NCAA: Year-end update

As 2020 comes to a close, The Basketball Movement gives a quick rundown of the state of NCAA hoops.

College basketball is in full swing, despite a year of uncertainty amidst the national COVID-19 pandemic. Conferences and teams set out on the paths they deemed best and, for the most part, things have been sailing fairly smoothly to this point.

Top teams around the country have started testing their mettle against one another, so we are able to draw some early conclusions. Meaningful games mean standings and rankings are popping up. Below is the AP rankings for men’s hoops as of December 8th:

1. Gonzaga
2. Baylor
3. Kansas
4. Villanova
5. Houston
6. Wisconsin
7. Tennessee
8. Texas
9. West Virginia
10. Iowa
11. Creighton
12. Missouri
13. Texas Tech
14. Rutgers
15. Illinois
16. Michigan
17. Michigan State
18. Florida State
19. Northwestern
20. Duke
21. Oregon
22. Minnesota
23. Virginia
24. Virginia Tech
25. Ohio State

Gonzaga is the runaway leader so far. Baylor is the only team other than the Bulldogs to have garnered any first-place votes from the Associated Press. It is early, but to have such a clear standout at any point in the NCAA season is a bit unusual. They have easily handled some great squads so far this season and will remain an interesting team to watch for the remainder.

The Big 10 boasts nine teams in the top 25, which is wild as well. While that number is staggering, the Big 12’s five teams on the poll may represent the most impressive collection of talent with Baylor, Kansas, Texas, West Virginia, and Texas Tech all in the top 13.

Missouri is not going anywhere, hanging just outside the top ten while their SEC rival, Tennessee sits at seven. Duke is currently number 20, while North Carolina has been removed following a loss to NC State.

NCAAW

In women’s college hoops, the top headline recently was Duke canceling their season. These are strange times and it will be interesting to see if any other schools follow suit.

The top five teams early are Stanford, Louisville, NC State, UCONN, and South Carolina. So, no real surprises early. Several conferences have yet to begin interconference play, so expect full rankings soon. The Pac-12 has started and is looking strong with Arizona and Oregon joining Stanford in the top 10, with UCLA knocking on the door.

The Missouri State Lady Bears are currently ranked number 24 and will start their conference play early in 2021.

That is as brief as we can keep an update about a nation’s worth of college hoops! Keep checking back for updates on the NCAA, professional ball, local stuff, and all the basketball movement around the world.

2020 Angels of the Hardwood

Another year, another successful Angels of the Hardwood event from Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement.

Angels of the Hardwood is an event that highlights the giving season, presenting Yanders Law athletes with an opportunity to give back to their community. In previous years, the only challenge has been wanting to do even more for the children than we were already doing. As you may expect in 2020, additional challenges faced the event.

Luckily for The Basketball Movement and Yanders Law (and the kids), Robert Yanders guided the ship as though the obstacles were not even there, masking up and delivering a unique and fulfilling experience.

“This was one of the hardest years our country has had in a long time,” Yanders says. “The focus should be on the future, the children. We were able to highlight that today.”

The Boys and girls Club hosted the event this year. Masks were worn and drive-up options were utilized for many families to make sure Christmas came for kids that may not have had it otherwise.

Rob points out that it took a lot to get the event done, but thanks to sponsors and the Boys and Girls Club, the right people were in place to make it happen. “Thank you to the Boys and Girls Club,” Yanders says. “They share our view that this is bigger than us. The kids were all very happy.”

Shoes, apparel, basketballs, and presents were handed out throughout the event and the smiles did not stop for the children receiving them OR the Yanders Law family doing the giving. Yanders always speaks on finding yourself through the service of others. He believes that happened for many #LawNation hoopers.

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“I am super proud of our players,” Yanders says. “They understand the importance of loving others more than themselves and that shined through.”

Yanders continues by saying he is already excited for next year and the next opportunity to bring more smiles to the community - especially when it comes to children. Thank you as always to our sponsors, athletes and their families, and the Boys and Girls Club for another successful event. See you next year!

Around the NBA: 2020-21 NBA Season Preview

After the shortest offseason in pro sports history, an NBA season unlike any other is set to begin.

Coming off of a successful “bubble” experiment, with NBA teams in playoff contention duking it out for a title, the Association is already back. With the Miami Heat and Champion Los Angeles Lakers only getting 71 days of rest, there was not much time to squeeze in a draft, free agency, and preseason. Anyone who doubted the NBA’s ability to pull that off must have missed how things went in Orlando.

Teams that did not make the cut for the bubble have had something like 280 days off, so the stark contrast will make for an interesting dynamic. All 30 teams will be back in action soon, with the 2020-21 season tipping off Tuesday, December 22nd.

Starting months later than usual, each team will only play 72 games instead of 82. There will be a few more back-to-backs for teams, which the league previously tried to avoid. Another difference this season will be the addition of a play-in series for 8th and 9th seeded teams in each conference ahead of the playoffs. This was a fun addition in the bubble and should carry over nicely to a “normal” season.

Eastern Conference

The Miami Heat scrapped their way to the title of Eastern Conference Champions in Orlando, falling to LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ LA Lakers. Does this mean that they remain the team to beat out east?

Miami did not make many notable offseason moves, swapping a few role players while maintaining their top talent. Tyler Herro, Kendrick Nunn, and Bam Adebayo have now amassed plenty of experience through the Finals run to add to the existing veteran savvy. However, it may still be difficult to pick them to come out on top again.

The Milwaukee Bucks were on a historic pace through much of last season. They stumbled a bit into the hiatus and never looked quite as elite in the playoffs. They did not make as many offseason moves as they wanted, but did swap Eric Bledsoe, a great undersized defender, for Jrue Holiday, a great defender that brings a clutch gene and is capable of creating on offense in ways Bledsoe was not. Their number one move was easily inking back-to-back MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo to a five-year deal.

One of the biggest mysteries going into the 2020-21 season is exactly how good the Brooklyn Nets will be. Kevin Durant is returning from multiple injuries and Kyrie Irving is healthy after playing only 20 games a season ago. They join a solid cast of role players, though Caris Lavert and Spencer Dinwiddie must adjust to playing off the ball. The Nets have also hired first-year head coach, Steve Nash as well as assistants, Amare Stoudamire and Mike D’Antoni.

The ceiling for Brooklyn is sky-high. If the team can remain healthy and have a cohesive regular season, they could leapfrog the best teams in the east. As high as that ceiling is, the basement is ugly. In addition to injury concerns, Durant and Irving have both established reputations for burning bridges and… well, being strange dudes. This could end in a trip to the Finals just as easily as it could everyone asking to be traded.

In addition to these three teams, three others have a legitimate chance to represent the East in the NBA Finals. The Boston Celtics looked like the best team to challenge the Lakers in the 2020 Playoffs, but they could not match Miami’s toughness. With every season that Jayson Tatum and Jalen Brown get under their belt, they get that much more frightening.

Kemba Walker will miss time to start the season and Gordon Hayward has departed. Even so, Boston has the hunger and talent to challenge anyone.

Unfortunately for Philadelphia fans, the 76ers and their “process” continue to disappoint. Expectations have been high the last multiple seasons as young All-Stars, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons flash dominance. Inconsistency has been an issue as well as outside shooting to balance Ben Simmons’ need to operate in the paint. The Sixers lost Al Horford but did add shooting this offseason. The talent here begs that they be mentioned, but the team still has plenty to prove.

Now a season removed from their Kawhi Leonard-aided Championship, Toronto (Tampa this year, as Canada has COVID restriction too stringent for an NBA team to overcome) retains much of their championship core, but are leaning heavily on the continued development of first-time All-Star Pascal Siakam. The Lowry/VanVleet backcourt is solid, but Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka are out, leaving a thin frontcourt. If other players like OG Anunoby and Chris Boucher can step up, they will still be a solid squad.

That does it for the contenders. There are several teams that will be fun to watch, such as the Atlanta Hawks who made several improvements. Russell Westbrook was traded by Houston to the Wizards for John Wall, and will certainly bring an interesting edge to the team. Victor Oladipo is back for the Pacers. Charlotte drafted the flashy LaMelo Ball and signed Gordan Hayward for way too much money. The Magic will be below average again. The Bulls, Knicks, Pistons, and Cavaliers will be bad. LET’S HEAD WEST.

Western Conference

The team to beat is the Los Angeles Lakers. Not just in the Western Conference, but in the entire NBA. The reigning champs were the best team last season and made offseason moves that made them even better this year. LeBron James is an ageless basketball mastermind that fills every imaginable role on the floor. Anthony Davis is in his prime and has become as disruptive on defense as he is dominant on offense.

Depth was a concern last year, but LA solved that in a hurry this offseason by signing the two best sixth men from a season ago, Montrezl Harrell and Dennis Schroder. Kyle Kuzma was not great last year and will surely improve, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope proved he can be championship caliber, and if the defense holds, they can certainly win King James another one.

Poor Clippers. Favored by many, the Clippers bombed like all Clippers teams before them, surrendering a 3-1 lead over Denver and looking hapless on their way to a semi-finals exit. Paul George is an elite two-way player but went absolutely ice cold in the playoffs. LA will need him to shake it off in a big way if they are able to reach their potential, which is still high.

Kawhi Leonard has done enough in his career to prove that he is one of the best players in the world. Though they lost Montrezl Harrell, they still have a walking bucket, Lou Williams, and enough of a solid supporting cast to fall in as the second-best team in the west.

Though the Denver Nuggets never seem to be able to take the last few steps it takes to reach the top, they have been and will remain a good team. This year, they may finally have what it takes to surprise some people and make a Finals appearance. The X-factor to make this happen is 22 years old, Michael Porter Jr., who should finally be unleashed.

Nikola Jokic is an established star. Jamal Murray proved in the bubble that he is a star as well. If the Nuggets prove that they can hang on the defensive end in addition to their potent offensive attack, they can be great.

Houston is likely the biggest question mark out west, with James Harden voicing his desire to leave. He finally showed up to camp and played a preseason game, but things have to be awkward. The reunion of Kentucky Wildcats John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins is fun, but if Harden bolts, the Rockets instantly become a much worse team.

The next couple of teams are ones in which we know what we are getting. The Utah Jazz will be good again, but probably not good enough to disrupt the ones at the top. Donovan Mitchell makes the offense churn and Rudy Gobert handles the defense, but is that enough?

Damien Lillard continues to blaze brightly in Portland and with running mate CJ McCollum and a healthy Jusef Nurkic, they will be a playoff team again. Unfortunately, their defense could not keep up with the offense last year. The addition of Robert Covington may help, but Ariza and Whiteside are gone.

You could say that we know what we are getting with the Dallas Mavericks. The sweet-shooting Seth Curry is out and the versatile Josh Richardson is in; otherwise, the team is largely the same. What we do not know is just how far a more experienced Luka Doncic can take a team. With a full(ish) year of being paired with Kristaps Porzingis during a near MVP level campaign, Doncic may take even another step this year. KP will be out to start the year for the Mavs, but later in the season, there is contender potential.

The Golden State Warriors deserve a mention here, though their championship hopes were likely dashed with the news that Klay Thompson suffered another season-ending injury while working out a few weeks ago. Steph Curry, Draymond Green, rookie James Wiseman, and a now experienced supporting cast could be enough to get into the playoffs.

As usual, the Western Conference is generally stronger than the East, so we will hit on a few more teams.

The Phoenix Suns have paired Chirs Paul with Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton in hopes that the capable roster can produce the consistent focus and effort necessary to become a playoff team.

A healthy, unrestricted Zion Williamson is great news for the New Orleans Pelicans and basketball fans everywhere. The young squad will vie for a playoff spot but maybe hard-pressed with such young pieces.

The Memphis Grizzlies are in a similar position. The tools are there for Ja Morant and his young team to make noise and insert themselves into the playoffs, but is there enough experience to pose a true threat to other teams? Likely not this year.

A dropoff happens here that leads us to the Timberwolves, Spurs, Kings, and Thunder. None of these teams currently have enough pieces to make the playoffs, though OKC has enough picks to draft themselves a brand new team or two, so look out for the future.

If you made it this far, you must be a true basketball junkie. We are in for a blast of a season, but it will not be without challenges as life must now take place outside of the Orlando bubble. We can preview all we want, but no one truly knows what will happen until the players hit the hardwood.

That is why you have to tune in! We will be tuned in too, so keep checking back to keep up with what goes on Around the NBA.

Highlights on The Basketball Movement Instagram

The Basketball Movement has been tracking some of the top high school talent in Southwest Missouri and cranking out highlights.

Working out with The Basketball Movement has multiple immediate benefits. Our trainers are equipped to offer some of the best skill development work in this part of the country. Beyond that, the establishment of mental toughness is a benefit that trickles down from the top, where Rob Yanders’ competitive fire shines on all that step foot on our courts.

Another benefit that is unique to our region is that once an athlete is all-in with us, so are we all in with the athlete, offering media exposure and intangible benefits that aid players in their playing career. Look good, feel good, and show others what you can do.

This has been a year unlike any other in recent memory, offering hurdles not only for players but for scouts and media teams. Gaining exposure has been more difficult, and The Basketball Movement is dedicated to helping its athletes shine through the difficult circumstances.

Our Instagram has recently been largely dedicated to spotlighting many high school athletes that work with The Basketball Movement. It is no coincidence that many such athletes are also among the very best around.

Creating these highlight videos has been a fun way to help these athletes out as they focus on school ball and continuing to make names for themselves.

Playing for their high school teams and keeping up with school makes for full-time schedules - we are proud of all the athletes we highlight as their dedication and improvement surface on a daily basis. Shoutout especially to the ones that make time to come see us and continue taking strides to be the best players on the court.

Follow us on Instagram for a steady dose of highlights from some of the area’s top prospects. Naturally, there is plenty more where these clips come from, as Rob Yanders drops workout quick hits, behind-the-scenes work, and glimpses inside The Basketball Movement; modeled after professional facilities.

The movement is going strong and we hope you join us on the ride.

Angels of the Hardwood from Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement

Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement are teaming up again to bring Angels of the Hardwood to the local community.

This year will mark the third annual Angels of the Hardwood event put on by the Yanders Law Basketball program and its players. Yanders Law will be partnering with the five local Boys & Girls Clubs around Springfield and the surrounding area. The goal of this absolutely free event is to make a difference in the lives of children and let them know that people care.

During the Angels of the Hardwood event, over 100 pairs of Nike shoes will be given to those in need as well as Nike shirts, basketballs, Christmas gifts, coats, and more. This year, the entire event will take place at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield - Stalnaker Unit 1410 N Fremont Ave Boys & Girls Club.

Angels of the Hardwood is an idea by Rob Yanders, born out of a desire to give back to the community using the platform of basketball as a vehicle to assist in his efforts. Rob has explained that our players and coaches should understand the privilege of playing the game of basketball, the game we love. This privilege can be utilized as a platform to reach others - either through inspiration or acts of service. Angels of the Hardwood helps create the next generation of leaders by teaching our players to have compassion, character, and love for everyone. The most important lesson is to be valuable to others and give help to the less fortunate.

There is no greater way to find yourself than through service for others. Angels of the Hardwood will show the boys and girls of Yanders Law the importance of selflessness and teach them about character, humility, and integrity.
— Rob Yanders

The players involved in this free program must understand that the giving season does not come about through a red-suited man in a sleigh. Behind all of that are good, real people, working hard to be able to provide for their family and friends. There is a joy to be found in giving, and the Yanders Law program wants players to get to experience that.

Due to COVID-19 this year, we will be taking extreme caution with this event. We will be having a drive-by and pick-up situation with the possibility of drop-offs to homes of families. We take COVID-19 very seriously, but we must continue serving others the best way possible.

Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

Yanders Law Owner, Rob Yanders reflected back on his time growing up in Milwaukee and what programs like the Boys & Girls Club meant to him and his family. “Growing up, I remember how much I looked forward to after-school programs at Salvation Army, YMCA, and Boys and Girls Club. Basketball meant so much because it was an escape. It could take your mind off a missed meal or troubles at home. It was a chance to make friends and an opportunity to be a part of something. That’s what motivates me to give back.”

The Yanders Law Basketball program is excited to continue this opportunity to be a teammate for their community. Sunday, December 20th, 2020 will be the third Angels of the Hardwood event and we doubt it will be the last.

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Follow Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement wherever possible to learn more about initiatives like this as well as some of the best basketball training and development available in the Midwest.

Stamp of Approval - Isaac Haney

We are back with another The Basketball Movement Stamp of Approval, this time for Isaac Haney.

For only being a senior at Kickapoo High, Isaac Haney has been tearing up basketball courts for a long time already. His fierce determination to win, willingness to work on his game, and on-and-off court tenacity have earned him The Basketball Movement Stamp of Approval from Rob Yanders.

The former Missouri Class 1 Player of the Year at Dora, Haney is now at class 5 Kickapoo and proving that he belongs. Anyone that has seen him in action, with Yanders Law or otherwise, is not surprised. Now, Haney has officially signed on to become a Missouri State Bear.

“It feels really great,” Haney tells The Basketball Movement about becoming a Bear. “A lot of my life has gone into the game of basketball. I’ve had a lot of people in my life behind me - helping and supporting. I don’t think that it’s the end, it’s definitely far from the end for me, but it did feel like 15 years of my life coming to a point where I could look back and be thankful.”

Asked about what made him gravitate towards MSU hoops, Isaac says that being close allowed him to watch them and get a feel for their style of play. “The location is great for me with my parents living in Springfield now and the rest of my family in West Plains,” Haney says. “Also something I was looking into studying was business - Missouri State has an amazing business department.”

“I’ve been talking with Coach Rob (Yanders) about what the college basketball atmosphere is like and I can see how some of my workouts with him have changed,” Haney says. “He has done an excellent job of preparing me for the transition of that little kid stage of high school basketball to what I have to do to be effective at the next level.”

When asked what will make him a valuable player for MSU, Isaac said that he believed confidence translates to any level of the game of basketball. “Anytime that you have a kid that can step on the floor and bring a calm and confidence to the team that you can win anytime you’re on the floor, I feel like I can translate that anywhere I am.”

“Also, I’ve won at any level I’ve been at,” Haney continues. “Just competing and bringing a competitive edge as soon as I step in the doors is something that I’ll bring to the team.”

That competitive edge is what Isaac considers to be his biggest takeaway from his time at The Basketball Movement. “I found my competitive edge here,” Haney says. “I can attribute a couple of my workouts when I was younger, working out with Anton (Brookshire), we had some competitive workouts - something that tuned my mindset, conversations with Rob that have tuned my mindset, figuring out what it takes to be mentally tough to the point of having a mental edge over other players.”

“I think The Basketball Movement has prepared my mentality just as much as it has prepared my physical basketball game.”

To Coach Rob Yanders and The Basketball Movement trainers, Haney had one simple thing to say: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” He says that Coach Rob likely does not even realize how much of his confidence stems from the work and belief he put into him.

“All the other guys here that may go unnoticed, even guys that have moved on,” Haney continued. “The coaches here bring the energy every single day. Anytime you came in here and maybe didn’t feel like going hard, they made sure that you did. I can honestly say that even if I wanted to cheat myself, the coaches here made sure that I didn’t.”

From the other side, we at The Basketball Movement can confidently say that Isaac Haney would not have cheated himself with or without us watching. He is a tireless worker and someone you certainly want on your side from the opening tip. That is why he has earned our Stamp of Approval.

Good luck to Isaac as he finishes his senior season and eyes new beginnings playing D1 hoops for Missouri State University. We are fortunate to have our name attached to you on your journey.

Stamped.

Approved.

Stamp of Approval - Anton Brookshire

Robert Yanders gives The Basketball Movement Stamp of Approval to Mizzou signee, Anton Brookshire.

The Basketball Movement Stamp of Approval signifies that a player has been tested and proven at our facility and is ready for the next level, whatever that may be for them. For Kickapoo High senior and Yanders Law alumni Anton Brookshire, that means D1 hoops at the University of Missouri.

Brookshire earned his Stamp of Approval with his relentless work ethic over many years, as well as his proven commitment to striving for greatness. The Basketball Movement Writer, Wil Harrington caught up with Brookshire in the midst of a busy senior season.

When asked about officially signing with Mizzou, Brookshire said that it meant a lot for multiple reasons. “Inking with Mizzou meant a lot because I always wanted to go to college first off,” Brookshire says. “Signing with a school that’s in the SEC but also close to home is a big deal to me. Just being able to be close and have family go to games, maintaining my support system; it’s a blessing.”

“The coaching staff there, the facility, everything about it, I fell in love with”

Asked how confident he was about being ready for D1 hoops, Anton’s response was not surprising. “I’m very confident actually,” Brookshire says. “I still have stuff I can work on, but I am super ready to go and have prepared a lot.”

Brookshire will not be headed to Columbia alone as fellow Yanders Law and Kickapoo teammate, Trevon Brazile has signed with the Tigers as well. “It means a lot,” Brookshire says. “Trevon’s a great guy and he works hard. Knowing that he’ll be going to the next level with me is good news.”

Having been around The Basketball Movement since fifth grade, Anton had plenty to say about how the facility and trainers have contributed to his dream of playing college hoops and beyond. “The Basketball Movement has helped me a lot as far as my skill development, gaining publicity, and being around great guys and in a great atmosphere,” Brookshire says.

“The coaching staff is great,” Brookshire continues. “I give them a lot of credit and I appreciate them. Those guys help me and always tell me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear. As far as my Uncle Rob (Yanders), I appreciate him for developing me into the man I am today. Also for just pushing me to be the best I can be.”

The Basketball Movement Stamp of Approval means that Anton is certified not only as a relentlessly hard worker on the court but also as someone who displays our values off the court. His dedication to his craft will undoubtedly serve him well at Mizzou. As he continues his trajectory, it will likely serve him well in the pros as well.

Stamped.

Approved.

Around the NBA: 2020 NBA Draft recap

Ahead of an unusual NBA season that starts in just over a month, the 2020 NBA Draft was held last night.

If you think the NBA Draft happening in November seems off, you would definitely be correct. Normally the regular season would be underway by now. With the long hiatus that halted last season for six months before resuming with the seeding games and Playoffs of the Orlando Bubble, things did not end until October.

This will be the shortest offseason in US professional sports history; the Miami Heat and Champion LA Lakers only get 71 days off, not including training camps. Those that did not make the bubble requirements on the other hand will have been off for roughly 258 days.

All this to say the 2020 NBA Draft was squeezed into this tight window at an unusual time of year. With a month to prepare, these incoming rookies will need to learn quickly.

Dust is still settling as many draft-night trades are still being finalized. Of the 60 players drafted, over 20 of those players landed on different teams due to trades. While this is a roller coaster night for these young men, it is undeniable that many lives were changed for the better as dreams were achieved.

The full official draft board is below, though it does not reflect the trades. The first trade occurred with the 16th pick.

Though you never truly know which players will rise to the top of a draft class, there was a consensus that the top three players all possessed elite potential, just at different positions. Anthony Edwards is a freak athlete and will come in with a pro game from day one.

James Wiseman fills the center role for the Warriors with a great inside game, the ability to run the floor, and the potential to be an impactful pro rim protector. LaMelo Ball may be the most talented player in the draft, though he has plenty to prove on defense and with his long-distance consistency. No reason he cannot be an elite distributor immediately.

Last night, LaMelo Ball being drafted three meant it was the first time brothers (Lonzo Ball, second overall in 2017) were both drafted in the top five.

As we mentioned, the cream of the crop will rise to the top in time, so we will see where the real steals occurred. Patrick Williams at four and the explosive Isaac Okoro at five will immediately become impact players. Obi Toppin will get plenty of run with the Knicks and establish a highlight reel early. Deni Avdija will open eyes in Washington as a bit of a sleeper, even at nine overall.

Tyrese Haliburton, Cole Anthony, Isaiah Stewart, and Tyrese Maxey are a few more high potential names to remember.

As far as other notable trades that have been going on, there are a few too many to keep track of in this short blog! Chris Paul to Phoenix is the biggest move so far, with the OKC Thunder cashing in most of their new assets for even more future draft picks.

Dennis Schroder is off to the Lakers, with the Thunder flipping Danny Green for Al Horford and a couple of the 76ers picks. The Bucks are making moves in an attempt to entice Giannis Antetokounmpo to stay. They sold the farm to get Jrue Holiday from New Orleans. Milwaukee also thought they were getting Bogdan Bogdanovic from Sacramento, but he has since opted to become a free agent.

Unfortunately, the biggest news trending now is that Klay Thompson tore his other ACL and will miss the upcoming season. The good news is that he is expected to make a full recovery.

That is it for now, but the new 72 game season is right around the corner, slated to begin December 21st. Merry Christmas to all! Stay tuned for more basketball news, tips, and updates on all the movement!

School choice, rankings, and labels

Player rankings, which schools they play for, and labels assigned to them are all trivial once the game clock starts.

Sports fans are all familiar with player rankings. They happen professionally all the time. College players get ranked as the draft approaches and teams get ranked ahead of the big dance. In high school, top national players get ranked as they near college age.

For those high school players, they are also judged by the number of scholarship offers and the perceived quality of those programs. Many players garner labels such as skinny, shooter, weak defender, low post player, headcase, pass-first, and so on.

How much do all of these judgments and perceptions actually matter? Glad you asked.

The answer is very little. We cannot say “not at all” because that is not true. Scouts have to have labels to do their best at finding top recruits. Schools like Duke and Kentucky have earned the right to be more respected basketball programs than most. However, what really matters is what happens when the ball goes up and the game clock starts.

At The Basketball Movement Invitational that we recently hosted, we had several nationally ranked players such as Anton Brookshire, Tyrese Hunter, and Jordan Nesbitt. As Rob Yanders pointed out in his opening address, we do not care about your rankings or scholarships. The players that belong among the elite must prove it on the court.

Rankings are fun, but at the end of the day, the players that are best equipped to move on to the next level will do so. The physically gifted may get a head start, but hard work is the biggest separator in our eyes when it comes to how we “rank” athletes.

Players, please do your best to not sweat these things. If anything, use it for fuel. It seems that in every pro game, there are impact players being pointed out as being from small schools or undrafted. These recent NBA Finals featured a former Division III athlete in Duncan Robinson.

It does not matter where you come from, but how you intend to get where you are going. Go light it up at a small school. Be the hardest working player in a gym of highly ranked players. Shed your labels and prove you are the player you know you are.

As always, we can help. Hit us up at basketballmovement@yahoo to get with a trainer and make it happen.

Training at The Basketball Movement

The Basketball Movement Invitational has come and gone, but the ferocious work ethic remains the same.

The Basketball Movement Invitational is an opportunity for us to gather a large group of extremely talented individuals and push them to become better; better competitors, better players, and hopefully better people. As much as we look forward to the event and as much fun as it is each year, we hope you realize that the intense work that happens during the camp is not a flash in a pan. We get this work year-round.

That dog-eat-dog mentality and drive to elevate every individual that comes through our doors never go away.

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

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

If that sounds like you, come get this work.

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

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

One-on-One workouts, group work, strength and conditioning… we are equipped with everything necessary to elevate your game, all wrapped up in a facility modeled with professional setups in mind. We even offer training resources in the form of videos for coaches, trainers, and players in Robert Yanders’ Evolution of a Hooper.

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

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

The Invitational - First, Second, and Third All-Camp Teams

Robert Yanders has made his selections for The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020’s All-Camp Teams.

With another successful Invitational Camp in the books, Robert Yanders is releasing his selections for the weekend’s First, Second, and Third All-Camp Teams. The selections are weighted most heavily by game action, but effort given throughout the course of the entire weekend was taken into consideration.

Once again, the level of talent, competition, and effort were high all weekend long, making these picks difficult. Below are Yanders’ selections, starting with the First Team:

First Team All-Camp

Anton Brookshire - The camp’s MVP, Mizzou commit, Anton Brookshire lit it up when the lights were brightest. He came alive when the games started and was the driving force of the weekend’s winningest team. His scoring always impresses, but his playmaking ability has taken notable strides and he looks like a complete PG.

David Joplin - David Joplin has committed to the storied program at Texas and proved why he belongs on the high-profile team. Joplin is a bruiser that was getting everything he wanted down low during The Invitational, but he also showed the quickness and outside touch necessary to thrive at the next level.

Jordan Nesbitt - Every player on the First Team had an argument to garner MVP honors. For Nesbitt, it was his complete lack of fear and punishing offensive play that pushed him into the conversation. Nesbitt has committed to continue playing at Memphis. Yanders and The Basketball Movement are proud to have hosted such a tough, hard-nosed competitor.

Nicholas Kern - Another intense competitor, Nick Kern of Vashon has not committed to a university yet, but will be a big get for any major program as his stock rapidly climbs. Kern has great length and can keep the ball on a string until he spies his moment to attack the cup or pull up for a fader that spells pro potential.

Tyrese Hunter - Iowa State commit, Tyrese Hunter was easily one of the most impressive athletes at The Invitational this year. At 6’1”, he nearly stole the dunk contest crown. He dazzled all weekend long by showing off his speed and bounce, all while knocking down perimeter looks with the best of them.

Second Team All-Camp

Isaac Haney - In previous years, Missouri State commit, Isaac Haney would catch defenders off-guard at this camp and rack up points in a hurry. This year, everyone knew he was coming, but he still got buckets. One of the most underrated scoring guards in the Midwest, Haney puts his flawless jumper to use from NBA range all the way to the paint.

Keshon Gilbert - Keshon Gilbert is a UNLV commit from Las Vegas with an explosive approach to scoring the basketball. Quickness and excellent body control allow him the ability to finish in creative ways around the hoop to compliment his nice jumper.

Trevon Brazile - If you didn’t know, now you know. The cat is out of the bag - Mizzou-bound, Trevon Brazile is one of the most exciting prospects in this part of the country, recently growing to 6’8” while maintaining his touch, athleticism, and drive to improve. He won The Invitational’s Dunk Contest and continued playing above everyone else all weekend. Kid’s scary.

Jonathan Dunn - Western Illinois has locked up a player with huge upside in Jonathan Dunn. Taking big jumps recently, Dunn is beginning to really shine on the court with his great size and athleticism. He punished the rims at The Invitational but also showed that he had other ways to get it going - displaying a soft touch in the paint.

Kobe Johnson - Committed to play at USC next year, Kobe Johnson was one of the most complete guards at The Invitational this year. Johnson is already able to shoot, pass, handle, and defend at a level necessary for college ball. He has the potential to be special.

Third Team All-Camp

Cameron Liggins - Recently announcing that he would be reclassifying into the 2022 class, Cam Liggins was a raw prospect a couple of years ago. He has already begun to turn into a player that can take control of games on the offensive end and his defense is coming along too, as he continues to sharpen his skills and take advantage of his athletic frame.

Tre’Von Love - Tre’Von Love is another Vashon stand-out with a deep bag. He has a tough nature and is solid as can be with the rock in his hands. A quick first step and a gamer mentality helped him shine over the weekend in our dog-eat-dog atmosphere.

Zach Howell - The winner of The Invitational’s Three-Point Contest, Zach Howell was lights out from the get-go. He had one of the most consistent outside shots all weekend, but also kept defenders honest by flashing his ability to put the ball on the floor and drive. His arrow is pointed straight up.

Jeffery Brazziel - 2022 Jefferey Brazziel is another player that has added great size and displays all the tools needed to compete at the next level. He boasts offers from Auburn, Georgetown, Arizona State, and more. At The Invitational, he showed prowess at both ends of the floor and has no glaring weakness.

Danilo Jovanovich - 2022 Phenom University - Team Herro’s Danilo Jovanovich was one of the most pleasant surprises at The Invitational. He has a mature offensive game that reminds a bit of a young Dirk Nowitzki. His bag is deep in the paint, but he also displayed the ability to stretch the floor. He is another player that is definitely on the rise.

The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020 recap

A wild weekend of hoops has concluded at The Basketball Movement with the 2020 Invitational in the books.

You may stop believing us, but as it does every year, the intensity reached a whole new level at this year’s Invitational camp. Anyone in attendance can vouch for this indisputable fact. As he always does, The Basketball Movement’s Robert Yanders set the tone right from opening night and had the elite group of high schoolers ready to leave it all on the hardwood.

“This camp has a culture,” Yanders says. “That culture is based on toughness and old school, blue-color hard work.” This year’s Invitational had the most player jawing in recent memory, but we thank them all for keeping things good-natured and displaying sportsmanship throughout.

Things started off with a bang, as the camp hosted its first-ever official Three-Point Contest. One round was played with classic NBA rules and the three high scorers moved on to compete in a final round. All three finalists were from the Yanders Law AAU family: Isaac Haney, Drew McMillin, and Zach Howell.

All three knocked down shots at an impressive clip throughout, but Zach Howell was built for this contest. His quick, minimal effort release allowed him to hum along quickly and consistently. Haney put up a great fight, but once Howell was locked in, it was over.

Another first for The Basketball Movement Invitational was a Slam Dunk Contest. We have let the participating athletes show off their slams in the past, but this time, we had a panel of judges to add a level of seriousness. Alize Johnson, Forward for the Indiana Pacers acted as a guest judge for the contest.

We had multiple high-flyers in the building, but a few separated themselves clearly from the rest. Nicholas Kern had some slick dunks, but Tyrese Hunter and Trevon Brazile stood out immediately. Brazile leaped over a fellow competitor, 6’8” Jonathan Dunn and later windmilled an Isaac Haney lob off the side of the backboard.

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Tyrese Hunter was whipping out Vince Carter-esque slams that impressed in a big way with his 6’1” frame. Unfortunately, he could not get his final attempts to stick, allowing Brazile to bring another contest title to the Yanders Law family.

After the dunk contest, some 1v1 king of the court action started. The competition was fierce and the matchups did not disappoint. From there, the camp moved to 3v3 and 4v4 contests, and multiple rivalries were immediately formed. The next day, some more king of the court, including full-court 1v1 pushed the competition to the limit.

“Of everything we did, king of the court, particularly full court was my favorite,” Rob Yanders says. “As a competitor, I love it. There is nowhere to hide.”

Rob says that this was the fiercest camp to date. “Every one on one, contest and game was close,” Yanders says. “Every game was within seven points at the buzzer. This was the most competitive atmosphere we have ever created in this gym.”

Naturally, this made for some incredible basketball games over the final two days. Players committed to D1 schools, nationally ranked talent, and unknowns with little interest laced up and clashed in epic fashion with incredible results.

“We look for certain kinds of players and pit them against each other,” Yanders says. “Our games are great because we reward the competitors. We don’t care if you’re ranked - If you are complacent, you aren’t a competitor. If you’re a ‘21, ‘22, ‘23, ‘24 grad, it doesn’t matter. You show up and prove you’re good, THEN you belong.”

For all of the talent and impressive performances, there could be only one MVP.

In his fourth and final time participating in The Basketball Movement Invitational, Anton Brookshire fittingly took home his first MVP in the gym he practically considers home.

Brookshire’s team (Team One Day One Life) was the winningest one at the 2020 Invitational. There were multiple key players, but Brookshire’s perimeter prowess and improved playmaking stood out as a steadying force for the squad. “He is a big-time kind of player,” Yanders says of Brookshire. “He has a great feel for the game and knows when to get his own or get others involved. He worked hard all weekend.”

Yanders says that the way the camp consistently elevates each year means that everyone should be very excited about where the event is headed. “We want to thank absolutely everyone who participated,” Yanders says. “Coaches, trainers, staff, refs… we couldn’t do it without you.” We are already excited to see you again next year!

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.