Around the NBA: 2020 Finals preview

The stage is set for the 2020 NBA Finals to begins. The stage in question is both familiar and new.

Much of the 2020 NBA Playoffs have been familiar; seven-game-series throughout, high energy play, and LeBron James in the Finals. However, much is certainly different; no fans, no home court advantage, and all of the restrictions that come from the players, coaches, staff, and referees living in the Orlando bubble.

The new setting and conditions have yielded interesting results. Young teams seemed to do well, such as the Phoenix Suns (though they just missed the Playoffs). This may be because they have less family to miss or perhaps they are not so far removed from AAU days that played out much like bubble life.

Age did not always play a large part, as one constant was unaffected. LeBron James has led yet another team, this time the LA Lakers, to the NBA Finals in his 17th NBA season. Many suspected a Lakers vs. Clippers Western Conference Final, but the Denver Nuggets came back from being down three games to one to take the Clippers spot. Denver did the same one round before against the Utah Jazz, becoming the first team in history to overcome multiple 3-1 deficits.

Despite close games, including one that came down to an Anthony Davis buzzer beater, the Lakers trumped the Nuggets to make their first Finals since the days of Kobe Bryant.

In the Eastern Conference, these bubble playoffs have resulted in one of the biggest upsets the Association has had in a while. The Miami Heat had been a solid team throughout, but have clicked in the 2020 Playoffs in a big way.

Five seeded Miami put everyone on notice after dismantling MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks were at one point on historic pace through regular season play. They never quite recaptured the magic in Orlando, stumbling through seeding games and their first round series before running into the determined Heat team, which was firing on all cylinders.

The Heat played a hard-fought Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics and now face the final boss that so many teams do on their way to a championship - LeBron.

2020 NBA Finals preview

Some may argue that Boston would have been a better matchup to face the Los Angeles Lakers. That argument matters little, as the better squad won in the Miami Heat. This is Jimmy Butler’s first year in South Beach, but it is definitely going according to plan.

After emerging as a star in Chicago, Butler failed to find players to match his tenacious approach during his stints in Minnesota and Philadelphia. The Miami Heat have a strong culture that has been able to persevere for years through longtime coach, Erik Spoelstra and veteran forward, Udonis Haslem.

Miami is an intriguing mix of young players, emerging stars, and veteran talent. Their shooters are red hot and their bigs are engaged and unafraid of the moment. 20 year old rookie Tyler Herro has impressed as well as first time All Star, Bam Adebayo. Point guard, Goran Dragic has regained a spark that he seemed to be missing over the last few seasons and wing Duncan Robinson looks like the best shooter on the planet right now.

Former NBA Finals MVP, Andre Iguodala is 36, but has played increasing minutes as games grow in importance. He has guarded LeBron James many times before and has as good a chance as most to slow him down. That will be the challenge - Miami looks great, but they face a heavily favored squad.

Though most conversations about the Los Angeles Lakers start and end with LeBron, he is not the clear-cut best player in their starting lineup. A fellow MVP candidate and the runner up for Defensive Player of the Year, Anthony Davis will be a nightmare for Miami.

It was one thing for the Heat to slow down Antetokounmpo, but James and Davis at the same time will be a new beast. LeBron led the NBA in assists this season and does not have to do the heavy lifting at all times. It does not take many of LA’s shooters to get hot to produce a nearly unstoppable offense.

The Lakers have great size with not only their two stars, but the active Javale McGee and a re-energized Dwight Howard in the middle. It will be perimeter play that the Lakers need to put them over the top. If Danny Green or Kyle Kuzma can have at least one hot game each, the Lakers will have a big advantage.

If fan favorites - Alex Caruso, JR Smith, or Dion Waiters - get in on the fun, it could be lights out. However, the Heat’s determination and consistent play has gotten them this far. If LA cannot play up to elite levels consistently or falter on either side of the floor, the Heat will take advantage.

This should be a great series. The full schedule is below per NBA.com:

Game 1: Wednesday, Sept. 30: Miami Heat at L.A. Lakers, 8 CT
Game 2: Friday, Oct. 2: Miami Heat at L.A. Lakers, 8 CT
Game 3: Sunday, Oct. 4: L.A. Lakers at Miami Heat, 6:30 CT
Game 4: Tuesday, Oct. 6: L.A. Lakers at Miami Heat, 8 CT
Game 5*: Friday, Oct. 9: Miami Heat at L.A. Lakers, 8 CT
Game 6*: Sunday, Oct. 11: L.A. Lakers at Miami Heat, 6:30 CT
Game 7*: Tuesday, Oct. 13: Miami Heat at L.A. Lakers, 8 CT

* = if necessary

All games will be on ABC. Stay tuned and follow along as we keep up with what goes on around the NBA. Our Twitter is the best place to do so. This will be hoops at the highest level! Join us and stay on top of the action!

The Invitational - Yanders adds more big names

As we continue our invites to The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020, more big-name high schoolers make appearances.

The Basketball Movement’s Robert Yanders has another wave of names for his annual Invitational Camp. Nationally ranked players, big name Missouri and Kansas standouts, and more are being invited to the most explosive camp for high school boys in the Midwest.

Let’s dive right into the next batch of invitees for The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020:

Chet Holmgren, Minnehaha Academy (MN): Regarded as one of the best high school players in the nation, Chet Holmgren is a 7’0” center with the game of a guard. Holmgren is currently not travelling due to personal reasons, but if that changes by mid-October, our doors will absolutely be open to him.

Chris Livingston, Akron Buchtel High: Kids from Akron know a thing or two about hoops, and Chris Livingston has the size, skill, and POWER to go with that basketball I.Q. At 6’6”, the SF is currently ranked number four in the nation by ESPN for 2022 players. His arrow is pointed straight up.

Grady Dick, Collegiate (Wichita): Another nationally ranked 2022 player, Grady Dick is a 6’7” forward that is as comfortable throwing down a windmill jam in the open court as he is making defenders pay by showing off his outside stroke. Dick holds offers from numerous Midwest D1 programs including Kansas, K-State, and Creighton.

Kanon Gipson, Logan-Rogersville: A veteran of The Basketball Movement Invitational, Kanon Gipson is a known sniper that can make it rain on opponents. Gipson is always a threat with the rock in hands; he has the ability to distribute as well as score from anywhere on the floor.

Connor Killion, East Newton: Another vet of The Invitational, Connor Killion has the size and skill to complement any team he plays on. Currently boasting a full-ride offer to play for Navy, the dangerous scorer and competitor only needs opportunity to continue to raise his stock.

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Jack Chapman, Blue Valley NW (Overland Park): A 6’7” guard, Jack Chapman is one of the top players in the state of Kansas. Chapman uses his size to punish smaller players down low or to shoot over them from deep. His versatility makes him a threat to score from anywhere and his high-motor playstyle makes him a nightmare on the offensive glass.

Matt Cleveland, Pace Academy (GA): A Florida State commit, 6’6” Matt Cleveland is ranked number 35 on ESPN’s Top 100. Cleveland earns his ranking with his combination of size and skill. Already boasting a pro frame, you don’t want to jump with this kid. He is a big-time scorer and willing defender.

Zach Clemence, Sunrise Christian Academy (KS): A 6’10” forward out of Kansas, Zach Clemence is ranked number 43 on ESPN’s Top 100. He is able to go to work in the paint, but his ability to stretch the floor and distribute make him special. Verbally committed to continue hooping at Kansas, the future is bright for the young star.

Mark Mitchell, Bishop Miege High (KS): Another Kansas standout, Mark Mitchell is ranked 20th by ESPN among 2022 players. At 6’8”, he already boasts scholarship offers from North Carolina, Kansas, and K-State among others. If Mitchell is on the court, he’s dunking. The sky is the limit for the 2022 stud.

David Hill, St. John Neumann (PA): Brother of Alize Johnson of the Indiana Pacers, David Hill is a 6’1” combo guard with the skills and basketball I.Q. to make big strides this year. Handles, vision, and a smooth shot mean that he can blend seamlessly into any scheme and be an impact player with or without the ball.

Javonte “JJ” Taylor, Kentwood High (Chicago): One of the top 2023 players in the nation, JJ Taylor is a versatile 6’7” player with star potential. Already able to score at all three levels, his athleticism is what will soon be bringing him to highlight reels near you. With proper guidance, this kid could go all the way to the top.

Omarion Henry, Normandy High (StL): A willing defender and and crazy athlete in a 6’7” frame, Omarion Henry has all the tools to be a D1 impact player. Currently a bit underrated, Henry is exactly the kind of player that needs to head over to The Basketball Movement Invitational. Lets boost some stock.

Joshua Minott, St. Andrews School (FL): Memphis commit, Josh Minott is 6’8” 195lbs of pure hooper. If he catches a defender with a crossover, it is time for everyone else to get out of the way. Memphis landed a sleeper with a chip on his shoulder.

Tommy Pinegar, Greenwood Academy: An excellent compliment to nationally ranked teammate, Aminu Mohhamed, Tommy Pinegar has the ability to stretch the floor like few other players in the Springfield, MO area. Defenders cannot afford to help off when Pinegar is looming beyond the perimeter.

Steven Clay, Menomonee Falls (WI): One of the top prospects out of Wisconsin, Steven Clay is a 6’4” shooting guard with D1 offers from Maryland and Wisconsin-Milwaukee. A 2022 standout from Phenom University-Team Herro, Clay has a great jumper and the ability to finish around the rim with finesse beyond his years.

Logan Landers, Cedarburg (WI): Another Phenom U-Team Herro player, Logan Landers is a 6’10” big man with the athleticism to switch and remain largely positionless on the floor. Landers has been recruited by Bill Self and Kansas in addition to multiple other D1 programs. He has the size to bang down low and the touch to score from anywhere.

Stay tuned as we continue to reveal Rob Yanders’ invitees as The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020 nears its October 16th start date. Follow along on all platforms and keep checking back here for updates!

The Invitational - Rob's second wave

Robert Yanders is ready to release the second wave of invitees for The Basketball Movement Invitational. Here are the next 15.

With The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020 drawing closer (October 16-18th), The Baksetball Movement’s Rob Yanders is revealing the players that are receiving invites. The first 15 names have already been released. Today, we have an additional 15 and more will be coming soon.

Check out the below for a few more of the top names invited to this elite camp:

Cam Liggins, Kickapoo High: Joining his Kickapoo teammates we mentioned previously, Cam Liggins is an up-and-comer looking to show off his well-rounded game. Liggins’ ability to put the ball in the hole at all three levels will quickly be apparent at The Invitational when it comes to game time.

Tamar Bates, Piper (KC): A Texas commit, Tamar Bates is 6’5” shooting guard with a sweet lefty stroke and knack for getting all the way to the cup. He has the size to guard multiple positions and is primed to grow his game even more at the next level.

Michael Foster, Hillcrest Prep (MIL): At 6’9” 220lbs, Mike Foster is ready for the pro game. A Milwaukee native like our own Rob Yanders, he is ranked number six on ESPN’s Top 100. Kansas, Michigan, Florida… Foster has his pick of many schools and is NBA-bound as he continues to hone the finer parts of the game.

Patrick Baldwin, Hamilton High (WI): Recruited by essentially every major program in the country, Patrick Baldwin Jr. is a 6’9” force on the basketball court. Ranked number 2 on ESPN’s Top 100, Baldwin is another likely pro-bound big that has all the tools to make an impact at either end of the floor.

Jonathan Dunn, Hazelwood Central: Recently committed to Western Illinois, Jonathan Dunn is a 6’7” aggressive rebounder and defender. He is also more than capable of putting the ball in the hole in a variety of ways.

Seth Trimble, Menomonee Falls (WI): Heavily recruited in the Wisconsin area, Seth Trimble is a 6’2” point guard from the class of 2022. A capable scorer and distributor, Trimble is a willing defender as well - able to contribute for his teams in any way necessary.

Brandon Miller, Cane Ridge (Nashville): Currently number five on ESPN’s 2022 player rankings, Brandon Miller is a 6’6” small forward that has all the tools to be a truly elite talent. Miller is crazy athletic and capable of setting off fireworks above the rim.

Nick Smith, Sylvan Hills (AR): Another class of 2022 stud, Nick Smith is a 6’3” guard out of Arkansas. Smith is ranked 52nd in the class of 2022 on ESPN. He boasts offers from some major Midwest programs and is only likely to receive more as he keeps banging home triples and elevating his team.

Tyrese Hunter, Saint Catherines (WI): Already committed to Iowa State, Tyrese Hunter is a big time player for his 6’1” frame. Ranked 62nd in ESPN’s top 100, he has no problem finishing around the rim and is one of the most explosive point guards in the country.

Drew McMillan, Republic High: A veteran of The Basketball Movement Invitational, Drew McMillan has tremendous feel for the game and can lend his offensive skillset to any squad he is a part of. Defenders must respect his shot-making ability.

Jason Jones, Nixa High: Another vet of The Invitational, Jason Jones a a 6’6” forward out of Nixa with an impressive post game. In addition to his ability to go to work down low, Jones is an excellent ball handler and is a threat in transition. He exploded for 40 points and 16 boards in one of The Invitational contests last year.

Kaleb Wofford, Nixa High: Our other Nixa invitee is Kaleb Wofford, a 6’2” guard with a solid all-around skillset. Wofford must be respected from deep, giving him the ability to put the ball on the floor and make plays for his teammates or himself.

Keshon Gilbert, Durango High (Vegas): UNLV commit, Keshon Gilbert is a 6’2” point guard out Las Vegas that has no problem scoring the basketball. He also distributes nicely and brings intangibles and defense beyond his size.

Coen Brown, Sacred Heart Sedalia: 6’2” guard Coen Brown is an impressive 2022 player that can do a lot of damage on the offensive end. He is an aggressive scorer, able to put the ball on the floor or launch from deep.

Learic Davis, Bradley Tech High, (MIL): Learic David is another Milwaukee standout. 6’6” from the class of 2022, Davis is a high-flyer that can turn defense into offense in eye-popping ways. His jumper has a high release point, making him a difficult cover inside and out.

The invites are beginning to stack up, but we are not done yet. Stay tuned to The Basketball Movement as we continue seeking out elite talent and preparing to continue our tradition of putting on the most elite basketball camp in the Midwest. Part camp, part showcase, part tournament - iron sharpens iron here and we cannot wait to light the fire.

The Invitational - Rob Yanders first 15 invites

Robert Yanders has announced his first 15 invites to The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020.

In order to host an elite, invitational camp, you must first… well, invite elite players. The Basketball Movement’s Founder, Robert Yanders is a former pro that has worked with players at every level of the sport over many years. Rob has the difficult task of making the selections for The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020’s players.

Here are his first 15 invitees:

Anton Brookshire, Kickapoo High: No surprise here. The Mizzou commit is not just a gym rat of The Basketball Movement, but a top 100 player in the country via ESPN. The 6’2” point guard boasts some of the best handles and long-range shooting in not just in the state, but the nation.

Jordan Nesbitt, St. Louis Christian Academy: At 6’6”, 180lbs, Jordan Nesbitt’s stock has been going through the roof. He has great size and the ability to develop into a pro. He boasts offers from 11 D1 programs around the country.

Tarris Reed Jr., Chaminade: Mizzou, Creighton, Xavier… there are many teams that would love to get their hands on the 6’10” St. Louis native, Tarris Reed Jr. His height gives him ability above the rim, but he is capable on the block as well, with a nice touch and clear upside.

Isaac Haney, Kickapoo High: The reigning Missouri Class 1 player of the year, Isaac Haney has taken his talents to Springfield and Kickapoo High to test his mettle. The 6’1” guard is a prolific scorer and has already committed to continue hooping at Missouri State University.

Yaya Keita, De Smet Jesuit (StL): Recently committed to Mizzou, Yaya Keita is a 6’9” 225lb forward out of St. Louis. Size aside, Keita is just an excellent basketball player. His skill in a pro-frame makes him an incredible get for Missouri.

Logan Applegate, Nevada: Logan Applegate is no stranger to The Basketball Movement. We have been lucky to see growth from the guard in many ways over the years. His athleticism is head-turning and his defense and long-range acumen make him a valuable asset for any team he is on.

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Jaden Jones, St. Louis Christian Academy: Another standout from St. Louis Christian Academy, the 6’7” Jaden Jones committed to the Rutgers basketball program in March. He is a top player in the state and can impact the game on both ends of the floor.

Aminu Mohammed, Greenwood Academy: Standing at 6’4” with 190lb of mostly muscle, Aminu Mohammed is the number 11 player in the nation per ESPN. He has not picked a college program, but whoever lands him will get a high-upside player that can bully his way to the rim at will.

Mario Fleming, Cardinal Ritter College Prep (StL): An elite scorer for his size, Mario Fleming is not to be overlooked. He has the ability to take opposing guards down on the block for post-up buckets and has the perimeter game to keep defenders on their toes.

Trevon Brazile, Kickapoo High: Another recent Mizzou commit, Trevon Brazile is 6’8” with a 7’1” wingspan. Brazile has added several inches over the last year while maintaining a quick second-jump ability and a nose for the ball.

Zach Howell, Springfield Catholic: Prepped for a breakout season with Springfield Catholic, Zach Howell has improved every year we have seen him. His deadly shooting and motor in a 6’3” frame make him a valuable player no-matter what role he needs to take on the floor.

Jackie Johnson, Southeast (Wichita): One of the top players in Kansas, Jackie Johnson is a bucket waiting to happen. Currently uncommitted, Johnson is a pro-level shooter, able to turn his size into a non-factor with his range and end-to-end quickness.

Larry Hughes Jr., Christian Brothers Academy: Larry Hughes Jr. is a 6’5” 170lb St. Louis native, already knocking on top-100 billing as a 2022 graduate. His jumper is pretty and his basketball roots let you know that he knows his way around a court.

Nicholas Kern, Vashon: 6’6” and 180lbs of terrific hooper - could Nicholas Kern keep the title of Invitational MVP in a Vashon player’s hands? Kern has all the tools and has terrific experience having played alongside Cam’Ron Fletcher and company. The upside here is ridiculous.

Robert Martin, Christian Brothers Academy: Another standout 2022 player from CBC, Rob Martin possesses the clutch gene and shooting ability to make plenty of noise wherever he laces up. A bit on the smaller side, Martin is the ideal player to come and learn from former pro, Rob Yanders, who turned his size into his strength.

That is a quick glimpse into the talent to expect from The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020. 15 invites down, plenty more to come. If you have not heard from us, DM Rob Yanders or The Basketball Movement on Instagram or email basketball_movement@yahoo and we will take a look. More soon - stay tuned!

The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020 announced

Coming back again, we present The Basketball Movement Invitational Camp 2020 for high school boys.

Part camp, part tournament, part showcase, The Basketball Movement Invitational brings in impressive talent to give elite players an opportunity to be around other top-tier athletes. Iron sharpens iron, and the contests were plenty hot last year. This year should prove to be more of the same and then some, as we focus heavily on game situations and ferocious competition.

Despite the emphasis on head-to-head growth opportunities, The Basketball Movement will naturally still be serving up its patented brand of skill development, maintenance, and enhancement. It is always a good time to brush up on the fundamentals of the game, but also to refine some of the finer skills for these athletes.

Our coaches have worked with all levels of players up through the NBA and can pinpoint exactly what it takes to get you to the next court in your career. If former pro and expert motivational speaker, Rob Yanders can’t light a fire under you to step it up, this level of play may not be for you.

The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020 is slated for October 16th-18th.

Don’t worry if you haven’t heard from us yet; the invite list will be rolling out soon. If time passes and you believe that you have been left out, shoot us an email at basketballmovement@yahoo.com and we will let you know if you have a spot at our camp.

Make sure you are following The Basketball Movement on your preferred social media platform as we roll out more details, media from last year’s Invitational, and more basketball goodness. We hope to see you in October!

Around the NBA: Conference Semifinals

With the conclusion of some first-round game sevens, the 2020 NBA Playoffs have officially moved into Conference Semifinals.

The 2020 NBA Playoffs run in the usual format, but with some unusual circumstances. Though the Orlando bubble experiment has been a success, it is still a bit strange to not have packed arenas for the best action of the year. Round one went off without a hitch and we are now fully onto Conference Semifinals.

Round one provided ample entertainment with early scares for top-seeded teams, prolific scoring by some of the league’s premier guards, and a pair of game sevens that came down to the wire.

Last night, the Houston Rockets escaped a game seven upset by the OKC Thunder; they draw the Los Angeles Lakers for their trouble. Game one of LA and HOU will be Friday.

The other full seven-game series was between the Utah Jazz and the Denver Nuggets. Jamal Murray of the Nuggets and Donovan Mitchell of the Jazz both put on historic scoring performances. It was Murray’s Denver squad who survived to move on and face the LA Clippers in game one tonight.

Both Los Angeles teams had their hands full as well with tough Dallas and Portland squads but handled each in the end.

In the East, the Conference Semifinals are already underway. After defeating the Orlando Magic, the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks are stumbling early against the Miami Heat. Miami dispatched the Indiana Pacers in round one and are up 2-0 on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. Expect Milwaukee to bounce back, but it will be tough sledding now.

On the other side, the Boston Celtics swept the Philadelphia 76ers to advance. Likewise, the Toronto Raptors swept their opponents, the short-handed Brooklyn Nets. Currently, the Celtics are up 2-0 on the defending champs. Game three is tonight on TNT.

In some quick other news, the Brooklyn Nets have locked in an interesting selection for their next Head Coach:

After an unsuccessful Jason Kidd experiment in the 2013-14 season, the Nets will try another legendary former PG as their skipper. Nash will head up a (hopefully) fully healthy Nets squad that includes Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.

That is a quick rundown for those who need to catch up. Continue checking back and following along Twitter as the NBA Playoffs march on.

Saturday Clinics are back!

After a long and cautious wait, The Basketball Movement is bringing back our open Saturday Clinics!

One of our favorite offerings, our Saturday Clinics, was put on hiatus in the wake of the national covid pandemic. We are excited to announce that they will be resuming the weekend after Labor Day - Saturday, September 12th. The Clinics will be held every Saturday from 9:00-11:00 am unless otherwise posted on our site and social pages.

These mini-camp-style open gyms are for both boys and girls from 2nd to 8th grade. It is $25 to participate.

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

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

We have missed these Clinics and are ready to get back to offering this fun weekend activity to our community. If you have any further questions, call or email basketballmovement@yahoo.com

We look forward to seeing you!

More than a game

With the Milwaukee Bucks using basketball as a platform for something more, we are reminded that hoops can be more than a game.

Today, the Milwaukee Bucks decided to stay in their locker room and boycott game 5 of their playoff series with the Orlando Magic. The decision came in the wake of the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin. The OKC Thunder and Houston Rockets are following suit and the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to as well.

We anticipate that the games will be rescheduled, leading many to ask what the point is. Here you go: we are now talking about the temporary boycott, leading to further discussion of the social issues that the players want to be discussed and acted upon.

A reschedule is not a given, with future action to be discussed more tonight.

This serves as an excellent reminder of the power of basketball and sports in general. There are many ways that individuals can use basketball as a platform for what they deem to be crucial issues or missions.

For example, The Basketball Movement and Yanders Law team up each year to bring Angels of the Hardwood to our community - using the basketball platform to give to those that need it and offering a fun distraction in what can be a difficult time for some families.

At the professional level, the voices are amplified by a major platform. For so many consumers saying they are staying away from pro sports, this seems to have their attention once more.

The NBA Playoffs have been a blast so far and the Orlando bubble experiment has certainly been a success to this point with no covid cases for over 300 players for about a month straight. From the viewer’s perspective anyway, things have been surprisingly similar to the broadcasts we are used to seeing.

No matter the message, it is clear that basketball is capable of being so much more than a game. We are seeing so many athletes doing the best they can at sticking to their guns and raising awareness for what they feel is right. That is something we can really appreciate.

Sometimes the movement happens off the court. Being “The Basketball Movement,” we can dig it.

Around the NBA: 2020 Playoffs are underway!

After a long wait, the 2020 NBA Playoffs are officially in full swing with the first round going live from the “bubble” in Orlando

With the Nuggets and Jazz already in action on ESPN, we have an official beginning to the 2020 NBA Playoffs. The first round will consist of seven-game series as usual; no more seeding, no more play-ins… this is the real deal.

After an abrupt halt in March thanks to covid, the NBA’s lengthy hiatus ended thanks to the success of lofty plans to form the Orlando “bubble” for all teams in playoff contention. After over a month of testing more than 300 players, there have been no positive coronavirus cases.

Scrimmages, seeding games, and the single play-in game were all successful. The only hiccup was the Phoenix Suns going 8-0 in the bubble, but not being able to clinch a spot due to the Trailblazers playing (and winning) one more game than them before the hiatus. Despite being red hot, it would have helped if the Suns weren’t abysmal at home when they had a chance months ago.

The below tweet by the NBA highlights the seeding games’ “first team” players. Lillard was the MVP. Monty Williams of the Suns was named Coach of the Seeding Games.

All this week, first-round Playoff games will be televised throughout most of the day. Today sees a quadruple-header on ESPN. The bracket below shows the breakdown of first-round matchups as well as how things will be looking depending on who wins:

We just wanted to get these quick words in as we are excited to have a (fairly) normal NBA Playoff slate in a year that has often had more uncertainty than answers. The norm feels good.

The Basketball Movement will be following along with the 2020 NBA Playoffs closely, so keep checking here and on Twitter as we bring you the need-to-know info. Good luck to all of The Basketball Movement’s allies that are participating in these Playoffs. Let’s get it on!

Shooting: Extending to three-point range

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

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

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

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

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

Determining if you are a three-point shooter

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

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

Again, The Basketball Movement can help.

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

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

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

Around the NBA: 2020 regular season awards

The NBA has announced that voting will conclude tomorrow for 2019-20 NBA regular season awards.

Another NBA article? Okay, there are some things you need to realize:

  1. NBA basketball is the only highly visible hoops action going on in the country right now.

  2. All blog posts on this site are written by rabid NBA fan, Wil Harrington.

I played basketball growing up. I was short, but hard-working, partially fueled by workouts with the fiery Rob Yanders. I have watched a good bit of Missouri State Bears and Lady Bears basketball. Mostly though, I am staying involved with the sport through writing because of my love of the game - a love that mostly stems from NBA hoops.

So, when there is not much going on in the basketball world besides NBA action, it is fine by me. I hope it is fine with you too.

The NBA has announced that tomorrow will be the final day for votes to be submitted by the panel of sportswriters and broadcasters for regular season awards. This inherently means that the vote will not include any action from seeding games that are set to start later this week. This will all be based on what we saw up until the hiatus began in March. Announcements of winners will take place sometime during the playoffs set to take place in the Orlando “bubble.” Below we will highlight likely candidates to win the awards.

Rookie of the Year

We will start here because it is the most clear-cut. Zion Williamson owned the buzz, but a preseason injury meant that we only got to see 19 games out of the young Pelican. Even if the regular season had continued as normal, Zion’s body of work would likely not be able to stand up to Grizzlies PG, Ja Morant, even with Zion’s rookie-best scoring (23.6) and rebounding (6.8) averages.

Morant propelled a rebuilding Memphis squad into playoff contention, displaying poise, playmaking (6.9 assists), and explosive highlights along the way.

Even though it was a solid rookie class, there is only one other player in my eyes that deserves to be in on this conversation: Kendrick Nunn. Bumping Goran Dragic to a valuable bench role, Nunn played around 30 minutes per game as a starter for the Heat. He has a solid pro game and has proven himself as a capable scorer.

Most Improved

The other regular season awards are much closer races, and this one is no exception. Six good players that took All-Star-worthy steps forward are Paskal Siakam, Jayson Tatum, Brandon Ingram, Bam Adebayo, Luka Doncic, and Trae Young.

“Ice” Trae took the biggest step forward in scoring, but the prolific shooter’s buckets did little to translate to the win column, which hurts him. Siakam won last year, which speaks volumes of his work ethic that he is considered again. Siakam was a bit up-and-down, whereas Adebayo and Ingram were consistent throughout. Ingram was given plenty of responsibility with ZIon out, and the media seems to be leaning his way.

Personally, I like Doncic for this award, though that appears to be an unpopular opinion. Doncic began his career at such a high level but still managed to take big steps forward in year two. His defense and three-point percentage remain suspect, but to go from 21/8/6 to 29/9/9 while leading a surprising Mavs squad into the Playoffs? Seems like the biggest step up to me.

Sixth Man

Tired of Lou Williams winning this award? You may want to look away during this portion. “The Underground GOAT” is not a lock to win, though his name is near the top once again. His teammate, Montrezl Harrell has as good a case as anyone, averaging nearly 18 points to go with seven boards off the pine. An argument could be made that the Clippers would be hurting much more without Harrell as opposed to Williams.

Outside of the Clippers, Dennis Schroder rounds out the likely top three potential winners of the award. Schroder has been a sweet-shooting scorer for an OKC Thunder bench that has been much better than it was expected to be. Shoutout to Goran Dragic and Derrick Rose, though neither are likely candidates to challenge the other three.

Defensive Player of the Year

This is likely another three-horse race, though there are multiple players worth mentioning. Brook Lopez has taken a big step forward as a defensive anchor but is a bit of a one-trick pony with his shot-blocking. Bam Adebayo and Jrue Holiday are more well-rounded but do not have the defensive impact of the following: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Rudy Gobert, Anthony Davis, and Kawhi Leonard.

Remember I said there was a clear top three. I would pull Kawhi “Load Management” Leonard off of this list. While he remains incredibly capable and his defensive rebounding is up, his other numbers are surprisingly pedestrian and he was not a reliable threat until later in the season.

Anthony Davis has always been an excellent shot-blocker, but his all-around effort this season has helped him stand out more than usual as a DPOY candidate. Similarly, Antetokounmpo has been an excellent all-around defender. What gives Giannis a potential edge is his genuine ability to guard all five positions.

As for Gobert, there is a reason he is on a winning streak. Less versatile than Antetokounmpo, Gobert still challenges or alters as many shots as anyone in recent memory.

MVP

Undeniably the most important award, it is going to be a close race once again this year. Last season, it was between Antetokounmpo (who won), LeBron James, and James Harden. This season, the race is nearly identical, though I may insert Luka Doncic into yet another conversation, arguing that he may be even more valuable to the Mavericks than Harden is to the Rockets. This award always makes for fun debates.

Though you could continue on down the list to discuss Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, and Anthony Davis, this race is truly between the Greek Freak and King James.

LeBron James already has four MVP awards under his belt and has been as good as ever, sporting the best assist average in the league. He is able to lean on running-mate, Anthony Davis, which has helped to keep him fresh and as explosive as ever. The Lakers hold the best record in the Western Conference.

The best record in the league, however, belongs to the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis is the best player on the best team, leading the way in scoring, assists, and rebounds. Before a slight falter to end the regular season, they were on pace for a historically great record.

Giannis is an elite defender as well, which might give him an edge over an aging LeBron (though James is still certainly capable). The race will be heavily debated, though Giannis may have a superior case to win the award for the second year in a row.

We will not have the answers for a while, but with seeding games kicking off on Thursday, July 30th, there will be plenty of good play to keep us occupied. Continue to tune in here and on our Twitter and follow along!

(All stats shown from basketball-reference.com)

Players to watch at each position

With NBA hoops returning by the end of the month, we once again line out some players to study by position.

Basketball is almost back, which is great for all types of fans. Even with only 22 of the 30 teams participating in the Orlando bubble, there will be ample talent, as it is all squads in playoff contention. We have outlined player profiles for you before; lists of players to watch and study at each position. We noted current and former hoopers that are excellent examples at their respective positions. Check them out below:

Point Guards | Shooting Guards | Small Forwards | Power Forwards | Centers

The Basketball Movement outlined many players in the above, but we are going to keep it a bit more simple this time around. The players we note below will only be those that are participating in the upcoming seeding rounds, and we will be focusing on players that we had not previously discussed. So, no Trae Young (not playing in Orlando), no James Harden (previously discussed), and so on.

Time to dive in.

Point Guards

Just about every team coming into the Orlando bubble has a solid point guard that has traits young guards can learn from. Perhaps the most exciting is Ja Morant.

The likely Rookie of the Year, Morant receives ample attention for his flashy play and explosive attacks at the rim. However, if you keep an eye on him, you will see that the young PG is fundamentally sounds as well. His footwork, vision, and handle are what will make him a lasting presence in the Association.

Another good PG to watch is Jrue Holiday, who is hoping to be named to an All-NBA defensive team for the third year. Deferring to young stars when he needs to, yet maintaining the killer instinct to close games, Holiday is an all-around point guard that is worthy of your analysis if you want to learn about the highest level of point guard play.

Shooting Guards

There are a few prominent guards that play plenty of point but slide nicely into the shooting guard position. A couple of those to watch in the upcoming Orlando games are Donovan Mitchell and Fred VanVleet. Mitchell works well as a shooting guard because he has the athleticism to guard varying players and the shot to play true SG. VanVleet is no longer a backup PG, but a full-fledged starting SG playing alongside Kyle Lowry.

Plenty of film is out there from VanVleet in last season’s title run for the Raptors. Still, keep an eye on the Wichita State product again this year to learn from his fearless playstyle.

For a straight-up killer shooting guard, look no further than CJ McCollum and Buddy Hield. Both are primed to put on shooting clinics per usual.

Small Forwards

We touched on many small forwards in our previous iteration of these player profiles. One that has come on strong since then is Jayson Tatum. There is still room for improvement in Tatum’s game, but the guy is already averaging 24ppg, so you know he brings plenty to the table. His knack for putting the ball in the hole has improved every season and he is a great one to study for long, athletic forwards.

A pair of other young small forwards to watch out for are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jonathan Isaac. A defensive force all season, Isaac is questionable with an injury, but has entered the bubble with the Magic and may return to teach a thing or two about shot-blocking.

Gilgeous-Alexander may not strictly be a small forward, but that is just because his handles and offensive instincts make him a lethal point guard as well. A breakout player for the Thunder, he will be scoring in bunches in Orlando.

Power Forwards

Somehow, we did not mention Anthony Davis in our previous player profiles. So, let us just say: Anthony. Davis.

You know every Lakers game played will be blasted everywhere, so young power forwards have no excuse to not watch and learn. Anthony Davis is a do-it-all power forward that has stepped up his defensive presence while still dominating in the paint, on the boards, and even from the perimeter.

Another great one to watch going forward is Bam Adebayo for the Heat. Bam has come on in a big way, earning his first All-Star bid this season. He is a devastating athlete but also strives to do the little things that are important in playing winning basketball.

Centers

Here are few underrated guys for you big men to watch: Domantas Sabonis and Brook Lopez.

Sabonis was an All-Star this year, but not by much. His game doesn’t grab you like the biggest name guys, but his tenacity and nose for the ball make him an excellent study for young big men that need to learn to play the right way in the paint.

Brook Lopez is a former All-Star, previously known as an interior scorer. Now, he is a defensive anchor and three-point threat for the top team in the NBA in Milwaukee. One of the NBA block leaders this year, Lopez has stepped up on effort plays while doing an excellent job of knowing when to exit the paint to stretch the floor for the attacking Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Those are just a few examples of excellent players to keep an eye on and learn from during the NBA seeding games and Playoffs. It will certainly be an interesting way to resume the season and you know we will be keeping up and keeping you informed. Check out how these games will look and the schedule here. Stay tuned!

One-on-One with Yazoo Motif

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yazoo Motif at The Basketball Movement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pro-level workouts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Around the NBA: Teams reporting to Orlando bubble

22 teams in Playoff contention are arriving in Orlando this week to have mini-camps, scrimmages, and soon, resume the 2019-20 regular season.

Teams began to arrive in the Orlando “bubble” yesterday and will continue this week until all 22 remaining squads are present and ready to begin training camps and scrimmages. Upon completion of health screenings, players will be allowed to participate in group workouts that will serve as a condensed training camp.

All teams will play in three scrimmage games from July 22nd through the 28th. Then, what is essentially week 22 of the NBA regular season will resume starting the 30th. With fewer games and not all teams in attendance, the NBA is referring to this stretch as “seeding games.”

The final of these seeding games would be any necessary “play-in” games between close 8 and 9 seeds, which would take place August 15th and 16th. The Playoffs begin August 17th and will be a typical slate of 16 teams divided by conference, all playing best-of-seven series until the Finals, which would conclude no later than October 13th.

Though all the above dates are clear, the country is still in a fluid pandemic state amidst the coronavirus (covid-19) issues. Several players have already opted out due to illness, the possibility of illness, or fear of infecting loved ones. At this time, most of the impact players that have announced they will not be attending are doing so due to injury/rehab concerns such as Bradley Beal and Victor Oladipo.

So, it is unclear whether or not the above plan will go on without issue. Continuous health screening and safety measures will be firmly set in place. Players (or faculty and staff) in Orlando that are diagnosed with covid-19 will be removed from the bubble and must quarantine for a minimum of two weeks while the team plays its schedule as normal.

For additional details concerning this return to play, check out the info here at NBA.com

Undoubtedly, this will be an NBA Playoffs to remember. We can only hope that all involved remain healthy and safe. Things may not continue as planned, but we appreciate the opportunity to watch some top-level hoops once again. For continued coverage, keep it locked here and follow along with us on Twitter.

Ania Bracken - Xclusive Apparal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One-on-One with Big Guard

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Big Guard at The Basketball Movement

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s next for Big Guard?

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

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

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

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

Appreciation - The Basketball Movement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

College commitments continue despite recruitment difficulty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Knocking off rust

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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