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!

Around the NBA: Game on

The NBA is on its way back, having approved a 22-team plan to bring back basketball with a few covid-related twists.

A shred of good news in what has been an unfortunate time in our country, it seems that we will see the return of NBA basketball within the next two months. The NBA has just approved a plan that will allow for a return of the season, gaining approval by the board of governors in a 29 to one vote (per Woj, ESPN).

The approved plan is for 22 teams to return to action, 13 from the Western Conference and nine from the East. These teams make up the top eight from each conference as well as any team that was within six games of the eighth seed when the hiatus began.

Beginning July 31st, each team will play eight more regular-season games. If the nine seed was within four games of the eighth and final playoff spot, they will have a small play-in series; single elimination for the nine seed and double elimination for the eight. At the conclusion of these games, the playoffs will resume as normal. The Finals will end on October 12th at the latest.

With this new format, the Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, Jazz, Thunder, and Rockets have officially clinched spots. The Mavericks will only not clench in a perfect storm. The Grizzlies, Trailblazers, Pelicans, Kings, Spurs, and Suns will all be left to duke it out for the final spot.

In the East, the Bucks, Celtics, Raptors, Heat, Pacers, and 76ers have now clenched spots. The Wizards, Nets, and Magic are left to fight for the remaining two spots.

All games will be played in Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. The players and staff will all stay at park hotels, be instructed to eat at outdoor restaurants only, and be tested for covid daily. If a player tests positive, he will be removed, treated, and quarantined individually while the rest of his team plays on. Park staff will also be tested, not enter player rooms, and limit contact.

Players would likely take an approximate 15 percent pay-cut due to missed games under this plan, but the exact figure has not been released. The NBPA will speak with the Association on this soon.

The next regular season is a whole other matter but may begin December 1st. The eight teams that are not participating in the above proposal would have gone almost nine months without playing at that time.

There are concerns and questions that accompany this return, but there are many positives as well. The main takeaway is that basketball is coming back. Several teams already have opened facilities, though no more than four players are allowed at a time, only allowed to do individual workouts. Slowly but surely, things will ramp up, starting with June 30th training camps and travel to Orlando on July 7th.

We will keep you filled in as details continue to emerge. Game on!

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!

NCAA: Significant change on the horizon for players

With athletes pursuing alternatives to NCAA basketball, the association is finally supporting avenues for players to receive compensation.

At the NCAA’s April meeting, the group reported that they are backing a proposal that would allow players receive payment for the use of their name/likeness, endorsement deals, and social media. There is still much work to be done in establishing the groundwork for this decision, though officials are hopeful that there can be movement by 2021.

Per ESPN’s report on the release: “The NCAA's news release said athletes will be allowed to appear in advertisements and can reference their sport and school, but they would not be able to use school logos or branding in those advertisements.”

Several states, spearheaded by California, have already paved the way for player options such as these. The NCAA is expected to seek the support of Congress to ensure that their decisions supersede state laws as to not have preferential conditions from state to state. This is where the plan could take a while (especially with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic), but hopefully, we will see action soon.

Another important piece will be placing “guardrails” for boosters, to make sure they are not given too much power or the ability to use workarounds through endorsements to bribe athletes to attend certain programs.

This decision by the NCAA comes on the heels of top prospect, Jalen Green announcing that he will be going straight to the G-League instead of pursuing college ball. The G-League is going to establish a new team in LA with Green as the centerpiece, sweetening his deal and becoming a more attractive option for other top prospects going forward.

It is a shame that it took the nation’s top players playing semi-pro or overseas to create action from the NCAA; an action that is arguably 30 years slower than it should be. Either way, it is refreshing to hear that college athletes are nearing a state in which they can be compensated for their substantial amount of labor. The top athletes generate plenty of income, and they are finally going to be able to get a piece of their own pie.

We will continue to monitor this situation and relay any big moves here in as digestible a form as possible. It is exciting that young athletes may be getting a chance to receive compensation for thousands of hours of hard work. Keep checking back for updates!

Around the NBA: Snapshot of where things left off

When the NBA came to a sudden halt amidst coronavirus scares, we were already about three-quarters through the season.

It has been a little over a month since the NBA came to a screeching halt before the tipoff of a Jazz vs. Thunder game once it was discovered that Rudy Gobert had coronavirus - now more specifically called covid-19. All teams had played at least 64 games of the 82 scheduled and the playoff picture was coming into focus.

It is unknown at this time if or when the Association will return to action. It has already been a lengthy hiatus, greatly disrupting the flow of the season. The players have been working in home gyms, playing NBA2K, and even had an ESPN televised game of horse, with current, former, and WNBA players participating (below).

Discussions have suggested that the season may be over. Others suggest a return as soon as early May. We don’t know for sure, but until then, we take a look at where we left off.

James Harden unsurprisingly leads in points per game, even after slowing from his early, ridiculous pace at 34.4. Bradley Beal, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Trae Young are all averaging right around 30 with Lillard and Doncic not far behind. Andre Drummond leads all rebounders with 15.2 per game. Hassan Whiteside is next with 14.2 and Antetokounmpo and Gobert are tied at 13.7 apiece.

LeBron James is on pace to lead the NBA in assists for the first time in his career, averaging 10.6 per contest. Trae Young is the only other player averaging at least nine at 9.3.

Only two players are averaging at least two steals per game - Ben Simmons (2.1) and Kris Dunn (2.0). Whiteside is the blocks leader at 3.1 with Brook Lopez and Anthony Davis tied for second at 2.4 swats.

Current Standings

The Milwaukee Bucks were well on their way to having a historic season, though they did begin resting players, going on a three-game losing steak before the hiatus. They still have a comfortable lead despite the strong play of the reigning champion Raptors.

In the West, LA reigns as the Lakers sit in first with the Clippers in second. The battle towards the bottom of the playoff picture interesting as well. Rookie of the Year hopeful, Ja Morant has Memphis in a surprising position, but Lillard has been scorching earth and New Orleans has Zion Williamson back. This race is one of the most interesting parts of how the NBA will choose to return (if it does).

The Current standings are below from basketballreference.com:

Giannis Antetokounmpo is likely the MVP favorite with his team on top and his numbers and defense as elite as it comes. LeBron and Davis both make strong cases, as does Harden, though the Rockets are believed to be underachieving a bit. Leaders on a pair of surprising teams, Luka Doncic and Jimmy Butler are in the conversation as well.

Whether we dive right into the playoffs, resume the season, or miss it altogether, this will be a memorable time for the league. We are excited for basketball to return, but above all, hope for the safety of all. Stick around as we monitor the rapidly changing developments and how the sport of basketball will be impacted. Stay safe!

Note: The 2020 WNBA Draft is still on! Tune into ESPN at 8:00 pm central!

All statistics used from basketballreference.com

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.

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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!

March Madness cancelled, NBA season on hiatus

It has been a wild few days for hoops, with the threat of coronavirus impacting every level of the sport.

What started as a breakout virus far from home has turned into a national pandemic with coronavirus working its way across the globe. The Basketball Movement does not have anyone on hand that is an expert on infectious disease, but we do know that it appears to be contagious and potentially quite harmful to elderly individuals or those with weakened defenses against such sickness.

So, even though most players would not likely feel the full effects of the virus, many fans are susceptible. This week, an OKC Thunder game was put on hold moments before tipoff after it was discovered that Rudy Gobert of the visiting Utah Jazz tested positive for the illness. It was later discovered that teammate Donovan Mitchell was positive as well.

The NBA acted quickly, not only canceling the remainder of the games that evening but placing the league on a “hiatus” for at least 30 days as they determine the threat of the virus as well as the next steps.

Action of this magnitude by the NBA triggered responses from all other major American sports leagues. The NCAA has not postponed but canceled their national tournaments for both men and women. That’s right - no March Madness for fans in 2020 and no big endings for the many athletes involved.

We have since seen statements of action from the WNBA, NFL, and state high school sporting programs about the next steps. Major League Baseball’s regular season has been pushed back and the NHL, MLS, and XFL have all gone on hiatus as well.

Again, this is largely for the safety of fans and the personnel involved. Large gatherings of people produce a dangerous situation regarding the airborne virus.

Two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert was the first notable athlete in the USA to bring attention to the threat of coronavirus. Ironically, he also brought a difficult lesson as well. Gobert had been jokingly touching microphones during interviews and players/belongings in the locker room ahead of his diagnosis, making light of the virus and potentially contracting/spreading it.

Gobert has since apologized for this, but it does serve as a reminder for us all to be careful. If nothing else, his diagnosis prompted the NBA to take notice, which in turn prompted other sports leagues, theme parks, churches, and more in a country that had been taking the threat lightly. Hopefully, we have all learned our lesson early.

It will be tough without basketball for a little while, but safety and health are paramount. Stay informed and safe, everybody.

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.