Around the NBA: Final stretch

With the 2020-21 NBA regular season winding down, the playoff picture should be getting clearer. But is it?

For the past couple of months, The Basketball Movement has been keeping running power rankings for the top 15 teams in the NBA. This list is updated at least every few weeks over on our NBA page and the most recent iteration can also be found below. The NBA exemplifies the pinnacle of the sport and we try to help keep you up to date.

Many teams are sitting around 16 remaining games in a regular season that has been shortened to 72 games total. At this point, the cream has largely risen to the top, but with close records and a new “play-in tournament,” it remains difficult to determine which contenders will be making noise.

How the play-in tournament will work is explained in the below NBA tweet:

Got that? May 18th will be here before we know it. Below we break down where teams currently stand according to The Basketball Movement:

1. Phoenix Suns (40-16)

Edging out the Clippers in the win/losses column means edging out the Clippers in our standings. These rankings have proven volatile over the weeks, but Phoenix has been surprisingly constant. In their best season since the Steve Nash days, Chris Paul’s veteran leadership has shown up more on defense than offense, balancing out a talented team. The question now is: will their bubble experience translate to more traditional playoffs?

2. Los Angeles Clippers (40-19)

The LA Clippers we see today are the Clippers we should have been seeing all season. With a chip on their shoulder after last years’ playoffs, it took a while for the team to show the necessary fire to get back. Perhaps some of that fire left with Montrezl Harrell in the offseason. Regardless, the Clips are having one of their best stretches of the season and have a decent chance of claiming the top spot in the West as the Jazz slow their pace.

3. Utah Jazz (42-15)

An Eastern Conference team would look pretty here, but holding onto the best record in the NBA means something. Utah has recently sustained injuries to key players, one of which being leading scorer Donovan Mitchell. Despite odds, they keep chugging along with the most wins in the association, though that margin is slowly shrinking.

4. Philadelphia 76ers (39-17)

Is “The Process” the MVP? Joel Embiid is back in a big way from his injury and has not lost one dominant step. The most telling part of the Sixers story recently is how the team played without him. Ben Simmons paced his squad on both ends of the floor and did more than keep his team afloat - Philly is currently the top seed in the East (though not by much).

5. Brooklyn Nets (38-19)

How do teams game plan for the Brooklyn Nets? Kyrie Irving usually decides to play, so there is an impossible-to-stop 30 points. Kevin Durant hops on and off the injury report, so there may or may not be 30 points. James Harden is likely returning from his injury soon, so there may be one of the league’s most dominant playmakers. Throughout their 30+ starting lineup changes, the Nets maintain a strong record at 38-19. If all the pieces come together - look out.

6. Denver Nuggets (36-20)

Acquiring Aaron Gordon for Gary Harris is looking like an excellent move for Denver. Gordon provides dependable effort and athleticism, and his arrival has not detracted from stellar play by Michael Porter Jr. That’s the good news. The bad news is that Jamal Murry, a star in last year’s playoffs, is out for the year with an injury. Keep an eye out for our guy Monte Morris to step up and help keep this squad afloat out west.

7. Los Angeles Lakers (35-22)

The defending champs have managed to stay competitive in the absence of injured stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, which is all they could have hoped for. The defense has remained formidable, so with LeBron nearing a return, LA will be right back in the saddle as a championship contender soon enough. 

8. Milwaukee Bucks (35-21)

Milwaukee has been playing with the appearance of complacency at times this season, which is a bad sign for a team without a Finals appearance with All-Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. The defense is not what it was in previous seasons, but this team will indeed be judged by playoff success. With Antetokounmpo returning from a 6-game injury absence, the Bucks will look to build traction in this final stretch to prove they still belong at the top in the East.

9. Boston Celtics (31-26)

Finally playing the way we expected them to, Boston is currently enjoying a nice run, and Kemba Walker is looking like his old self. With the continued excellence of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics’ core has the looks of a contender again. The C’s have had an excess of close games lately, but have proven themselves to have the clutch gene that it takes to get by top teams.

10. Atlanta Hawks (31-26)

Still rolling since their coaching change, the Atlanta Hawks continue to score with the best of them. Hampered by suspect defense and turnover issues, they will be getting John Collins back after a 6-game absence and will look to get right on D. Trae Young has looked more like the breakout star from last year, and the bench is heating up. Atlanta will make a fun playoff team to watch, but can they be consistent enough to take a seven-game series?

11. New York Knicks (31-27)

Still here. Don’t look now, but the Knicks are, for the first time in a long time, for real. Julius Randle continues to prove that his All-Star bid was no fluke, and the supporting cast is not messing around either. It has been years since we have seen this kind of fire from a Knicks squad. After so many seasons of going through the motions, this has to feel good for New York fans. They have a difficult remaining schedule, so we will know if they are truly playoff-ready.

12. Portland Trailblazers (32-24)

A hamstring issue for Damien Lillard is what you must know first and foremost about the current state of the Trailblazers. With CJ McCollum still trying to work into a consistent groove following his own injury, a brutal upcoming schedule could potentially throw the Blazers off the playoff trail and open the play-in window. If the offense can hang in there until Lillard returns, they should be alright.

13. Dallas Mavericks (30-26)

Needing a lucky Luka Doncic game-winner to snap a recent skid, the Mavericks have not looked great. With Lillard banged up, the Blazers may leave the door open for Dallas to escape the dreaded play-in tournament, but will they seize the opportunity? The Mavs’ upcoming schedule is soft unless LeBron hurries back for LA, but the time to lock in for Dallas is now if they want to contend.

14. Memphis Grizzlies (29-26)

Absent from these rankings for some time, Memphis recently passed the Spurs and Warriors and is clinging to the eighth seed in the West. With Ja Morant making shots, Grayson Allen emerging as a sharpshooter, and Jaren Jackson Jr. due to return soon, Memphis may be a tough out in the playoffs if they can hold on. With some Western Conference rivals on the docket in the coming weeks, we may find out sooner than later.

15. Miami Heat (29-28)

With San Antonio slipping and Steph Curry just keeping Golden State above water, the reigning Eastern Conference champs round out our rankings. With a relatively soft upcoming schedule, the Heat feel like a team that is establishing internal momentum, despite just being above .500 in the win/loss column. Jimmy Butler is a constant, and Bam Adebayo has had confidence-building moments of late. Look for the Heat to creep up the standings over the remaining stretch of the regular season.

Keep checking back here and follow us on Twitter as we near the play-in tournament then the official playoffs, which should look more traditional compared to last season’s bubble.

Passing: Open teammates vs. Friends

Basketball is a fast-paced sport with decisions that have to be made in an instant. Always strive to make the best pass no matter who the recipient.

The sport of basketball is a great thing for friendship development. It allows new friendships to be formed and old friendships to be strengthened. However, it is not a given that you will always get along with your teammates.

Teamwork is very important, so if there is a rift in the relationship between yourself and a teammate, you must do whatever you can to mend it. In the meantime, you're still going to need to be willing to give them the ball if it puts your team in the ideal situation on the floor.

Picture this: Your close friend is a simple pass away behind the three-point line, but they may not be able to get their shot off before the defense closes. Below the basket, a teammate you don't always get along with has slipped his/her defender and is wide open. Who deserves the ball?

I think you already see where this is going. You must put your personal feelings aside for the betterment of the team. The best pass and the best decisions must be attempted at all times if you want to be on a successful, winning squad. Again, if there is an issue between yourself and a teammate, the best thing to do is to try and mend the relationship before a game scenario.

“The most important measure of how good a game I played was how much better I’d made my teammates play.”
— Bill Russell

Understanding your teammate's skillset

Take the above situation and remember that there are other aspects of the game that must be considered. Maybe your friend is the best scoring option on the team. Maybe the open player under the basket hasn't made a left-handed layup in all the years that you have played together.

The point is, we aren't telling you to make a point to deliver the ball to someone just to "extend an olive branch". Always make the best basketball decision. If your friend is the most efficient scorer: feed him or her the rock. If someone you don't get along with is the most efficient scorer: feed him or her the rock.

It is not always easy, especially in such a fast-paced game, but do your best to not let your prejudices affect your decisions. If you are playing hard, keeping your head up, and being a willing passer, the game will come to you and you'll likely make the right call.

“To “play the right way” means play unselfishly, respect other’s achievements, play hard, fulfill your role.”
— Gregg Popovich

This line of thinking is important in other team sports such as football and volleyball and even in the workplace. Constantly have a team-first mentality.

For more on being a better teammate as well as skill development and more, keep scrolling through our blog or reach out to us here. The Basketball Movement is all about the sport we all love but is also passionate about developing better teammates and people. Hit us up!

NY2LA Swish N Dish Spring Warm-Up

The Basketball Movement’s affiliate AAU program, Yanders Law is among premier high school talent at NY2LA’s Swish N Dish.

When Robert Yanders founded the Yanders Law AAU basketball program, he envisioned his teams playing at events like NY2LA’s Swish and Dish Spring Warm-Up. “No doubt, it is the best independent league in the country,” Yanders says. “We are beyond excited to be a part of it.”

Yanders Law boys and girls teams have been active with NY2LA for years, but the Swish N Dish has stepped up more than ever in 2021. “To have 30 to 40 top-100 guys here in one weekend is amazing,” Yanders says. “Curro has done it again.”

Antonio Curro is the Swish N Dish event director and is instrumental in keeping NY2LA humming as one of the top national grassroots organizations.

“I’ve known him for probably 12 years or so,” Yanders says of Curro. “He is professional, he cares about the players, and he is one of the best in the business. We are excited to be a part of what he does once again. We are putting our guys in a position to play the best of the best.”

The amount of talent in the Swish N Dish is off the charts in 2021. This past weekend alone, Yanders Law athletes faced off against 16 players with power 5 collegiate offers. Top players like Cam Kroft, Ausar Thompson (ranked #36 nationally), Amen Thompson (#34), Jalen Washington (#12), Andre Casey Jr. (#18), and Nick Martinelli faced off with Yanders Law Basketball over the weekend’s three games.

Swish N Dish includes EYBL squads Brad Beal Elite, EG 10, High Major AZ, Mac Irvin Fire, Meanstreets, Phenom University, Illinois Wolves… many national, shoe-sponsored brands.

Yanders Law brings plenty of talent as well. Some big names recently graduated from the program, but some of the area’s best remain.

Logan Applegate holds offers from SIUE and Texas St. and has drawn interest from Drexel, Belmont, and Chicago Loyola. Zach Howell also holds an offer from SIUE and has heard from Lipscomb, Mizzou, and Purdue. Jonathan Dunn has heard from Mizzou, Iowa State, Maryland, Montana State, Purdue.. and more to come. Kanon Gipson has heard from UW Milwaukee and Lipscomb.

Applegate, Dunn, and Gipson are all heading to We Are United this fall - Rob Yanders’ new post-grad prep school. This core is going to continue to grow and undoubtedly develop into impactful D1 collegiate athletes.

If you haven’t already, make sure you are following us on Instagram and Twitter. Part of what we provide for athletes that we work with is media exposure. We are proud of our media team, coaches, players, parents, and everyone else that makes these events possible. Follow the movement and check out what’s good!

NCAA March Madness: Final Four preview

After taking a year off, March Madness is back in a big way and we are already down to the Final Four.

The 2021 NCAA March Madness tournament has been different this year, all taking place in or around Indianapolis. The national pandemic has reared its ugly head a few times, but overall, things have gone smoothly. About any way you slice it, this has still been an incredible stretch of hoops.

One of March Madness's most exciting aspects is getting to watch underdogs go out and prove themselves against the best teams. The upsets started early and no brackets escaped unscathed.

UCLA is no stranger to March Madness, but they are playing the part of the underdog this season. Starting their tournament having to win one of the “First Four” games, UCLA (11-seed) is a talented squad that has battle the whole way.

On the other side, Houston is a more unfamiliar program than the others that remain. To the casual observer, they would be big underdogs as well. Houston is a 2-seed for a reason. Their consistency and defensive aggression have put pressure on all levels of opponents this season and have led to a 28 and 3 record.

Unfortunately for both of the above squads, for all of their success, the trials are far from over.

Awaiting Houston is Baylor (1-seed), who looks as strong now as they have all year. For most of the NCAA season, if you had to pick the two teams most likely to make the finals it would be Baylor and… the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

Gonzaga (1-seed) was the overall favorite heading into March Madness and they have done absolutely nothing to cast doubt on that expectation.

Having rolled through each of their opponents to this point, Gonzaga just needs to continue to play within themselves and not get overconfident, even though it feels a bit like a Baylor-Gonzaga championship has been in the making all year.

This is still March Madness and we have seen a few wild happenings in the big dance. Nothing is set in stone and Houston’s consistency or UCLA’s underrated talent and scrappy defense could still win the day.

Houston and Baylor tip-off Saturday (4/3) at 4:14 pm CT (don’t ask us why) on CBS.

UCLA and Gonzaga go head-to-head right after at 7:34 pm CT on CBS.

Women’s Final Four

The table is set for the lady’s Final Four as well with three 1-seeds advancing and some unsurprising programs hoping to build on their already impressive histories.

UConn (1-seed) plays Arizona (3-seed) Friday (4/2) at 8:30 pm on ESPN. With a coaching staff that has been here time and time again and the AP Player of the Year, freshman Paige Bueckers, the Huskies suddenly find themselves as national title favorites once more. Arizona must find a way to rattle Bueckers or they may need to keep the bus running.

South Carolina (1-seed) and Stanford (1-seed) face off Friday (4/2) at 5:00 pm. This will be an epic showdown between teams that have been powerhouses again this year. Stanford was the team that finally put an end to Missouri State’s great season and will likely be favorited in this one. Their talent and size will be tough to overcome, though the Gamecocks defense is elite. It will be a great battle.

Stay tuned to The Basketball Movement as we follow the action and keep you up to speed. Your bracket may look ugly, but there is plenty of beautiful basketball on deck.

The Future is Yours camp is underway

Night one of The Future is Yours is starting off the way you may expect at this point: with fire.

At The Basketball Movement, things are always done in the same gear. We pack the most into every athlete’s time with us by going full throttle at all times. Whether it is group drills mirroring in-game scenarios or doing some 1-on-1 king of the court, the intensity and clear emphasis on competition remain.

This is not The Basketball Movement Invitational - our camp for elite high school talent. The Future is Yours is a camp for middle school - 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade players. Do not think for a second this means players won’t be pushed to the limit.

We don’t discriminate. If you lace up and step on our courts, you are a hooper and we will treat you like we treat all hoopers. We will work you hard and make sure that you are put in positions to get better. We are excited to get started.

Night one begins with some 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 game action and competitive drills to determine who is here to bring the fire and who isn’t. We will use that info when forming teams for games later in the weekend.

The highlights of the night will be a 3-point competition and king of the court games. Much like it does at our high school camp, we anticipate king of the court establishing rivalries, expectations, and the tone for the whole weekend. This 1-on-1 drill has become a favorite at The Basketball Movement.

We already have players stepping up to the plate, naming guys they want a piece of. This is going to be good.

We will be keeping you updated with competition winners and standouts and will be filling our social media platforms up with photos and highlights from all the action. Stay tuned!

NCAA March Madness: First round recap

The first round of the men’s 2021 NCAA Tournament has concluded and the madness is certainly underway.

Dominant performances, upsets, Cinderella stories, drama, and hungry young hoopers; this is why we watch and this is what we are being treated to already. The men’s 2021 NCAA March Madness Tournament is underway and the first round did not disappoint.

Part of the “madness” is due to the sheer number of contests being played, especially in the early rounds. That is certainly part of the fun. The other part comes from dramatic finishes and surprising upsets - we got those too. In fact, this is the first time that four teams seeded 13th or worse are moving on to play in the Round of 32.

In 2018, Virginia became the first 1-seed to lose in the first round, dropping their game to UMBC. This year was not that bad, though the 4-seed Cavaliers did make an early exit with a loss to 13-seed Ohio.

A bigger upset came in the form of Abilene Christian (14-seed) toppling a Texas team (3-seed) that was supposed to lead the Longhorns back to basketball prominence. Instead, it will be North Texas representing the Lone Star State as a 13-seed taking down Purdue (4-seed). (Okay, Texas Tech is also moving on, but we are trying to get in on the drama as well)

The largest upset seeding-wise was 15-seed Oral Roberts knocking off 2-seed Ohio State. Oral Roberts will play Florida and Yanders Law alum, Tyree Applebee tonight at 6:45 pm central time. A few other smaller upsets were sprinkled in for good measure: Rutgers over Clemson, Syracuse over San Diego State, Oregon State over Tennessee, Wisconsin over North Carolina, and Maryland over UConn.

Mizzou lost a heartbreaker to Oklahoma by four and Creighton narrowly escaped a loss to UCSB by one point. Gonzaga remains undefeated and still has the looks of the team to beat in this year’s tourney. Really, all the 1-seeds still look very strong with Iowa (2-seed) and Kansas (3-seed) also playing nice ball.

Oregon moves on to the Round of 32 due to unfortunate circumstances, as VCU had to forfeit due to issues with COVID-19. Tough way to go out for those guys.

That should have you caught up through the first round! Don’t blink, as the Round of 32 starts today. The women’s tourney kicks off as well, so keep an eye out as we update you on both. Keep checking back here as we keep up with the movement!

The Future is Yours invites

The Future is Yours is the premier camp for 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade boys - below are the invites.

Much like The Basketball Movement Invitational camp that we put on for high school players, The Future is Yours is an elite, invite-only camp so that iron can sharpen iron. We were aware of many good players from all over the area, but even more have come forward and made themselves known to us with the camp quickly approaching. The camp runs from Friday, March 26th through Sunday the 28th.

Below is the current list of invitees:

Ryder Rowden-Springfield Catholic MS

Miles Elliott-Ozark MS

Vincent Mhire-Cherokee MS

Griffin Mehrhoff-Spokane MS

Amarre Witham-Pershing MS

Kain McCaskill-Jarrett MS

Owen Weiss-Verona MS

Lucas Peebles-Clever MS

Jacob Harmon-Ozark MS

Cole Hunt-Springfield Catholic MS

JD Layman-Springfield Catholic MS

Carson Smith-Springfield Catholic MS

Henry Haynes-Hickory Hills MS

Samari Pickett-Carver MS

Jaylon Liddell-Nixa MS

Ryker Letterman-Marshfield MS

Cordell Davis-Nixa MS

Tyler Harrell-Greenwood MS

Payton McDaris-Norwood MS

Noah Drake-Norwood MS

Cooper Vaughn-Norwood MS

Carder Kelly-Norwood MS

Sam Kennard-Fair Grove MS

Tegen Curley-Marshfield MS

Bubby McCaskill-Jarrett MS

Collin Clark-Greenwood MS

Bryce Turner-Nixa MS

Skyler Todd-Ash Grove MS

Bear Morrison-Springfield Catholic MS

Damon Snead-Hazelwood Northwest MS

Quincy Williams-Bayless MS

Joseph Aghaeze-Ritenour MS

Keshon Mims-Whitfield MS

Marquel Murray-Cape Central MS

DeAndre Hollis-Southside MS

Oscar Patterson-Hazelwood Northwest MS

Miles Woodfork-Paducah MS

Tayo Rivers-Cape Central MS

Javyn Jenkins-Hazelwood Central MS

Darion Lee-Hazelwood Central MS

Emery Woehrmann-Parkway West MS

Reese Kimrey-Cherokee MS

Brayden Roubidoux-Cherokee MS

Luke Roberts

Quentin Hoffman-Fair Grove MS

Noah Schiman-Nixa MS

Jackson Gamble-Nixa MS

Owen Jump-Cherokee MS

Devon Sanford-Greenwood MS

Hollis Deckard

Jackson Shorter-Cherokee MS

Cohen George-Ozark MS

Dominic Licata-Pershing MS

Sebastian Norman-Pershing MS

Keion-Jarrett MS

Eli Govan-Jarrett MS

Tanner-Pleasant View MS

Lane Meltabarger-Nixa MS

Are we missing someone? If you do not see a name that deserves to be here, it is because we simply do not know the player. There are several who have already scheduled workouts with us that we have added to our list after seeing what they can do.

Contact The Basketball Movement to set something up and prove us wrong for not knowing the name. You need to hurry, as we are just over a week away from kicking things off.

Camp Schedule

Friday: Collect gear, take photos, skill competitions/3-Point contest - 7:00-10:00pm

Saturday: Skill development drills, game-situation readiness - 12:00-2:00pm

Break

Evening games - 5:00-8:00pm

Sunday: Drills/scrimmages, afternoon games - 8:00am-2:00pm

Our media team will be on-site capturing footage in addition to taking high-quality headshots and other images. This is a prime opportunity for hungry young players to gain recognition and begin establishing themselves as elite hoopers.

The weekend will be serious fun. Again, for any additional information, please email us and we will get with you as soon as possible. See you there!

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NCAA: March Madness 2021

After taking a year off due to the pandemic, March Madness is back in 2021.

The 2021 tournament brackets are set for the NCAA’s big dance. March was mad last year for very different reasons than we are used to, but things are on track for a (mostly) normal NCAA tournament this season. The “First Four” games tipoff this Thursday, March 18th.

Multiple men and women’s teams have had to withdraw from conference tournaments due to health concerns including the Missouri State Lady Bears, who are all but a lock to make the tournament and want to keep it that way. Notably, Kansas and Virginia are having COVID issues in the men’s bracket.

Four teams: Louisville, Colorado State, St. Louis, and Mississippi did not make the cut but are on standby, ready to fill in and ensure the bracket starts with a full 68 teams. Any team that must miss essentially forfeits and their opponents move on.

Kansas and/or Virginia missing having to withdraw could have big implications for overall number one seeded Gonzaga, who looms in their same bracket. Gonzaga is a flawless 26-0 heading into the tournament. The other 1-seeds are; Baylor (22-2), Michigan (20-4), and Illinois (23-6).

This also marks the first year since 1976 that neither Duke nor Kentucky made the tournament. Hello, fresh faces.

Beginning March 18th and concluding on April 5th, March Madness is always one of the best stretches of the year for hoops fans and we at The Basketball Movement are excited to have it back. Games will be televised on TBS, CBS, TNT, and truTV. Click the below link to see the full, printable bracket:

Check out the 2021 NCAA March Madness bracket here

Good luck to all the athletes participating (especially those we have had the pleasure of working with)! Basketball is close to a full recovery from a tough year or so. Keep checking back with The Basketball Movement blog as we break down the action round-by-round. Remember to follow us on Twitter for updates as well. Let the games begin!

The Future is Yours Camp

The Basketball Movement presents “The Future is Yours” - an invitational camp for 6th-8th grade boys that are serious about the game.

The Future is Yours in an invite-only camp March 26-28th for 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade boys that have a desire to be elite. Essentially an extension of The Basketball Movement Invitational for high school players, The Future is Yours is a chance for up-and-comers to not only step up their game but make themselves known early.

“Your greatest rival is yourself,” says Robert Yanders, Founder of The Basketball Movement. “We are creating this camp to help elevate young players and help them realize their potential. So much of the game is mental. If these young guys can overcome the hurdle that is themselves, fight through the pain, and overcome, then a star is born.”

Yanders has a storied history of producing star players in his facility and seems to possess the recipe for helping players achieve their goals on-and-off the hardwood.

As mentioned, the camp will be invite-only, as it is intended to take established players and polish them to help them realize just what they are capable of. Iron sharpens iron after all. Names of the invitees will be coming soon.

If you or your athlete feel that a spot in this camp is deserved, take action, as the end of the month is quickly approaching. Email basketballmovement.com to set up a workout and we will let you know afterward if we think the camp is a good fit.

The camp will be serious fun. This is not a basics camp, but one for those that truly have a desire and the will to improve.

The Future is Yours will feature a 3-Point Contest, shooting work, small games, and live games each night with officials, scoreboards, and a real game atmosphere. The Basketball Movement is modeled after NBA facilities and will make athletes feel like pros. Our film crew, writer, and social media team will be in attendance to help the deserving gain exposure and valuable game film and images. Jordan Brand tops, bottoms, and shoes will be provided.

Invitees do not want to miss this. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook as the names drop shortly. Remember that if we do not yet know your name, let us know and we will see what you are made of. Stay tuned!

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Around the NBA: All-Star 2021 recap

In case you missed it: we are dropping a quick recap of the 2021 NBA All-Star events because it was… well, quick.

Instead of the usual full weekend of festivities, the 2021 NBA All-Star events took place in one wild night of elite skill and hoops. The Skills Competition and 3-Point Contest took place first, followed immediately by the All-Star game itself. The Dunk Contest was held at halftime.

The Skills Competition only featured six competitors with two getting a first-round bye. One was Luka Doncic because he was an All-Star starter and expected to log big minutes. The other was Chris Paul because… he’s old. Despite the byes, Luka and CP3 fell to rolling big men, Domantas Sabonis and Nikola Vucevic. Pacers forward Sabonis would go on to take the title.

Next up was the 3-Point Contest, which wound up being one of the best parts of the night. There was a great field of competitors as usual and multiple shooters brought their A-game.

Mike Conley filled in admirably for the injured Devin Booker, putting up great scores in both rounds. However, it would be the unreal shooting of Steph Curry that would take the night. It came down to Curry’s final shot to overtake Conley, which he drained in classic Chef Curry fashion.

As we mentioned, the Dunk Contest was sandwiched between halves of the All-Star game. The contest featured rookies Cassius Stanley and Obi Toppin as well as second-year guard, Anfernee Simons of the Trailblazers.

Not much star-power to be had here, but plenty of bounce. Unfortunately, the dunk contest can be hit-or-miss and this one was a bit more in the miss column. Cassius Stanley looked impressive but played it safe. Toppin and Simons jumped high but did not get the (limited) crowd out of their seats. In the end, Simons won the judge’s favor with his (almost) kissing the rim slam.

Anyone who stopped and took much stock of the Team LeBron and Team Durant rosters had a feeling that it may be a bit lopsided. During the draft of the players, Durant admitted he had no plan and that may have cost his team. Team LeBron won every quarter, racking up big bucks for their charity.

Philadelphia 76ers stars, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons were forced to miss the contest due to last-minute COVID contact tracing. Team Durant could have used MVP candidate Embiid (and Durant himself, who is injured). Team LeBron featured starters: Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic. Unstoppable.

For those that cannot watch the video highlights - the first half featured high flying and deep-bomb fun. Damian Lillard, Steph Curry, and Chris Paul each caught consecutive alley-oop slams and Curry and Lillard also unleashed barrages of deep, deep threes for Team LeBron. First-time All-Star, Zion Williamson mysteriously started the game 0 for 4 on dunks for Team Durant.

The second half featured less exciting sequences and Curry no-look follow-throughs but rounded out the night nicely. Giannis Antetokounmpo went 16 for 16 from the field (including two banked-in threes) en route to MVP honors.

Historically black colleges and universities were recipients of most of the charity and were highlighted all night. The condensed style of the contests was refreshing, though it is up for debate whether or not it was an improvement. The Rising Stars game was certainly missed.

That is a quick rundown! The NBA and basketball organizations at all levels continue to navigate unprecedented circumstances and hopefully, the light at the end of the tunnel is growing near. For more Around the NBA action as well as all things hoops - keep it locked right here!

Around the NBA: All-Star 2021 preview

The Basketball Movement previews the unique 2021 NBA All-Star “weekend.”

As you may expect, the 2021 version of NBA All-Star weekend is unique compared to previous years. The game format remains roughly the same and will encourage the competitive style we saw at the last event. There will still be a Skill Challenge, Three-Point Competition, and Dunk Contest, though everything will be taking place in one wild night.

All-Star 2021 was announced as canceled last November in anticipation of the worsening pandemic. The league and NBA Players Association met and decided that the event could still be held if conducted properly. The event will take place in Atlanta.

In order to minimize exposure, what is normally a three-night event is being crammed into one - Sunday, March 7th on TNT. The Taco Bell Skills Competition and MTN Dew 3-Point Competition will take place right before the game, with the Slam Dunk Contest happening during halftime. You may need to pop two bags of popcorn for this jam-packed evening.

Missing this year is the Rising Stars Game made up of rookie and sophomore players, which always provides a fun look at the league’s future. Less of a bummer is the lack of a celebrity game and NBA Legends Brunch. Our condolences to big fans of those.

The format of the All-Star Game itself will be similar to last year, encouraging healthy competition each quarter. It can be a bit complicated to spell out, so check the below tweet for a breakdown:

Shoutout to the NBA for continuing to honor the legacy of Kobe Bryant, who was an inspiration to so many of the evening’s participants and was taken far too soon.

Another parallel from previous years is the playground-style method of picking teams. Top Western Conference vote-getter, LeBron James will be a team captain and Kevin Durant will represent the East. The captains will take turns selecting first from the pool of starters and then the reserves. See the selections below based on fan voting, player and media votes, and coaches:

Devin Booker has since been selected to replace the injured Anthony Davis and Domantas Sabonis will replace the banged-up Durant.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had been captain representative from the East the last few seasons but Durant takes the throne this year. The draft always makes for interesting TV - you can tune in Thursday, March 4th at 7:00 pm Central on TNT.

UPDATE: Check the below tweets to see who LeBron and Durant selected for their teams. Devin Booker has since sustained an injury and will be replaced by Mike Conley of the Utah Jazz.

Slam Dunk, Three-Point, and Skill Competition participants should be announced soon. The whole league still gets a four-day break, though they are restricted on travel and such per league and NBPA agreed-upon protocols.

UPDATE: Check the below tweets to see the participants in the Dunk, Three-Point, and Skills Competition. Mike Conley will be replacing Booker in the Three-Point Contest as well:

The Basketball Movement will be updating you on Twitter as the fields fill out. We will also be recapping the big night, so keep an eye out right here down the road. This is lined up to be a great evening of hoops - we hope you tune in with us!

Dealing with referees

Referees have the impossible task of trying to point out every reasonable instance that rules are not followed. Sometimes, they get some things wrong.

If you have been around basketball at any level, for any amount of time, you have seen a referee miss calls or misinterpret infractions. Whether they are youth sports volunteers, part-time high school refs, or professionals, they all make mistakes just the same.

In a competitive atmosphere such as basketball, it is not tough to get heated when things like calls aren't going your way. Turnovers and mental errors are within your control as a player, but when something outside of your control like not getting calls starts happening, it can take you out of your zone. What are you supposed to do in these scenarios?

Sometimes it may be easier said than done, but you must always do your best to shrug off bad calls and not let them get to you. Referees are human and are prone to make the same types of errors with calls that players sometimes make with the basketball. Keeping your head in the game and not letting referees get to you is the best thing that you can do for your team.

Never let your emotions overcome you by slamming the ball, throwing your hands up, or verbally displaying your frustration. These things show your opponent’s weakness. If a foul call, accurate or inaccurate, can get under your skin, so can an opposing player.

Maintaining a next-play mentality is key in the game of basketball. If you get called for a charge or travel, give up the ball and try to make up for it on defense. If you are called for a bad foul, shake it off and be a little more careful next time, but still play hard. One of the worst things you can do for your team is starting to accumulate technicals and take yourself out of the game, so always keep your cool.

Malicious referees

Once again - refs are people too. They are not only prone to some mistakes but some other human flaws as well. Rarely, you may cross paths with a referee or two that make things too personal. Maybe they have a bias toward one team that skews the whistle-blowing. Maybe they don't like your face. Hey, I'm sure you have a great face, but not all refs are going to be great people.

How do you handle these kinds of refs? Glad you asked! You handle them the same darn way.

The number one thing you can do if you feel like "getting back" at a terrible ref is to be unflappable. When someone is trying to get under your skin, keeping your cool and acting like you don't even notice is the best way to make them feel ridiculous.

The crowd may be getting rowdy as well as your teammates or coach. Parents - calling out refs from the stands will likely just make matters worse. They aren't going to reverse any calls; don't give them a reason to prolong their biased whistle-blowing. Players - if your teammates are getting heated, go cool them off. Get between them and their issues, make eye contact, and explain to them that their energy is needed for the game.

The individuals most equipped to deal with these situations are the coaches. Coaches - you need to keep your cool as well. Feel free to engage in occasional conversations with the refs, but don't scream. If you act reasonably, the refs are more likely to respond reasonably.

There have been some unfortunate instances of emotions boiling over recently that have been floating around online. Some have even turned physical. Remember, keep your cool and let your play and demeanor do the talking. We all want to win, but at the end of the day, the players, coaches, fans, and even referees are there because we all love the GAME.

Training and skill development vs. shooting around

Anytime you have a ball in your hands is an opportunity to get better. Be sure to make the most of your time with The Basketball Movement.

The most successful players make plenty of time to get up shots, work on their conditioning, and hone their craft. Almost any time that can be spent with the sport of basketball will improve your game, even if it is just an imperceptible amount.

There is a big difference however between shooting around in the driveway, park, or gym compared to structured and intentional training. You can get a lot of free throws in at the park near your house, but what if your elbow is too wide from your body or you are not bending your knees enough?

“Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.”
— Vince Lombardi

Nothing beats supervised disciplined training when working to improve as much as possible. This is not to say that messing around in your driveway at home or just playing "21" after school is not good. Basketball is a game after all, and doing anything active and fun is time well-spent. Just remember when it comes to improving, there is such a thing as time best spent. 

Step up your game with The Basketball Movement

For the ultimate in training and skill development, we are the area leader in maximizing your time and efforts in the game of basketball.

With The Basketball Movement, you can get group or even one-on-one time with coaches dedicated to making you the best you can be. The facility is completely centered around player development, with low-impact, basketball-specific equipment, and full-sized courts.

For more advanced players, we offer additional on-and-off court development, film study, and more.

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There are some things that you cannot achieve on your own, practicing out in the driveway. The Basketball Movement provides the full basketball experience for players of all skill levels. Even if you can just get in on the occasional open-clinic on Saturdays (2nd to 8th grade), you are taking steps to pass your opposition.

Contact us to find out how to maximize your basketball abilities. Don't forget to check out our YouTube channel too for some more drills and helpful moves.

McDonald's All-American nominees announced

The McDonald’s All-American nominees have been announced and several familiar names are included, headlined by Anton Brookshire.

One of the most prestigious accolades that high school basketball players can garner is the title of McDonald’s All-American. Specifically, North American, as the players selected can come from the United States or Canada. Held since the late 1970s, the game has included names from Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan to LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

For the second straight year, the actual game will not be played, but players can be recognized regardless. Via social media, the lists of boy and girl nominees have been released:

Several names from our neck of the woods appear on the list: Makaiya Brooks (Central, committed to Memphis), Aminu Mohammed (Greenwood Laboratory, committed to Georgetown), and our own Anton Brookshire (Kickapoo, committed to Mizzou).

Brookshire is from Milwaukee, WI originally, but has been a Springfield, MO resident for a while now. His impact on his school and his teammates has been tremendous, but it has come through work in the trenches that we at The Basketball Movement have been very fortunate to witness.

Congratulations, Anton on this nomination! Mizzou will be fortunate to have a driven young player that has not reached this level by accident. As he continues to work, we are excited to witness the heights he can achieve.

Joining Anton in the Midwest nominations are some other players we were fortunate to host during The Invitational last year: Tyrese Hunter (Iowa State commit), Kobe Johnson (USC commit), and David Joplin (Texas commit). All pure hoopers.

We are proud of the above players and will be watching to see the final selections! For more high school, NCAA, and professional hoops, keep it locked to The Basketball Movement.

The Basketball Movement ranks area high school players

Southwest Missouri currently has a large talent pool of high school boy basketball players. The Basketball Movement is letting you know who is the best.

The Basketball Movement and Rob Yanders are presenting a new ranking list on our site’s front page. Southwest Missouri is currently sporting one of the most talented fields of high school players the area has ever seen. To stay on top of things (and add fuel to these player’s fire), we now have a list of the top-25 high school boys in the area.

Our list is of course subject to change as we see more (or less) out of each of these players. For example, we had to do some editing to move Zach Howell (Springfield Catholic) up the list after his recent scoring and rebounding tear. Cam Liggins (Kickapoo) lost his spot to Collin Ruffin (Nixa) after having to miss time with an injury. You get the idea.

We hope that in addition to keeping basketball enthusiasts informed about the area’s top ballers, this list will motivate players and raise competition to even greater heights.

Remember also to keep up with our Instagram as our media crew captures many of these young men in action. The Basketball Movement is a hub for some of the top athletes around and we are always adding new ways to provide exposure for many hopeful players in our community.

To the players, if you do not see yourself on the list, or if you are on it and think you should be higher - do something about it. Not have your guardian write us an angry letter - we’re saying ball out. Make so much noise on the hardwood that no one can ignore you. We will be watching.

NBA All-Star Weekend 2021: Game on?

After announcing the cancellation of the 2021 NBA All-Star Weekend back in November, will the NBA stick to its guns?

Though nothing is officially confirmed, it is looking more and more like the NBA is going to go ahead with its annual All-Star game. The event was announced as canceled back in November, as the league was in the midst of its shortest offseason in history. The bubble experiment worked, but it made for some difficult scheduling for the following (current) season.

Now, we have several postponed games per week as some teams struggle to consistently meet the requirements for an 8-man roster as the pandemic rages on. Though there is hope on the horizon with the rollout of vaccines and smarter precautions, there is still plenty of cause for concern.

Voting for NBA All-Star 2021 players is underway in a relatively small window - January 28th through February 16th (Vote here). The original assumption was that the All-Star titles would be an honor only, with no actual game. The thinking was that bringing players from all different teams together unnecessarily could make COVID containment difficult.

Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the NBA and NBPA are finalizing an agreement on an All-Star game in Atlanta and the protocols that will be enacted. March 7th is the proposed date for the event, which would see all skill competitions as well. The full break would be March 5th-10th.

Apparently, the health and safety protocols are the only holdup, as both sides are trying to determine the best way to minimize the risk to what will be many of the league’s top players. Additionally, other players on the break will not be allowed to travel overseas in addition to other protocols and suggestions.

Players and executives alike have been a bit resistant to the idea. LeBron James noted that he would attend, but may not be enthused about it. De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings bluntly called having the game “stupid.” Luckily for Fox, he will probably not be invited despite his All-Star level salary.

Whether or not having a game is a good idea, it appears to be in the pipeline. Fans will likely not attend, making it one more strange-looking event for pandemic sports. The Basketball Movement will continue to monitor news about the All-Star events, NBA, and hoops in general, so keep checking back!

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.