Jonathan Dunn and Kanon Gipson reclassify to 2022

The impressive duo out of Logan-Rogersville, Kanon Gipson and Jonathan Dunn have chosen to reclassify to the class of 2022.

Following a strange year in high school sports, Logan-Rogersville’s Jonathan Dunn and Kanon Gipson have both decided to not let COVID-19 be a factor in their recruitment. Both originally slated for a 2021 graduation, the young men are opting to try their hand at a year of prep school and boost their stock.

Kanon Gipson says that he was a bit of a late bloomer, and he does not want that to impact his ability to be noticed by basketball programs. “I didn’t really mature until my junior year,” Gipson says. “Then, COVID screwed everything up. I’m in no hurry and always looking for bigger things.”

Jonathan Dunn echoes Gipson’s sentiments about COVID throwing a wrench in things and adds that he is excited about additional opportunities. “This gives me a whole other year to prep, raise grades, and get more opportunities,” Dunn says.

Originally verbally committed to hoops at Western Illinois University, Dunn has already proven he has Division I talent. With COVID on track to impact prep basketball less and less, he anticipates having many more choices. We have seen what Dunn can do - once others do too… look for his stock to skyrocket.

Now attending Logan-Rogersville, Dunn says that the current school season is going very well. According to Gipson, the squad is on an eight-game winning streak. “We started slow, but that isn’t unusual; we have a lot of football players on our team,” Gipson says. “Adding Jonathan took us to another level. He has taken a lot of attention off of me and we are rolling through Class 5 right now.”

Gipson says that with another year of work, he will focus on getting stronger and becoming a dependable sharpshooter. “I will be working on my consistency from three,” Gipson says. “That and taking care of the ball.” He adds that recruiters/scouts need to know that he is willing to work every single day.

“You can hold me accountable and I can hold my teammates accountable,” Gipson says. “I am vocal and a good leader. I am good in school and will be one of the hardest workers on any squad.”

For Dunn, the extra time will be spent getting bigger, working on a consistent jumper, and ball handling. His tenacity covers up any skill gaps, but those gaps are quickly being filled in regardless. “These programs will see how hard I play,” Dunn says. I’m a good person off the court, I have a high motor defensively… I get after it.”

At The Basketball Movement or with Yanders Law, Gipson and Dunn consistently take large strides forward. The move to reclassify to 2022 will undoubtedly raise their stock and help them find themselves in great fits collegiately.

Robert Yanders says that both have great potential. “This is the single best thing they could have done for their recruitment,” Yanders says. “These have been strange times and another season can only mean more opportunity.”

Both are set to rejoin Yanders Law on the AAU circuit this summer. The sky is the limit for both of these young men. We will be watching!

Anton Brookshire rewrites record books

After a pair of recent games, Anton Brookshire has set records for both Kickapoo High and Springfield, MO.

Already signed to SEC powerhouse, Mizzou, Anton Brookshire is not done breaking records at Kickapoo High School or even Springfield, MO for that matter. We have had many opportunities to see Brookshire grow through the years. He is a gym rat of The Basketball Movement and is one of the most impressive athletes ever to come through our affiliate Yanders Law AAU program.

There is little Anton can do to surprise any of us here at The Basketball Movement, but we are still prideful when one of our hardest workers hits a milestone, breaks records, or achieves goals.

During the Nixa Invitational Tournament, Anton completed a three-point play that made him the leading scorer in Kickapoo High School history. To those that don’t know, Kickapoo is a historically strong basketball school that has turned out professionals and numerous Division I athletes. Kickapoo won the tournament for good measure.

Brookshire’s other record came a day before when he knocked down a trio of threes that made him Springfield, Missouri’s all-time leading three-point shooter. For everything else Anton provides on the floor; ball security, distribution, scrappy defense, and penetration, this is a really impressive achievement.

Perhaps the most impressive part of these achievements is that there is still plenty of ball to be played. Kickapoo is rolling right now, lead by Brookshire and other big-time athletes of The Basketball Movement such as Isaac Haney, Trevon Brazile, and (when he returns from a minor injury) Cam Liggins. We are excited to see how the team fares in addition to what Anton can continue to achieve on a personal level.

Kickapoo is clicking at the right time and a slow-down does not seem likely. The highlights are flowing on our Instagram as always and there is more on the way.

Congratulations are in order for Anton for his individual achievements. As I’m sure he would tell you, Districts and beyond are where the legacy can flourish. Good luck to Anton and his Kickapoo Chiefs!

Norwood Pirates at The Basketball Movement

Several junior high players from Norwood, MO are working with trainers at The Basketball Movement and the results are starting to show.

At what can be a pivotal stage of basketball development, the young men of Norwood Junior High are rolling through their competition. There is much to be said about the squad, but we would be remiss to not brag about one common denominator among the athletes responsible - their work right here at The Basketball Movement.

The lights are bright this season for all of the Division I prospects over at Kickapoo High that workout with us. However, it needs to be made loud and clear that no matter the school or program size, big leaps forward can be taken on the court. It takes hard work, and that is exactly what the young Norwood Pirates have been putting in… Work.

Levi McDaris, who does a bit of coaching and has coached their traveling teams says that seven of their eight “A-Team” players have been coming in for workouts. “They’ve been at it for about 20 months,” McDaris says. “After about six months in, there was a huge difference in each of their personal development.” McDaris continues by saying that after about a year and a half, their skills far exceed average players from the area.

Norwood is about 56 miles from The Basketball Movement facility. Someone that knows a thing or two about making the trip from that direction is Missouri State signee, Isaac Haney and his family who lived in Dora, MO for a long time. That was where the contact came from.

After becoming a MSHSAA affiliate three years ago, 5th and 6th graders in Norwood can play up to junior high. For such a small school, this can be a big help since there may be less than a dozen seventh and eighth graders willing to play. 7th and 8th make up the A-Team, while 5th and 6th make up the B. This also means that Norwood gets to play more games each season.

The ability to gain more experience in addition to the work with The Basketball Movement has helped Norwood hoops to explode on the scene.

“We are 22 and 1 right now,” McDaris says. “The one loss was to Ava after we were coming off an extended break. We have been averaging about 65 points per game and have held all local schools to about 32 points on average.”

As is often the case with smaller schools, Norwood’s only issue is size. “We have all guards,” McDaris says. “We can’t afford to take any games off because we have to scrap and play hard all the time. We really rely on outside shooting and some nights, the shots aren’t falling.”

Those shots have been getting prettier and prettier as the young athletes’ time at The Basketball Movement has grown. “Even the kids you may not expect - working at The Basketball Movement has made each player’s fundamentals so sound,” McDaris says. “Each kid gets it.”

“The way I would explain The Basketball Movement is that it is 100 percent basketball,” McDaris continues. “Everything is based on the fundamentals with an emphasis on each player playing to their strengths, no matter the role. They use repetition done right. It is pure basketball.”

The Norwood Pirates are having a strong season and the pipeline for Norwood High is going to mean a bright future for the little town’s hoop hopes. Any player, any team can take leaps forward on the court if they understand what it takes and are willing to get better. The Basketball Movement can help.

Good luck to these young men finishing up their season - Go Pirates!

A Star is Born - Brookshire and Yanders collaboration

Robert Yanders is collaborating with Anton Brookshire to bring their athletic apparel line, A Star is Born, to life.

As someone that has played at every level, built brands, spoken to the media, and has all of the sport experience, Robert Yanders is able to partner with young athletes and provide them with an abundance of resources. He is as good as anyone in the game to help up-and-coming athletes learn what all of this looks like.

Yanders chose Anton Brookshire for collaboration because of who he is as a person and player. “Anton Brookshire is a sensational athlete,” Yanders says. “He is one of the best high school players in the country and is now headed to one of the best conferences in college hoops.”

The collaboration between the two introduces the A Star is Born brand - athletic apparel for men and women that looks and feels great. Check out all the swag here: A Star is Born Store.

“A couple of years ago, Anton wasn’t necessarily ready to be a pro in all aspects,” Yanders says. “Now, he understands that he must be all of the sport. His growth has been impressive, to say the least.”

Yanders says that before collaborating with someone, he must know that they have very high character. With Anton, Rob has no doubts. “At this point, Anton is under the microscope all the time,” Yanders says. “He has so many eyes on him and some probably want him to fail. To whom much is given, much is required. On the court and off of it, Anton is a role model.”

In addition to the store, keep up with A Star is Born on Instagram as Anton and Robert keep dropping fire. As always, keep it locked to The Basketball Movement for everything else.

2021 Goals - Robert Yanders and The Basketball Movement

Setting goals is a big key in elevating all aspects of life. The start of a new year is always the perfect time to reflect on those goals.

January is always a time for reflection and goal-setting as one year ends and a new one begins. As most seasoned athletes do, Robert Yanders knows the importance of setting goals. It has been an interesting stretch not only for businesses in the athletics space but for everyone. Rob says The Basketball Movement gained momentum through the chaos and is looking confidently to the future.

“2020 had its share of challenges, but we persevered and continued on while taking all appropriate cautions,” Yanders says. “We met and conquered those issues just as we would expect our players to meet challenges.”

Yanders continues by saying The Basketball Movement is still growing and getting better and better each day. There is plenty in the pipeline for 2021. The Basketball Movement will continue to grow because Rob aims to dream bigger and never settle in honing his personal craft or his basketball facility.

“One of our biggest improvements this year will be a full media team,” Yanders says. “We have all aspects - design, film… expect a lot more content, and improved social media presence.”

Look for The Basketball Movement to expand its branding through social media, but also the way individual athletes are able to brand themselves with our help. “This is something we have emphasized with professional hoopers that we work with, but now we are passing it along to younger athletes as well,” Yanders says on the importance of branding yourself.

“We are seeing better and better young athletes in our facility all the time,” Yanders continues. “We are giving them a platform and teaching them the fundamentals of branding - not only for hoops but for lifestyles as well. And of course, we are still stressing the importance of leadership, public speaking, service to others, and more. We expect a lot out of our athletes and on our end, we are preparing them as much as possible for whatever their next steps may be.”

Coming off of a unique year, The Basketball Movement is poised to hit the ground running. With Rob Yanders leading the pack, our trainers, media team, and family are ready to provide the top basketball experience in the Midwest for everything on the court and off. Stay tuned for our best year yet.

Around the NBA: James Harden megatrade

James Harden has been traded by the Houston Rockets to the Brooklyn Nets in a 4-team deal.

It has not been a secret that former NBA MVP, James Harden did not want to be a member of the Houston Rockets anymore. Houston did their best to maintain Harden and make him happy, swapping out Russell Westbrook and Clint Capela for fresh blood this offseason in the form of John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins. Wall has looked like his old self so far, but tensions were too high between Harden and the organization.

Harden noted the Brooklyn Nets as his preferred destination, but as time progressed, he added a few more teams to that list. Per ESPN, through which all of this news surfaced, the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn were the only feasible options remaining before yesterday’s news.

Per ESPN’s ever-mysterious sources, James Harden has been traded to Brooklyn in a four-team megadeal. The deal involves budding star, Caris LeVert going to the Indiana Pacers and Jarrett Allen and Taurean Prince going to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Houston received Victor Oladipo from the Pacers, Dante Exum from the Cavs, Rodions Kurucs from the Nets, and Brooklyn’s three unprotected first-round draft picks (2022, 2024, and 2026). The Rockets also get Cleveland’s 2022 first-round pick (via the Bucks) and 2024 second-round pick. They are also sending a second-round pick (2023) to the Pacers.

Get all that? Oladipo and LeVert in their new homes will be interesting. If Oladipo can return to All-Star form, the Rockets should remain in contention for a lower playoff seed in the West. To shed a toxic situation, remain in the playoff hunt, and score multiple nice picks, Houston made out pretty darn well.

Harden to Brooklyn is of course the headline. He joins fellow former MVP and (OKC Thunder teammate), Kevin Durant, who seems to have not missed a step since returning from an achilles injury. We would say he joins Kyrie Irving as well, but Irving is in the wind, taking a mysterious personal leave. The only sign of Kyrie has been a video showing him at a large birthday party where no one was masked. Sticky.

Nets first-year Head Coach, Steve Nash has his hands full. This could be a championship team or it could be one of the biggest implosions the league has seen in a while.

Brooklyn now has three bench spots to fill and is immediately the top team to watch in the association. The LA Lakers are defending champs and only got stronger this offseason. It may be their ‘ship to lose, but Brooklyn has leapfrogged Boston and Milwaukee as Eastern Conference favorites, though there is plenty of work to do.

The movement around the NBA can be tough to keep up with. Keep checking back here and follow us on Twitter as we do our best to keep you up to date!

The Basketball Movement signs Chrystopher "Tow" Jackson

The Basketball Movement is starting off the year stronger than ever, signing Chrystopher Jackson to a one-year deal.

As many of you know, The Basketball Movement is much more than just an explosive training facility. In addition to numerous other offerings, The Basketball Movement has established itself as a producer of premium hoops media. A big part of that movement is thanks to Chrystopher Jackson or “CJ” for short.

CJ is a videographer that caught the eye of The Basketball Movement’s Owner, Robert Yanders.

“Rob reached out maybe three years ago,” Jackson says about his and Yanders’ first interaction. “I was working with another local trainer at the time, so I had to turn him down out of respect for the other trainer.” CJ moved to Houston for about a year before returning, no longer affiliated with the other trainer.

“I did a video of Zach Howell last summer at the Nixa Shootout,” CJ says. “Rob reached out again and we have been talking each day since. We have been working together consistently since September; I took the opportunity and we both ran with it.”

The Basketball Movement announced at the end of the year that Yanders was committing to working with CJ full-time for the duration of 2021.

If you have been following along with our Facebook stories or particularly our Instagram, you have already been taking in the visual feast the CJ is bringing to the table. With high school basketball in full swing all across the country, The Basketball Movement has been capturing top players in ways Southwest Missouri has not seen before.

As much as The Basketball Movement has benefitted from CJ’s work, he seems equally as pleased to be a part of the family. About creating a long-term relationship with Yanders, CJ says it has meant the world. “Rob is a great person to work for,” CJ says. “He is intense and a motivator, but it is all-loving. It makes me want to work hard for him. When you are working with Rob, you have to have the mindset of constant improvement, which is just what I need.”

Along with his pal JBandz, CJ says that their consistent style is what will set the media apart. They are capable of going outside the box, but the consistent, powerful tone is what lights The Basketball Movement’s Insta on fire. He does mention one other difference-maker…

“Honestly, Rob is our x-factor,” CJ says. “His vision is big and beautiful. He sees things going together in a way that empowers athletes. Working together, brainstorming, and being creative is what sets this partnership apart.”

CJ played football at Evangel University and says he feels like he’s back on a team with The Basketball Movement. “It’s amazing, man,” CJ says. “The family environment, being involved… I’m ecstatic to be a part of a place that lifts athletes up so much. These guys are so open to their athletes; they’ve got kids coming to the gym right after games, breaking down film… Rob is giving these guys 100 percent on AND off the court.”

When asked what The Basketball Movement athletes and fans can expect to see going forward, CJ said they will see someone that works hard. “I’m going to work hard to make the athletes I capture feel worthy,” CJ says. “We are going to be giving them new, better exposure than what you may see on Hudl or other sites.”

With the help of The Basketball Movement’s elevated media exposure, Big Tow aims to extend the reach of the media beyond the Midwest. “We are going to capture with video what is really happening here in Southwest Missouri,” CJ says. “Our platform only stands to expand after COVID. If the athletes know what they are doing on the court, we will make sure it translates to video; they can use that to help them make it to the next level.”

The Basketball Movement and Rob Yanders want to congratulate CJ on joining our team. We also want to pat ourselves on the back for landing such a great teammate. You can follow CJ and see his work on Instagram. To keep up with his collaborations with us, the best place to follow is our Instagram. Let’s start 2021 with a bang.

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!