Legacy

What we can learn from the legacy of Rob Yanders.

Sometimes, when you are building something, you do not have time to step back and appreciate it. Robert Yanders knew what he was building and completed much more than he likely even knew.

What was he building? More than a professional basketball training facility, AAU program, or prep school. He was building a family and a brother and sisterhood of ambitious leaders, competitors, community members… He was building better people.

Since Rob’s tragic passing, the Springfield, Milwaukee, and basketball communities have paused to behold his works. In his time with us that was entirely too short, Rob managed to create a lasting impact on the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals.

“Legacy” is the long-lasting impact of a person’s life. If Rob had any desire to have a legacy, we can all certainly agree that he achieved his goal.

He was not done building, but he did leave behind his blueprints. If you want to leave a legacy, you have now seen what it takes.

You do not have to be an NBA star to use basketball (or any other sport) as a tool. If you have a passion, you can use it to grow others around you. It is not an easy path - nothing is given. Do right by others, work hard, take care of your own, work harder, and do not give up on your dream.

Rob would want each of us to leave a legacy when we are no longer here. Keep that in mind throughout this week as you go to school, work, or the gym. Then, keep it going for the next month, then a year. Keep Rob’s fire going.

The Rob Yanders legacy was making people better. If you are reading this, he likely did that for you. Return the favor and KEEP ROB’S FIRE GOING.

LEGACY

Where to put in WORK

The Basketball Movement is the home for any hooper with ferocious work ethic.

High school boys and girls, professional hoopers, grade school kids, college players… it does not matter who you are - we want to help you reach your next goal as a player. Hopefully, we can teach you enough about putting in work that it also carries over off the court.

Though we accept willing players from all levels, we ask a lot from the athletes who step on our court. If you cannot work hard and give the necessary effort, Rob Yanders does not want your money. We hold ourselves to high standards and associate only with players that do the same.

If that sounds like you, come get this work.

The Basketball Movement’s bread and butter is skill development. Our trainers include former college players, pro players, and individuals that have been obsessed with the sport for as long as they can remember. You will be challenged, and if you are willing to accept that, you will improve.

We also offer film analysis for higher-level players - one of the most undervalued skills you can have at the college and pro levels. Learning it can be difficult, and we are one of the few teachers around.

One-on-One workouts, group work, strength and conditioning… we are equipped with everything necessary to elevate your game, all wrapped up in a facility modeled with professional setups in mind.

If you or your athlete are prepared to take their game to the next level, reach out to us at basketballmovement@yahoo.com or even drop by and see for yourself what we are all about at 2135 N Sports Complex Ln, Nixa MO 65714.

Serious improvement is not for the faint of heart. We look forward to hearing from the warriors who want to sharpen their iron with ours. We’ll see you on the court.

Yanders Law on YouTube

One of the best places to catch Yanders Law Basketball action is on YouTube.

The Basketball Movement is affiliated with the Yanders Law AAU Basketball program. Both ourselves and Yanders Law were founded by Rob Yanders, who has maintained a vision that has resulted in the success of countless young men and women throughout this part of the country.

Being a part of Yanders’ basketball ecosystem, many Yanders Law athletes are privileged to be followed by a top-tier media team that allows them to gain additional exposure.

The team is small, so not all athletes can be covered. Yanders and his crew do the best they can, and those results shine through.

Individual highlights and game clips can be found on social sites like Instagram and Twitter. For a comprehensive collection of more complete footage, we recommend you check YouTube!

As we said, not all athletes may be featured, but there remains a trove of exciting Yanders Law action that shows some of the best in our program. The best way to be featured is by working your butts off year-round. We know who you are.

Check out the videos, drop likes and a subscription, and stay tuned for more Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement content!

Yanders Law alum goes pro

Former Yanders Law standout and AP ACC Player of the Year Tyree Appleby is bound for France.

Continuing his already stellar basketball career, Tyree Appleby is headed to Limoges, France, to play professionally for Limoges CSP.

The Arkansas native played AAU ball with the Yanders Law program in high school, displaying the ability to do it all on the court from the point guard position. App would go on to Cleveland State for his first collegiate seasons before transferring to Florida.

Appleby hit his stride in his final collegiate season, playing at Wake Forest in the ACC. He was named AP ACC Player of the Year, leading the storied ACC Conference in points per game (18.8) and assists per game (6.43). His assist average was 6th in the nation.

Tyree partnered with our friends at Edge Sports International to pursue his pro career. He played for the Chicago Bulls team in the NBA Summer League and had workouts with multiple teams around the Association.

Already a proven scorer and playmaker, Tyree Appleby is a high-ceiling player that will greatly benefit from this exciting new opportunity. He has Rob Yanders in his corner, who is a veteran of European hoops himself.

We will be following along closely as App continues his journey on the court. Follow along with us, as always, by checking back right here at The Basketball Movement!

Unseen hours in the trenches

A sports analogy refers to teams being “in the trenches.” What exactly does this mean?

First, perhaps we should start by saying that the origin of saying you are “in the trenches” comes from wartime. At war, soldiers would dig and then occupy trenches with their fellow soldiers, putting them in a frightening, front-line experience that only their fellow soldiers could understand. So, we want to quickly point out that nothing about basketball or any sport can compare to combat situations - in case that wasn’t obvious.

Despite the seriousness of its origins, the saying is still used because it is easy to apply to other situations in which you and your brothers or sisters on a team go through tough times together to achieve goals bigger than any one individual. Only athletes that have put blood, sweat, and tears into a sport can fully understand the thrill of winning championships or the lows of significant losses. That is why we often hear professionals mentioning that outsiders don’t fully understand the work behind the scenes.

There is an old clip of Isaiah Thomas (the original Bad Boy Pistons Isaiah Thomas) watching back for the first time the tape of himself battling through a sprained ankle in the Finals, doing everything he could to will his team to victory before falling short. They cut back to Thomas, who was crying. When the host asks him about his emotion, Thomas begins to answer but winds up telling him, “You wouldn’t understand.”

It’s true. Almost everyone has played sports, so there may be some understanding, but the specific circumstances you fight through as an individual or as a team are unique. Isaiah legitimately gave his all in that series but could not make magic happen. Putting it all on the court and leaving it there is a big undertaking, but one that actual competitors will take on every time.

What each team goes through is what brings them closer as individuals. The greatest teams drew close in practices, on the road, in the huddle, or off the court - A.K.A. the trenches.

To be in the trenches with teammates is a special thing that should not be taken lightly. We want to help athletes understand this and use their time to become better at basketball and stronger individuals and better teammates/friends.

When you are putting in work down in the trenches of the sport, don’t just do it for yourself. Do it for your team - your brothers and sisters that share your colors. The best players are almost always amazing teammates. When and where do you become a fantastic teammate? In the trenches.

The Basketball Movement atmosphere

What is it really like inside The Basketball Movement?

The Basketball Movement accommodates many different levels of athlete. Rob Yanders could be on one court working with a professional hooper on finishing around the rim, while Coach AJ works on the other court, honing the free throw routine of a promising fourth grader.

While the workouts can vary greatly, there are also many constants. As with all Rob Yanders’ entities, there is an intensity that is unmatched elsewhere in this part of the country.

That intensity sets a tone for The Basketball Movement. Atmosphere-wise, it comes across as an electricity in the air that rarely fades. The requirement of “giving it your all” does not differ from young athletes to veteran hoopers. There is an expectation that if you are in The Basketball Movement working, you are working HARD.

For all the intensity, there is also a feeling of warmth. Yes, you are sweating your a$$ off, but we are talking about the sense of caring that Yanders and his staff couple with the intensity so beautifully.

We can push our players so hard because we know they can be capable of more, and we want them to see it too. Our hard-nosed, hard-working approach translates beyond the basketball court. We want what happens here to elevate athletes as people for life.

The tough love approach (or whatever you want to call it) is born out of an undeniable urban vibe that Yanders sees as a needed quality in crafting his vision for the basketball Mecca of the Midwest.

More tangible things in The Basketball Movement’s atmosphere are the constant bouncing of balls, swishing of nets, and the sounds of a caring staff teaching like there is no tomorrow. The hardwood smell caps off the basketball sensory overload. The facility is a hoops escape like few others.

We love it here. Players not afraid of the work it takes to get better love it here.

The workout equipment, film room, barber shop, office, press box, leather courtside seats, and more add a professional touch to a facility that we keep accessible for ballers of all levels.

If you want to check out the facility for yourself, stop by anytime. There are people in our facility getting better at nearly all hours. We would love to have you or your athlete do the same.

To contact The Basketball Movement to inquire about skill development training at any level, please email basketballmovement@yahoo.com, and a trainer will get back to you with details such as pricing, availability, etc.

So, you didn't get drafted

The 2023 NBA Draft has come and gone, with only 60 names being called. What now?

Only a limited number of individuals in the world can be a part of the NBA or WNBA. There are professional teams all over the globe, but the top of the basketball world is known to be here in the good ol’ U.S.A. With spots at the top being so limited, what will you do if you don’t make it in?

If being in the NBA or WNBA is your dream, if basketball is your passion, and if you are willing to work, nothing should stop you.

Here is what you do: Get in the gym. Come to The Basketball Movement. Meet with a trainer dedicated to helping take your game as far as possible.

Being at the top of the basketball world doesn’t just happen, not even for freak athletes like Scoot Henderson. It takes WORK. Hundreds of hours in the gym, peak physical condition and then some, and being married to the game.

If you don’t love basketball, the NBA and WNBA aren’t for you. These leagues are not for the faint of heart. The unseen hours required to make it to and stay in these leagues is a barrier to entry that few can hurdle.

So you didn’t get drafted? You aren’t working hard enough. You must have a fire to make it to the Association, and there is nothing The Basketball Movement does better than stoke that fire. If you have the work ethic, we have the work. Strength and conditioning, skill development/maintenance, film study, and more await you within the doors of the basketball mecca of the Midwest.

Our own Rob Yanders’ first-hand experience at multiple levels of the pro circuit, mixed with the passion all our staff possesses, is a recipe for elevating you to reach your potential. Reach out to us, and we will ensure you won’t regret it. You may find out this road is too hard for you, or you may just let us help you to your ultimate destination. We’re excited to find out with you.

The little things

Never underestimate the power of the little things. Set hard screens, make sharp cuts, and communicate.

If you have been around Rob Yanders or The Basketball Movement for at least a couple of clinics or a workout, you have already learned about the little things. As a true basketball mind, Rob appreciates full effort on a back cut as much as he does a pretty jumper. A hard screen is as likely to get him out of his seat as a ferocious dunk. If you are putting full effort into everything you do, you will be a standout.

These recent NBA Finals showed what it takes to win (at any level). If your shot is not falling like Michael Porter Jr.’s wasn’t? Crash the boards. If you are not counted on for scoring production like Christian Braun? Spend your time in the passing lanes. For a squad to elevate to the level of champion, the little things add up just as much as the big things.

To succeed at the little things in the game takes dedication. For starters, you need to know what you are doing. Pay attention in practice, study the game, and learn from your mistakes. Repetition is huge - oftentimes, doing the little things just comes down to muscle memory. For all of those little things to become muscle memory, you will likely have to be a pro. Until then, it will take frequent, conscious effort.

One of the best things you can do to hold yourself accountable is to remain engaged. Don’t ball-watch, but remain in constant motion on offense. Be active off the ball. If you are driving hard, the ball will find you. If you are setting good screens, you will be a better teammate and improve the whole offense.

When it comes to defense, stay low, but make yourself big. That sounds tough, but just make sure you are always in the stance and staying strong. Keep your arms out (or into the opposing player) and your eyes wide open. If you are doing your best to be ready for anything, you are probably doing the little things.

To work on the little things that make basketball such an intricate, special game, you have to get in the gym. Repetition is key, but only if you are doing things the right way. Get with a trainer or coach that knows what they’re doing and will hold you accountable.

It is difficult to say without being too cliche, but the little things really do add up. All of them add up to a whole that benefits your entire team in a big way. Get after it!

The Invitational is back

Brace for One of the top prep camps around, as The Basketball Movement Invitational is set to return.

Lauded as one of the most competitive camps in the country for high school boy's basketball, Rob Yanders recently announced that The Basketball Movement Invitational is set to return later this year.

The Invitational is a chance for select, talented local players to test their metal against elite players from around the country.

Multiple players that have attended The Invitational in the past have gone on to play high-level D1 ball. Iron sharpens iron, and many of the players invited to this year’s camp will be some of the sharpest we have had.

Details will be coming soon about the timing of the camp and, most importantly, Rob Yanders’ handpicked invitees.

In the meantime, check out some of the highlights from past Invitationals that show what can be expected. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more clips and information on the upcoming camp.

Finding your "why"

The Basketball Movement asks players to seek what they may not have considered: exactly why they play.

Everyone has their reasons for plotting their life course. Whether being intentional or going with the flow, choices are made every day that affect the course of your life. In life and in sport, the gravity of choices shines through at all times.

The more mature players get, the more they establish the reasoning behind their decisions or their “why.” Basketball is fun; most of us can agree on that. For some (again, especially for younger individuals), that is enough to get started. But to continue to grind and hone the craft of a hooper over years and years? That underlies a more significant “why” than just fun.

Often, those with the most firm “whys” and strongest convictions are the ones that are willing to put in the time and effort to make it to the top.

The Basketball Movement’s founder, Rob Yanders, began hooping in Milwaukee because it was an escape - the court could silence the outside noise and hardships. Now, he stays on his grind to be in service of others. Yanders uses basketball as a tool to enrich the lives of those around him. He uses basketball to support his family, raise up his community, and leave his legacy. That is a big “why.”

For players, especially those with collegiate or professional basketball aspirations, honing in on your “why” is critical. Are you still just doing it for fun? We love to hear it, but know that the cream of the crop has reasons that are likely to propel them ahead of you. They will outwork you.

Wanting to set an example for others is a great reason. Wanting to be able to provide for others is a great reason. Believing that your God-given ability was meant for this and amplifying His glory is a great reason.

Some know their “why” right away when asked. If that is not you yet, it is time to dig deep. Do some soul-searching and ask yourself why you are pursuing the path in front of you. If the reasons are not strong enough or the answers you find pull you in another direction, so be it. Now is always the best time to find out what you truly want out of life.

Your homework: find your “why.” Pinpoint the reason you hoop and use it as fuel to elevate above those around you. You know the best place to do that. You know our why. See you soon.

Push limits with Rob Yanders and The Basketball Movement

What limits you from being the best player you can possibly be? The Basketball Movement can help you push those limits.

Every individual has limits, whether perceived or literal. A literal limit may be that you are considered undersized for the sport of basketball; you can’t change when you are done growing. A perceived limit is that your small stature means you can’t guard bigger players, get up for rebounds, and so on. Those are perceived limits because you can do something to change that. We can help.

“When they say you can’t, they show you their limits, not yours.”
— Kevin Keenoo

One of the biggest lessons that I (Site Blogger, @WilHarrington) learned growing up came on the basketball court. My teacher was Robert Yanders.

I’d been working out with Rob on and off for a year or so and was just 13 or 14 years old. I had started bringing a teammate along and it was definitely elevating our skill level. The breakthrough for me though was all about pushing limits and the power of mind over matter.

We were nearing the end of one of Rob’s trademark grueling workouts, got to shed our weighted vests, and got on the line to do some running. He wanted us to do a simple down-and-back, but put a very limited amount of time on the clock. He blew his whistle and my friend and I took off, touched the line to head back, and didn’t quite make it before the buzzer sounded.

We thought Rob was simply going to have us try again. However, he stepped over to the scorer’s table and took a second off the clock. Was this punishment? We lined up again, made our attempt… and missed the mark. We were completely exhausted at this point. What did Rob do? Let us grab a drink to come back and try again? Let us hit the restroom to vomit in peace? Of course, he took another second off the clock.

My friend and I never made eye contact, but we clearly had the same thought flash in our minds. “This guy is crazy. This is an all-out sprint because if we don’t do it this time, we’ll be doing this until we leave in wheelchairs.”

“Ready,” Rob shouted with his whistle in his mouth. “Go!”

Adrenaline propelled our tired legs and carried us like we were running for our lives. There was nothing but teeth-gritting, sweat flying, and the blur of two desperate white boys moving faster than they had ever moved. We went down and back, both touching the final baseline with a second or two to spare.

This lesson didn’t change the fact that I was five-foot-eight and just interested in playing the sport for fun. I never had NCAA aspirations or professional delusions. But what I learned that day shaped me as an athlete in general and as a person. It showed me that my limits were in my hands and I could push them as far as I wanted.

The confidence I gained from that day in the gym that would become The Basketball Movement helped me to push my high school self to two All-State baseball selections, contribute to a basketball team that took 3rd in state, be an All-District cross country runner (hell, even All-District choir for that matter), and the courage to date the girl that would become my wife.

That all may seem like a real leap to draw from a down-and-back run. Those who have trusted Rob Yanders to help them as I have can attest to what I’m saying though.

Assuming you are not already the best in the world, you must try to push your limits to see what you can really do. Not only on the court but in all aspects of life. For those interested - reach out. The Basketball Movement was built for this. We’re ready if you are.

The Basketball Movement process

“The process” of what goes into improving our players.

The process of improving all aspects of a player on the floor is difficult to describe without famous quotes and buzzwords. The little details behind every aspect of player improvement come from time spent on specific skills and lessons.

Though each player and program use their own form of process, The Basketball Movement is confident that our process ranks with any in the nation. It all starts at the top with a basketball mastermind, our founder Rob Yanders.

Watching Rob work with his players is fascinating. The constant movement and improvement are peppered with brief pauses that he takes to pull plays and schemes out of thin air. He will run players through a variation of a play, reposition them, and start over until the play is perfect. The results are well-known in the grassroots basketball community.

Rob’s players pound the dribble like crazy, executing five-on-zero drills with in-game ferocity. Each player rotates to every position, so they know every action inside and out.

From such run-throughs to the minutia, the intricacy of each jump shot and free throw routine, these players have a true advantage that comes from The Basketball Movement process.

Every coach and player is unique, but the methodology is the same - outwork your opponents and over-prepare for every situation. This mentality can be applied outside the game, as we have seen through players’ academic successes and alumni's collegiate and professional proficiency.

The emphasis on this process will be evident not only on the court but through each player’s life. We think that’s pretty special.

Individuals involved with The Basketball Movement process already know what we’re talking about. If you aren’t part of the family yet, hit us up and we’ll talk about it! Player development is vital, but people development is paramount, so we are ready to give everyone a shot.

Keep track of The Basketball Movement process by checking in here and following us across all platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The Basketball Movement Instagram

Don’t miss out on so much good content over at The Basketball Movement’s Instagram!

If you have not been following The Basketball Movement on Instagram, you have been, unfortunately, missing out on some of the best hoops media the area has to offer.

Of course, the page cover Yanders Law basketball and We Are United hoops. However, there is plenty more than that! We have high-quality images of events like the Tournament of Champions, as well as highlight reels of local high school standouts.

For those of you with other social media sites of preference, we post all articles and big news to The Basketball Movement Twitter and our Facebook page. Those pages act as areas for announcements of events and clinics also.

As far as straight-to-the-action basketball content, our Instagram serves as the highlight platform of choice.

Head over, drop a follow, and enjoy Rob Yanders’ hand-picked content as we continue to cover the best sport in the world.

What to do during the offseason

You probably aren’t playing in the NBA Playoffs and may not even be on Spring or Summer teams. What should you do?

We will hit on the basics, but our biggest offseason recommendation is to check out everything offered at The Basketball Movement. The Movement provides training in every aspect of the game for every level of player.

That is the obvious answer, so we will break it down more in a bit. Here are the basics for how to use your time in the offseason.

#1 - Work on your skills

You probably work plenty on situations, plays, and team drills during the season. The offseason is the best time to improve as an individual. Particularly, this is a great time to work on your shot and ball handling.

Individual ball handling can be practiced in the gym or driveway. You can work on your shot anywhere you can find a goal to achieve a quicker release or smoother stroke. Have a coach to guide you through? Even better. Where do you find such a person? I think you know.

#2 - Work on your body

For players that or old enough (consult parents, coaches, or even a doctor), the offseason is the best time to hit the weight room. You do not need to be Arnold Schwarzenegger on the court; just achieve your body's balance to be as strong as necessary.

It has been said that you cannot teach speed, but even if you have a limit, you likely have yet to hit it. Speed and agility training are too real (ask The Basketball Movement for details). Agility and conditioning are crucial, and there is always more time for a run during the offseason.

#3 - Refresh your mind

The offseason is also a great time to reflect on what you accomplished or consider the goals you could not obtain. Take note of areas where you would like to have been better, making sure you focus on those during the offseason as well as your strengths.

Also, have fun! After a long season, it is important to take a little time off to clear your mind. Get involved with a basketball program, play another sport to remain active, or even rest to nurse any nagging injuries or give your body time to relax. Then once you are ready to get back, get in touch withThe Basketball Movement, of course!

“The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.”
— Muhhamad Ali

In case you had not noticed, a solution to a lot of these fixes has been sprinkled in a few times. At The Basketball Movement, you will find top-of-the-line equipment to help you build muscle and stay in shape. Not to mention staff dedicated to improving your agility, skills, and mind.

To become the best player you can be and make the most out of your offseason this year, make your way to the basketball mecca of the Midwest - The Basketball Movement.

What is your favorite thing about basketball?

Basketball is a global game for a reason. There are so many things to like; what is your reason?

Major sports are popular because they are not only fun to play but fun to watch. Players get satisfaction from things going right on the court, and fans get satisfaction from watching competition - human successes and failures, head-to-head in real-time.

As a player, your favorite thing may be the swish of a pure bucket. It could be the camaraderie of playing as a team. It could be amassing victory after victory, until being at the top of a league or region.

As a fan, a favorite thing may be the success of a favorite team or player. It may be highlight reel dunks or the experience of attending a big game in person.

Many people get to watch their children play. Many players get to team up with their best friends. The things to like about basketball are nearly endless.

At The Basketball Movement, we check all of the above. We love everything about the sport: behind-the-scenes work, bright light show outs, and the community it can form.

Rob Yanders has used the sport to help others in need, bring people from all walks of life together, and bring out the best in countless individuals.

On and off the court, the betterment of others is likely our favorite part of the sport. Shaping young players into leaders, helping transform dreamers into professional hoopers, and using a fun game to genuinely touch lives... nothing better.

What is your favorite part about basketball? The NCAA tournament? Your daughter's AAU team? #NBATwitter? There is something for everyone, so everyone is welcome to celebrate the sport with us at The Basketball Movement!

Skill Development Workouts

Take a look at the cornerstone of The Basketball Movement: our skill development workouts and training.

Rob Yanders and his trainers at The Basketball Movement are well-known as developers of people. Through the sport, they have grown young people into more confident individuals and better leaders. Also, folks that come around here tend to get exponentially better at the game of basketball.

The Basketball Movement has many things to offer, but individual or group skill development workouts provided here are what put the movement on the map.

Whether training a professional hooper or working with a group of grade schoolers who need to hone the fundamentals, The Basketball Movement approaches the sport with a seriousness and intensity that gets the most out of players.

Yanders is hard-nosed, driven, honest, and a true developer of people. He also happens to be one of the elite basketball minds available in this part of the country. Those who have come to Yanders to get better must be ready to WORK. If they can hang, they will rise above their competition. If you follow basketball in Southwest Missouri, you have seen it yourself.

High school basketball is one thing, but The Basketball Movement is also equipped to train collegiate and professional players. With a theater dedicated to film study, room and board, a barber shop, and other amenities modeled after pro facilities, Yanders’ has built something few others in the Midwest could try to replicate.

To get involved with The Basketball Movement and come get this work, contact us.

Not every player will be up to the sweat-drench, basketball knowledge overload that The Basketball Movement delivers. But, those with a passion for the game and a genuine desire to improve are welcome. You want to get to the next level, and we can help you. Reach out!

Rob Yanders: Playing professionally overseas

The Basketball Movement's founder, Rob Yanders, dishes on his experience playing professional ball in Europe.

Rob Yanders' local impact through The Basketball Movement has been immense. He cherishes this community and is here to give back and enhance it through the sport he loves. Rob's time in Springfield and West Plains was a big part of his career, but his professional experience led him to a much different place.

For some of us, it is easy to forget that there is more to basketball than what we see in high school, the NCAA, and NBA. There are basketball teams worldwide; many are at the professional level.

The Basketball Movement is unique in offering Euro Preparation to players looking to break into the pro scene. Rob's experience is a fantastic resource for any American player considering playing basketball abroad.

I (@WilHarrington) sat down with Robert at The Basketball Movement to discuss his time in Europe.

Rob's experience playing overseas

After college,Rob Yanders headed to Sheffield, England, to begin his rookie year of pro ball. He said it was indeed a culture shock, but the team won the British Championship, easing his transition. "When you're successful and winning, everything is great." He credits the people he met and his teammate for helping to make it a great experience.

“My experience in Europe helped mold me into the person I am today - my experiences getting away and getting cultured through these different walks of life. Sheffield, France, Scotland, Treviso, Norway, Zurich, Germany, Israel - because of basketball. Because of that round, orange thing, I’ve been to some amazing places.”

In his pro career, he won three European Championships, two regular-season Championships, a National Cup, and Finals MVP. In France, Rob was also voted team MVP with both VCB and KABCA teams and earned All-Star Team honors in 2012. His time as a pro in Europe was undoubtedly a success.

How Rob applies what he learned to The Basketball Movement

As a pro, Robert told me that you are always thinking about what comes next. Players are rarely guaranteed a safety net in their brief careers. When Rob thought about what he wanted to do, he leaned on what made him happy: basketball.

Enjoying and being around the sport of basketball does not have to end when playing days are over. Robert was a Community Recreation major in college and knew that he wanted to build or run a sports facility.

“I grew up in Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Clubs, and YMCA’s. Those were places that gave me shelter to play the game and keep me safe from the streets.”

He talked about the alone time you experience playing in a foreign country and how much time it allowed him to reflect on the future. He also participated in many camps, clinics, speaking opportunities, and mentorships. His leadership grew even more, allowing him to confidently assume his role as founder and owner of The Basketball Movement.

Advice for players considering college or the pro game

Robert's advice on this topic centered around personal circumstances - situations vary greatly from player to player.

“Do what’s best for your family. Invest in you and invest in your family - your time is valuable. Make sure you get the right council and information.”

Rob also warned that the pro game would be a stark contrast for any players that are talented enough to play professionally straight out of high school. Playing with grown men that are playing for paychecks is a whole new world.

If the opportunity for a "one-and-done" type of player to play professionally presented itself, and they needed money, he may recommend going if the player is confident in professional ball as a career. For most, though, education is always a great idea. It will pay off more than fizzling out after a few pro seasons. 

Recently, collegiate athletes have been afforded the opportunity to make money from their name and likeness, which is also opening new paths.

As Rob mentioned, receiving good counsel and information is crucial when considering playing in Europe or anywhere else. Coach Rob, Coach Anthony Shavies, and more can help players with this preparation right here at The Basketball Movement.

If you are interested in any capacity in playing overseas, pleasecontact us and let us help you navigate the intimidating options that follow.

Accepting Defeat

Every basketball game produces a winner and a loser - you can’t tie, and you can’t always win, so how will you accept defeat?

One of the best parts about basketball and sports, in general, is the high of winning. Sports are founded on competition, so the ultimate goal is to win as much as possible - to defeat your opponents until you have proven to be the best. Every game has a winner, so naturally, each match also has a losing side. Sometimes, you will find yourself on the losing side.

Losing is not fun. The game can be fun to play, but if you find yourself on the losing end by the time it concludes, it can certainly be disheartening. To lose means that someone was better than you, which is a tough pill to swallow.

You may be a better player or be on a better team than your opponent. However, each game is different, and varying circumstances can lead to anyone being best on a given night.

So how do you handle losing? How do you accept defeat? Getting hung up on a loss or dwelling on shortcomings can be easy. No player or team is perfect, so losses will inevitably come. The pros are considered solid teams if they win over 50 percent of their games. Accepting defeat is challenging but a necessity.

Understanding that losses happen is important. Accepting defeat becomes much simpler when you actively consider that everyone loses at some point or another. Of course, it is human to be disappointed when things don’t happen as you want, but accepting it and moving forward is critical.

“If you do the best you can, you have nothing to be ashamed of. Losing is not a disgrace.”
— Dirk Nowitzki

Better yet, learning from losses and mistakes will make you lose less in the future. Though it is great to keep your head up and move on from losses, reflecting on lessons learned to better yourself or your team moving forward is ideal.

Accepting defeat is the first step, learning from it is the second, and the third is applying those tough lessons learned going forward. With persistence and dedication, the losses will likely become less frequent. You often learn more from losses than wins, so look at them as opportunities rather than blemishes.

If you are tired of losing and ready to do something about it for yourself or your team, be sure to reach out to us at The Basketball Movement. We can’t prevent anyone from losing, but we can help in your quest to win as much as possible!

The Next Brookshire and Haney

The Yanders Law program and The Basketball Movement facility recently bore some of the area’s greatest hoopers. Who’s next?

Coming from Milwaukee to Springfield, Missouri, Anton Brookshire seized an opportunity. His uncle, The Basketball Movement Founder Rob Yanders, was a ready and willing coach, teacher, and mentor. Also, he held the keys to the premier basketball training facility in the Midwest.

Brookshire has natural talent but had to fight for what he has accomplished. Having gym access does not make someone a Division I basketball player. Being a little over six feet tall certainly does not make someone a Division I basketball player.

Isaac Haney was a good athlete from a small town. Unfortunately, good athletes from small towns are usually like a flame in the wind; they burn brightly, gaining recognition from those nearby, but quickly fade. Haney could have easily ridden into that sunset.

Instead, Haney, like Brookshire, seized an opportunity. He uprooted what he knew and aggressively pursued a different path that he knew would lead to where he wanted to go. Of course, it would be a more difficult path, but that is so often what it takes.

Being Yanders Law athletes and absolute gym rats of The Basketball Movement meant that Brookshire and Haney saw quite a bit of each other. First, one of them would become a good shooter. Then, the other would become a great shooter. The constant collision of their improvement honed them both until they were some of the greatest basketball players the area has had.

Then Trevon Brazile grew to be 6’10.

Another Yanders Law alum, Brazile helped to push Brookshire and Haney even further, allowing them to not only have a teammate with NBA potential but also more iron with which to sharpen their own aspirations.

Not every player is going to have a seven-inch growth spurt. But many players out there could be the next Brookshire or Haney.

Life has thrown a lot at Anton Brookshire. Yet, he has shown true steel in overcoming obstacles to focus on his craft and continue his ceaseless journey to be great. Isaac Haney had to drive over an hour and a half several times a week for most of his basketball career to get to work with the best.

Not everyone has what it takes. Many players with more talent than Brookshire or Haney will fade out long before they do. So who has what it takes to seize the mantle of the best hoopers in the area?

As far as we are concerned, we know there are big shoes to fill. So for those players that do not just want to be great but HAVE to be great, you know where to find us.

Rob Yanders and his staff are waiting for the next major players from our area. We have proven what we can do. Now, it is up to you.