2020 Invitational Slam Dunk Contest

Another first for The Basketball Movement Invitational - an official dunk contest takes place tonight!

What goes up will come down strong as we kick off The Basketball Movement 2020 in epic fashion tonight with our first official Slam Dunk Contest. We always have high fliers and we let them strut their stuff a bit last year. This time around, there will be an official contest to highlight one of the game’s most exciting aspects.

Names such as Tyrese Hunter, Jonathan Dunn, Trevon Brazil, Logan Applegate, and Jeffery Brazziel are a few we expect to see taking flight. We suspect a few more may throw their hat in the ring as well.

The format will be laid out for participants tonight. There will be a panel of judges that will include a special guest judge - Indiana Pacers Forward, Alize Johnson.

Expect all the action to be blasted on our Instagram first, but do not neglect our Twitter as there will also be special shoutouts and notes from not only the contest but all of the action all weekend. The games are where the real fireworks happen, but the Dunk Contest and Three-Point Contest will kick things off in a more explosive style than ever before.

We are pumped to see what these special athletes come up with. Planned slams or mid-air creativity - not many things in sports can compete with witnessing a graceful or powerful slam.

Stay tuned for all the action!

The Basketball Movement Invitational Three Point Contest

Friday night of The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020 will see the camp’s first three-point contest.

As if an official dunk contest was not enough, The Basketball Movement Invitational will start the upcoming weekend with a bang, having its first Three-Point Contest Friday night. Slated for approximately 7:30 on the first night of action, a three-point competition will be a fun way to ease into the competitive atmosphere the camp is famous for.

The contest will mirror a typical NBA three-point contest (hold some of the gimmicks from the most recent All-Star event). There will be five racks of five balls and only 60 seconds for competitors to make their way around the arc. Players must exhaust the ball racks in order before moving on to the next shooting location.

Each made basket will be worth one point, save for the final ball of each rack - those will be “money balls,” worth two points. This means there will be 25 balls and a maximum of 34 points will be possible. In the event of a tie, 30-second rounds will be played as tiebreakers.

The top three performers will compete once more in a championship round. The winner earns respect, a champion title, and the right to talk smack for the rest of the weekend. Trust us, smack talk ammo will come in handy as the weekend heats up.

Below are the players set to compete in the three-point contest on Friday:

Zach Howell
Isaac Haney
Danilo Jovanovich
David Hill
Keshon Gilbert
Anton Brookshire
Jackson Paveletzke
Drew McMillin
Damien Mayo Jr.
Cam Liggins
Jordan Nesbitt
Andrew Robinson

This year’s Invitational is absolutely loaded with shooters. We could not squeeze everyone into one contest. For those players that are confident that they were snubbed - we are excited to give you an opportunity to prove it on the court all weekend long. The real action comes in the games, so everyone gets their chance. Let’s light it up this weekend.

Invitational matchups to watch for

Robert Yanders has highlighted eight potential matchups to watch for at The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020.

The Invitational maybe a camp, but at its core, fierce competition and showcase-style game action is what it is all about. Year after year, we see ferocious matchups born out of elite players from all over going head to head. 2020 will be no different, with more talent than we have ever assembled coming together to test their mettle.

In speaking with The Basketball Movement’s Rob Yanders, he pointed out a few potential matchups that should be a feast for basketball connoisseurs. He pointed out eight to start, but we will be highlighting more in the very near future.

Here are a few of the matchups we are excited to see at The Basketball Movement Invitational this weekend:

David Joplin vs. Tarris Reed

Already committed to Texas, 6’7” David Joplin is a problem. With the ability to finish strong or soft, inside or out, and erase opponents’ shots at the rim, Joplin has the tools necessary to be Invitational MVP. A great matchup for Joplin is Tarris Reed, a 6’10” 2022 player with star potential. Reed has the tools to be a defensive force and the size to go up and over defenders with devastating results.

Keshon Gilbert vs. Anton Brookshire

6’3” guard, Keshon Gilbert is a special kind of player. The UNLV commit is someone that you cannot afford to lose on defense - he has the quickness, handles, and ability to finish from anywhere on the floor and make defenders look silly. Mizzou commit Anton Brookshire is similarly lethal. Brookshire keeps the ball on a string and has NBA range, an untouchable mid-range game, and has a knack for putting defenders on skates, which we saw on display last year.

Kobe Johnson vs. Nicholas Kern

Kobe! Kobe Johnson is a 6’5” USC commit with a grown man game. A willing defender with springy athleticism, Johnson has great basketball instincts and can be as dangerous distributing as scoring. Vashon standout, Nick Kern has the length and skill to match Johnson. Last year’s Invitational MVP, now Kentucky Wildcat Cam’Ron Fletcher drew a lot of attention for Vashon. Everyone that showed up to those games walked away impressed by Kern as well. He has game-script flipping potential on both sides due to his length and knack for getting to the rim.

Tyrese Hunter vs. Isaac Haney

Iowa State commit, Tyrese Hunter gets buckets. Missouri State commit, Isaac Haney gets buckets. Honestly, this matchup just comes down to who is gonna get the most buckets? Hunter has exceptional athleticism and basketball IQ. Haney has one of the prettiest jumpers in high school hoops and a knack for getting his shot anywhere he wants it on the floor. This could be fireworks.

Trevon Brazile vs. Jordan Nesbitt

6’8” Mizzou commit, Trevon Brazile vs. anyone would be a show. Growing around six inches in the last year, Brazile maintained his athleticism and ball skills to become one of the most devastating rim runners we will have at The Invitational. If anyone can match Brazile’s length and athleticism, it’s St. Louis’ own Jordan Nesbitt. The Memphis commit’s ability to stretch the floor makes his well-rounded game another one to watch for in The Invitational’s MVP race.

Seth Trimble vs. Damien Mayo Jr.

2022 guard, Seth Trimble is a standout from Phenom-U’s Team Herro that has all the traits you want in a floor general. Patience, a feathery touch, and a sick cross mean defenders can be in trouble before they even realize it. Chaminade’s Damien Mayo Jr. plays a more aggressive style of guard. Mayo Jr. attacks with confidence - confidence that is well-founded. His bunnies and handle alone should make defenders very, very nervous.

Kanon Gipson vs. Jackson Paveletzke

Two players that rely on a deep bag, Kanon Gipson and Jackson Paveletzke can both make you double-take when looking at the stat sheet once the final buzzer sounds. Yanders says Gipson has “great promise and has been playing well recently.” Yanders says he has gotten stronger and is one to watch as he considers reclassifying this season. Paveletzke is another Team Herro scorer that can rain from deep or catch you off guard and take it to the hole.

Jeffery Brazziel vs. Trevon Love

A mature 2022 player, Jeffery Brazziel is a 6’5” guard with a high basketball IQ and a nice lefty stroke. He can change gears in a hurry and has developed a strong above and below the rim game. Trevon Love is another Vashon hooper with a high ceiling. All Love needs is a platform to raise his stock in a hurry - this is the perfect chance and we are excited to see him match up with players like Brazziel.

Check back again soon for more big-time matchups to keep an eye on this weekend at The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020!

Antonio Curro at The Basketball Movement Invitational

The Basketball Movement Invitational Camp will be more than a hub for elite players in 2020, with professional-level spectators in attendance such as Antonio Curro.

National media brands, NBA talent, and big names in the grassroots world will be in attendance this year for The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020. For years, the level of players has been climbing at Robert Yanders’ annual elite camp for high school boys. That continues this year, with big names from around the sport taking notice.

Antonio Curro, National Recruiting Editor of NY2LA, is one big wheel in the basketball world that we are excited to welcome to The Basketball Movement. Curro is the Founder & Director of Basketball Scouting and Grassroots Basketball Platform Initiatives for NY2LA Sports based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

“Antonio Curro is truly an NBA-caliber guy,” says Rob Yanders. “He evaluates all levels of talent around the country and we are so excited he is coming to our facility.” The Basketball Movement Invitational draws multiple athletes from the Yanders Law AAU program, which plays in the NY2LA grassroots hoops leagues. This year, Yanders extended invites to a few members of Phenom University - Team Herro and Indy Premier, both of which also participate in NY2LA leagues.

Curro has worked with multiple top 100 players across the country. Several players have hit the NBA scene that he has mentored. It comes as no surprise that sources have told The Basketball Movement that Curro is highly sought after by NBA organizations.

We are honored to have Antonio Curro come to our facility to observe our Invitational Camp. The Basketball Movement Invitational is one of our favorite events of the year and 2020 should be the best one to date. Stay tuned as we continue filling you in on the happenings leading into the start of the action Friday the 16th.

The Invitational - Rounding out the invites

With The Basketball Movement Invitational drawing closer, Rob Yanders has put out a list of invitees not previously mentioned.

Robert Yanders is the mastermind behind everything that goes on at The Basketball Movement. So, when it comes time for The Basketball Movement Invitational Camp, all invites go through Rob. We call it a camp, but the reality is that it is much more than that.

The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020 is designed to bring together elite high school talent. Everything happens in a camp atmosphere, with drills and fundamentals being paramount through much of the day. During the evenings, it becomes a showcase of what it is that got these young men invited. Tournament-style games will be played pitting fierce competitors against each other. We will be pumping out media of the whole thing.

Keep scrolling through our blog to see who has already been announced as invitees. Below are most of the names that we had not previously mentioned. The list is still subject to additions, so if you do not see your name but have been invited to compete, it is up to you to make that name for yourself and earn a shoutout.

Here we go.

  • Xavier Sykes
  • Brennan Watkins
  • Taj Manning
  • Roddy Alexander
  • Ryan Kalkbrenner
  • Grishham Aleshire
  • Jeffery Brazziel
  • Stevie Strong
  • Andrew Dalton
  • Liam O’reilly
  • Grant Harper
  • David Joplin
  • Jack Johnson
  • Sterling Chapman
  • Lonell Lane
  • Christian Sanson
  • Dekwon Brown
  • Isaiah Green
  • Jordan Woods
  • Davione Doty
  • Andrew Robinson
  • Gabe Sisk
  • Maker Bar
  • Trevor Love
  • Kennard Davis
  • Jordan Williams
  • Barry Howard
  • Cameron Stovall
  • Damien Mayo
  • Robert Lewis
  • Amari Jenkins
  • Danilo Jovanovich
  • Andrew Rohde
  • Jackson Paveletzke
  • Donovan Short
  • Jake Martin
  • Carter Harrell

There you have it! Again, there are still some invites floating out, so do not be discouraged if you have not seen your name on our lists. If you think you deserve an invite, shoot an email to basketballmovement@yahoo.com or DM us or Rob on Instagram. Do it quickly though - we are getting this thing wrapped up.

The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020 is October 16-18th. Over the next week, we will be flashing back to some of the action from 2019 and prepping you for what to expect from our bigger, better 2020 event. Stay tuned and get ready for some of the most elite high school hoops action in the country.

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.