unintentionally toxic. They think they help, they think they build you up, but really they are unaware that they do more harm than good. These situations are tough to deal with.

Cutting ties with someone you’re close to is going to be complicated. However, it is imperative that you only surround yourself with those who will build you up and help you be the best person and player you can be.

The further you get in your basketball career, the more critical this lesson will become. Of course, a negative influence will impact you at any level. Seriousness turns up as you select a college to play for. The more positive voices in your ear, the better. The more negative influences, the greater the consequences.

After college, if you are trying to play pro ball, you will need to work harder than you ever had in your life. You need everything to be as streamlined and beneficial as possible. At this stage, a negative influence can cost you everything. Make sure that your support system is filled with those who want to lift you up - not those looking for a meal ticket.

Knowing exactly who has your back can be more complex than it sounds. Trust your instincts and listen to any nagging inclinations that someone may not have your best interest in mind. What is easy is stringing these people along for far too long. Don’t make that mistake; you will need to pull the weeds as soon as possible if you are going to grow and flourish to reach your potential (congratulations on reading the first and last gardening/basketball tie-in ever).

We used the words “difficult” and “tough” quite a bit here. Establishing a support system is not always difficult, but maintaining it can be. Do your best, and lean on those that you can trust completely. A strong support system will carry you far in all aspects of life!

Keeping up with We Are United

As Rob Yanders prep school, We Are United continues its inaugural campaign, make sure that you do not miss anything.

The Basketball Movement is the home of We Are United prep, a school formed by Robert Yanders that is elevating the local hoops scene like never before. Behind the scenes, Yanders is working tirelessly to ensure his student-athletes receive the education they need and the care they deserve. When the lights come on and the opening tip is underway, that is when you the fan can see the product.

Where is the best place to see these things? For starters: The Basketball Movement. Contact us if you want to catch these up-and-comers in action, and we will let you know the best time to do so!

You can also check out weareunitedbasketball.com for the program’s tentative schedule as well as player bios, coach bios, and more.

The easiest way to keep up with the action is across social media. The Basketball Movement posts some We Are United content, but the school has its own pages as well. Check out the Instagram here.

We Are United is also on Twitter! Check out the Twitter page here and give Head Coach Rob Yanders a follow while you are there, as he posts We Are United content as well.

Keep up with the movement - you will not be disappointed! For coverage on other prep starts from around the area, stay tuned. The Basketball Movement has a big announcement coming soon about exclusive coverage of high school basketball in Southwest Missouri, and we cannot wait to share it with you.

Follow the movement!

Saturday Clinics at The Basketball Movement

One of our favorite offerings, The Basketball Movement Saturday Clinics, remains in full swing.

The Basketball Movement’s bread and butter is our individual or group skill development training (contact us for more info!). However, not every hooper is ready for intense training, whether due to age or skill level. That is why Rob Yanders implemented Saturday Clinics, an inexpensive way for young players to work on the basics and sharpen their basketball skills.

Every Saturday, the Clinics are held from 9:00-11:00 am unless otherwise posted on our site or social pages.

These mini-camp-style open gyms are for both boys and girls from 2nd to 8th grade. It is $25 to participate. Parents of multiple eligible athletes may be entitled to a discount.

Registration is not necessary, but if you have questions or want to ensure spots, you can call (417) 861-2166 and speak with Coach Craig.

There are no plans for limiting the number of individuals at this time, but as we continue monitoring the impact of the pandemic, we ask that you adhere to best common-sense practices. If possible, we ask that you limit non-participants that come in and practice social distancing as you observe or move about the facility.

Saturday Clinics and are a fun weekend activity that we are thrilled to provide to our community. If you have any further questions, call, or email basketballmovement@yahoo.com

We look forward to seeing you!

We Are United vs. MSU West Plains

Tonight marks a coming home party as Coach Rob Yanders takes his We Are United prep team to his old stomping grounds.

One of the most decorated hoopers to play at MSU West Plains, Robert Yanders, is going back, this time as a coach. Yanders’ newest undertaking, his We Are United prep school, has been a labor of love. Tonight’s game will provide as much love as ever as he reunites with old coaches, his host parents, and one of the gyms he grew as a player in.

Gametime is 7:00 PM Central at Joe Paul Evans Arena

Yanders was a two-time All-American at MSU West Plains and has been inducted into their Hall of Fame. Going back will be a blast, but count on his competitive nature being most prevalent once it is time for tipoff.

“We are looking forward to it,” Yanders says. “I had some of the best times of my life at West Plains, and I am excited to see everyone. I’m also excited for healthy competition for our guys.”

We Are United is 5-1 in-season, and this will be their final game before the Christmas break.

“This should be a fun game and a nice way to finish the year before the break,” Yanders says. “Our players are excited to play and also excited to head back home to be with their families once we take care of business..”

Yanders says that once the players get some deserved R&R, they should be more than ready to go in the new year. Already battle-tested and proven, the best is yet to come for this We Are United team in the school’s inaugural season.

For more on We Are United and all things basketball, keep it locked to The Basketball Movement.

Keeping your head in the game

Knowing and understanding various situations in basketball can be the difference between winning and losing.

There is a lot that goes into understanding the sport of basketball. There is more to it than putting the ball in the hoop. Coaching and experience are two essential pieces involved in this understanding.

The Basketball Movement can help further a player's knowledge about many aspects of the sport. The nuances of ball-handling, shooting, and how to conduct yourself are a few examples.

Game-time situations come at you fast. Sometimes, in those instances, you learn the most, whether you get it right or especially if you get it wrong.

“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.”
— Michael Jordon

Even the most experienced can still falter

For all of your coaching, practice, and game experience, you will still make mistakes. Overplaying passing lanes, trying too hard to thread a pass into the post, the list of possibilities is very long.

A player must keep track of what they can control. Always being aware of the time on the game clock (or shot clock), how many fouls you have, and the score are simple yet important facets of the game.

Even a grizzled NBA veteran like JR Smith can still make basic mistakes. Don't be a JR Smith.

Keep your head in the game and control as much of what happens as you can. Mistakes will happen; the best players often average the most turnovers.

Don't sweat the small stuff, but also do not assume that you will make the correct decisions at all times. Take deep breaths, analyze as much of each situation as time will allow, and play the game.

To continue taking your game to the next level, get in touch with us here at The Basketball Movement.

Big weekend at The Basketball Movement

College signings, We Are United prep’s home opener, and plenty more made for an excellent weekend of hoops.

The Basketball Movement has been a player development hub for years, but this past weekend felt special. Of course, big moments and events frequently happen on our floors, whether it is Angels of the Hardwood, The Basketball Movement Invitational, or even a young player having a breakthrough and making great strides. But, this past weekend felt like a culmination of so much hard work.

For starters, opening things up with our Saturday Clinic always feels good. There is no better way to kick off a weekend than filling the gym with bright-eyed young athletes and coming together to improve and have fun.

This weekend also saw the official college signings for Jonatan Dunn (Missouri State) and Sincere Malone (Eastern Illinois); both have played with Yanders Law and are current We Are United prep athletes.

Not only did these athletes get a nice presentation as they put pen to paper, but they had all of their We Are United teammates with them, emphasizing that unity that we strive for within our facility. Both signings made a fun reminder of what we are all about and how we must strive to celebrate each other’s successes.

We Are United prep also got to host its first-ever home game by going up against Link Year prep. We Are United not only came away with a victory but did it with the kind of balanced attack that coaches can only dream of, and opponents only see in nightmares.

Dunn, Malone, and John Lovelace Jr. all eclipsed the 20-point mark, while almost all of their teammates chipped in with stat lines that would impress in other ways. The most noteworthy stat lines are graphically outlined on We Are United’s Instagram.

In addition to the above, things were broken as always by individual and group workouts. As always, players were improving left and right, serving as the icing on the cake of a fantastic weekend of hoops.

Keep following along, as we are just getting started down here in the basketball Mecca of the Midwest!

We Are United home opener

The highly anticipated home opener for We Are United prep at The Basketball Movement is nearly here.

After months of practices, a slew of intrasquad games, a pair of jamborees, and an invitational tourney, We Are United is ready to host its first home game right here at The Basketball Movement. This Saturday (11/13) at 8:00 PM, you are invited to come check out some of the best prep talent in the area.

We Are United will be taking on what essentially amounts to our neighbors in the prep school world. From right down 65 highway, Link Year prep will be bringing its impressive squad out of Branson, MO.

Being the first season for We Are United, this will be yet another test for Coach Rob Yanders’ squad, as Link has been running its highly successful program for a while, constantly churning out impressive college athletes. The Basketball Movement is honored to host the Link Year Lions.

Having already taken on many impressive squads in the young season, the players for We Are United are excited and up for the challenge.

Seating is first-come-first-served, so show up early, grab a courtside leather seat, and enjoy the fireworks.

You can keep up with the schedule for We Are United here. Also, remember to follow along with the gametime countdown on We Are United’s Twitter and Instagram.

For everything else hoops, you are already in the right place. With NCAA hoops kicking off and the NBA underway, keep checking back with The Basketball Movement for all you need to know about the game you love.

The definition of "united"

The Basketball Movement has standards and expectations, so it is no surprise that Rob Yanders’ We Are United prep is the same.

Robert Yanders is the founder of The Basketball Movement, the Yanders Law AAU program, and now We Are United prep. Rob conducts himself as a man with a code - one that stands out immediately. He cares about his family, his community, and his players. He expects maximum effort because that is what he provides in return. He loves the game of basketball and is successfully using it to better as many people around him as possible.

We Are United prep allows players who are willing to give maximum effort a chance to elevate their standing within the game of basketball. Not only that, they are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and form a bond with like-minded individuals. That bond is a pillar of the program.

The word “united” has several definitions but certainly adheres to one prevailing theme: made one. To be combined or joined. To be joined together for a common purpose. That is what We Are United is all about.

Initially, players attend an institution such as We Are United prep for personal reasons. They want to raise their stock to continue a more desirable path in their personal basketball journey. However, what may not be immediately apparent, but grows over time, is the realization that this is not a journey they can take alone.

First, Rob Yanders and his staff win their trust - that is why they are here in the first place. Rob and his coaches want to help young players succeed. Players that recognize this are already on their way to understanding how necessary unity is in their hoops career.

Next, as they practice each day, sweat, and grind in the trenches alongside teammates, they begin to see that they are not alone. Every single player at We Are United prep has a desire and the will to improve. In this, they are united. Players that are recognized by Yanders and make it to this level are competitive. They are attending a prep school because they refuse the alternatives of settling on their path. In this, they are united.

These guys want to win. To do this, they must form a cohesive, unselfish team. What was once a group of individuals is now a unit. The common purposes blend into one burning desire under the We Are United banner. The better the team, the better the exposure. The better the exposure, the better odds of completing their individual goals.

This is how success is established. This is how hard work can pay off. This is how WE ARE UNITED.

All-American Jamboree: We Are United

En route to a true test and a big opportunity, the We Are United team is gearing up for the All-American Jamboree in Orlando.

Featuring top prep teams from the United States and Canada, the young men of We Are United are in for a big weekend at the All-American Jamboree in Orlando, Florida.

With around 90 teams and over 200 Division 1 coaches expected onsite, the hustle and bustle of this jamboree will be a needed shock to the system for this squad. The stakes are high, and the We Are United staff expects its players to rise to the occasion. Hard work is a staple at The Basketball Movement, and we will see if it pays off early for We Are United’s promising team.

We Are United’s schedule for the weekend is as follows (in Eastern time):

Oct 15th

2:00 PM vs. Central Pointe White PG

5:15 PM vs. IMG National PG

Oct 16th

12:15 PM vs. Central Pointe National HS

7:50 PM vs. Elite Prep PG

Oct 17th

9:00 AM vs. Coastal Prep Red

The team is traveling today. (In style, of course - check Twitter) After a nice stay in Tenessee, they are on to Florida. There will be plenty of action this weekend, so keep up with We Are United and The Basketball Movement as we pass along everything you need to know. For We Are United’s full schedule: check here.

Stay tuned!

We Are United - Coach Sly Yanders

Associate Head Coach Sylvester “Sly” Yanders is doing his part to have the We Are United team ready to roll.

At last, the first season of We Are United hoops is upon us, and the squad is looking prepared. That preparedness is due in no small part to Associate Head Coach Sly Yanders.

Coach Sly is looking forward to the stiff competition that the team will face, but not at the expense of the moment. Like everyone with roots in The Basketball Movement, Sly relishes the process and loves watching players develop on and off the court.

“What we know we can provide is lifelong relationships as these guys develop as friends and teammates,” Sly says. “We can truly see a team forming. They arrived here as individuals, but we’re starting to see their talent as a unit.”

Sly says that the players are working six days a week, often twice a day on shooting, weights, and of course, school work. “We require the same focus on the court as we do with the books,” Yanders says. “These guys aren’t all used to being on their own, and we are making sure they are held accountable.”

Yanders adds that this ongoing accountability is intended to prepare them not only for next steps in basketball but for life. “All the skills we are developing will help them on their next team,” he says. “We want to be able to guarantee that our guys will be positives on their teams.”

Mental toughness is always something that Coach Sly has strived to form in his players. He is also quick to call out his brother, Head Coach Rob Yanders, being a skill trainer like no other.

“Rob has gone all in, getting these guys ready for anything that may be thrown at them,” Sly says. “Rob’s heavy emphasis on skill development is proven. He can develop players that are willing to get better - that is no secret.”

An ongoing theme in speaking with the We Are United coaching staff is no corners cut. “You make it through here? You are ready to survive at a university,” Sly says. “You are ready for anything.”

Check out the upcoming We Are United schedule here and keep it locked to The Basketball Movement for more inside scoops.

We Are United - Coach AJ Green

A staple trainer of The Basketball Movement, AJ Green is ready for his role as Assistant Coach for We Are United prep.

A trainer for The Basketball Movement for some time now, AJ Green is taking on more responsibility as an Assistant Coach for We Are United. While the breadth of his tasks has expanded, he says that much of the job content remains similar.

“I’m really just making sure that these guys are taken care of,” Green tells The Basketball Movement. “I am just doing my part to make sure that things flow smoothly for everybody else.”

That selfless dedication to the players is a big part of why AJ was named Assistant Coach in the first place.

Green says that things are going well with the team. “We have seen a lot of growth from day one ‘til now,” he says. “There is still a long way for these boys to go, but we have already seen improvements as players as well as young men in general. I’m excited to see where we’ll be when the season officially starts.”

With the players and coaches, many different personalities are coming together at We Are United. Green believes that they will all grow from each other into a well-oiled machine.

“I am just really looking forward to seeing the growth of the team - where they start to where they finish,” Green says. “Any coach wants to see a different team compared to what they started with.”

Coach Green is not a rookie in what he describes as “The Movement culture.” The Basketball Movement is home to We Are United, which means that the tried-and-true philosophies still apply.

“What we bring is not just basketball,” Green says. “As these players go from us to other coaches or even out to the real world, we want people to see more mature young men and women than they would have seen before. In the next few years, we want to make sure these guys are ready for life outside of basketball as well.”

The mission of We Are United shines brightly through Assistant Coach AJ Green. The product everyone will see on the court soon will have his imprint on it, and we are proud of that.

Stay tuned right here for more on We Are United and the world of hoops.

We Are United Prep - Jake Martin

The Basketball Movement recently caught up with We Are United’s man in the middle, Jake Martin.

A seven-foot-one center, Jake Martin is a commanding presence for Robert Yanders’ We Are United Prep. Or at least, that is the goal. The words “seven-footer” are magic in the hoops world. Coach and recruiter ears perk up, opponents double-take, and the word big comes with the territory.

For Jake Martin, size is just one piece of the puzzle as he takes things one step at a time.

A product of the Phenom U AAU club, Martin hails from White Water, Wisconsin (about an hour out of either Milwaukee or Madison). His coach, Jose Winston, is a friend of Yanders going back to high school.

Last year, Martin attended The Basketball Movement Invitational, so he was already familiar with the facility and atmosphere. Once Winston mentioned Rob’s new prep school, Jake gave it a shot.

“I came down and liked it,” Martin says of his visit to We Are United. “Next thing I knew, I was moving down last month.”

Having seen Yanders in action during The Invitational last year was likely helpful in bracing Martin for the intensity of We Are United. “It is tough,” Martin says. “There are definitely times where I am feeling weak and want to quit. But at the same time, I know it is for the best in the long run. I know Rob wants the best for me.”

Currently, Martin says that his focus is on improving in the paint. “I am working on being strong and aggressive,” Martin says. “I want to dominate the post.”

As for the team dynamic, Martin says that things are coming together. “We have 12 new people that have not played together,” Martin says. “We are figuring out roles and finally figuring out each other’s strong suits. By our first game, we will be a pretty good team.”

Asked to describe the atmosphere at We Are United prep, Martin gives a slight shrug. “Not to sound cheesy, but united,” Martin says. “We are all here for the same goal. We are standing up for each other and pushing each other. Making each other the best athletes and also the best humans we can be.”

Stay tuned as We Are United’s inaugural season draws closer!

We Are United schedule, roster, and more

Looking for more information on Robert Yanders’ prep school, We Are United? The Basketball Movement has you covered.

Since announcing his prep school, Rob Yanders has been fielding questions about We Are United. The Basketball Movement and We Are United are in an exciting time, in which we can show as well as we can tell. The team does not have closed practices - anyone is welcome to come marvel at their leisure.

More excitingly, official games will be starting soon enough. The schedule is shown below:

Screenshot 2021-09-28 3.13.48 PM.png

This schedule has been pulled from weareunitedbasketball.com, where you can also find the complete roster, list of coaches, information on the school, and more.

The Basketball Movement has been conducting interviews with a few of the student-athletes of We Are United. Keep clicking around this blog to check them out.

There are more interviews coming as well, highlighted by coaches such as Sly Yanders. So keep an eye out here and across our social media as we cover We Are United and all other movement around the world of hoops.

We Are United Prep - John Lovelace

Another big baller from Milwaukee, John Lovelace Jr., is ready to up his game with We Are United.

Robert Yanders’ Milwaukee connections have paid off in a big way once again, helping We Are United prep to land 6’7” combo forward, John Lovelace Jr., who is looking great with the fall semester underway. Classes have started, and intense practices have been firing on all cylinders. We Are United is looking game-ready with guys like Lovelace ready to roll.

“Classes are going good,” reports Lovelace. “It is different, but I was mostly doing remote work due to COVID until the end of my senior year anyway.” On the court, Lovelace is seeing plenty of growth as well. “Basketball is going well. I’m getting better and more confident each day I’m here.”

Lovelace says that becoming more confident has been a point of emphasis as he works on his game. “I’ve also been working on getting to my spots and scoring consistently from them.”

In a previous interview with The Basketball Movement, Lovelace noted that he has dreams of playing basketball professionally. With his size and skill, it certainly seems like he can go as far as his work ethic takes him.

Of We Are United, Lovelace says that he likes it here a lot. “(Coach Yanders) is training us not just to be great basketball players, but men as well.”

With a good head on his shoulders and all of the physical tools to succeed, the sky is the limit for John Lovelace Jr. Stay tuned to The Basketball Movement for more on We Are United prep.

We Are United Prep - Jeremiah Dotson

Another up-and-comer for We Are United prep, Jeremiah Dotson, is elevating his game.

Jeremiah Dotson is a 6’6 forward for We Are United prep. With a demeanor that screams hooper, Dotson has spent his time at We Are United wisely, getting better on and off the hardwood.

Classes are going great, according to Dotson. Basketball is going well, too, though expectations are at an all-time high. “It is definitely different from high school,” Dotson says. “It is way more intense, way more work.”

Consistency has been a point of emphasis during that work for Jeremiah so far. “I am working on being more confident shooting the three,” Dotson says. “I’m focusing on keeping the same form every time.”

For the second interview in a row, a player described the atmosphere around We Are United as being family-like. The Basketball Movement and now, by extension, We Are United, has always focused on rewarding hard-workers with camaraderie and a place that they feel they belong. We are excited to see that bleeding through into this young program.

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dotson comes from the same neck of the woods as Head Coach Robert Yanders. Milwaukee crafted Yanders into the relentless worker that he is. Dotson sees that in his coach and can use it to grow.

“(Rob) is going to push us to our limits,” Dotson says. “Well… past our limit. Everything is going great here overall.”

We are excited to see Dotson and his teammates in action soon. Stay tuned to The Basketball Movement for updates and follow We Are United on Twitter and Instagram!