Team USA rosters set

With the 2021 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo quickly approaching, we take a break from the NBA Playoffs to check in.

The men's and women’s Team USA rosters have been filled out ahead of the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Sunday, July 25th, will mark the first games for both men and women. This means some players will be coming immediately from the playoffs but have likely made considerations and arrangements.

For the men, Kevin Durant is the headliner and will be seeking his third Olympic gold medal. Durant was going to be joined by his Nets teammate James Harden, but Harden recently withdrew to tend to his injured hamstring. Gregg Popovich will be the Head Coach once again.

The full, current roster can be seen in the tweet below:

Draymond Green joins Durant as a fellow member of the team that took gold in Rio in 2016. Kevin Love won with the team in London in 2012. The roster is full of players seeking their first Olympic gold, but the shooting and athletic versatility of the squad will make them immediate frontrunners.

The women’s team will be striving for their millionth (seventh) gold medal in a row and are seeking to cement one of the most dominant stretches in USA team sports history. Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird both have four Olympic gold medals, and Sylvia Fowles has three.

Below is the full women’s roster:

For more Olympic hopes action, check out these Twitter accounts:

Junior National Teams

3x3

Youth Development

The women’s 3x3 squad is made up of WNBA players, but the men’s squad is comprised of relative unknowns. This new format will certainly be interesting to see in action as the Olympics get underway.

Each traditional 5x5 squad will have a handful of exhibition games ahead of the official action. Keep checking back here and on our Twitter as we keep up with basketball movement around the globe.

Jonathan Dunn receives offer from Texas Tech

We Are United and Yanders Law standout Jonathan Dunn has received an offer to play at Texas Tech University.

Whether at Logan-Rogersville high or with his Yanders Law AAU squad, Jonathan Dunn has been putting players, coaches, and scouts on notice. With offers from Mizzou and Radford and interest from Purdue, Marquette, South Dakota, and K-State, Dunn now has another big one on the table.

Dunn has now received an offer to play for Texas Tech, and his hard work is paying off in major ways. Now wanted in the Big-12 and SEC, the scramble to sign Dunn is in full swing.

Committed to Robert Yanders’ We Are United prep this fall, Dunn has the opportunity to advance his impressive game even further.

In our recent article on Yanders Law standouts, The Basketball Movement had this to say about Jonathan Dunn:

“Always a threat to bully players inside, Dunn has recently seen his perimeter game takeoff as well. For his muscular frame, he has no issue keeping up with 2s and 3s on the perimeter, and he is evolving into a 3-and-D guy in addition to his rebounding and attacking style. One of the best rim-runners in the Midwest, he has developed the ability to put the ball on the deck and is an ever-evolving threat.

With a motor that just does not stop, Dunn has earned high praise from coach Robert Yanders. “J Dunn is a dawg,” Yanders says. “He has displayed so much growth on both ends of the floor.”

Congratulations on the offer, JD. This is yet another impressive achievement and testament to the work you have put in, but this is not ever yet. Stay tuned to The Basketball Movement for more on our guys!

Kanon Gipson receives D1 offer

We Are United and Yanders Law point guard Kanon Gipson has received a D1 offer from UW Milwaukee.

A rock-solid 6’3 point guard, Kanon Gipson’s stock is on the rise as he continues to impress with his AAU squad, Yanders Law. Gipson wrapped up an impressive senior season at Logan Rogersville before committing to We Are United Prep this fall.

This offer from Coach Patrick Baldwin and UW Milwaukee marks the first D1 offer for Gipson. He has also received interest from UC Santa Barbara and Santa Clara.

Following an impressive stretch with Yanders Law this spring, we recently said this in our 2021 Yanders Law standouts (17u) article:

“Like another notable Santa Clara guard, Kanon Gipson is 6’3, crafty, and has a knack for winning. As steady as they come, Gipson has done a great job leading the club this spring and has drawn praise from coach Rob Yanders.

“Kanon has played against high-level guards all spring and has held his own on both ends of the floor,” Yanders says. “Three-star guys like Jaden Schutt and Sean Jones - Kanon defeated them. He isn’t flashy, but he consistently just gets the job done.””

Gipson is improving daily and is primed to turn heads this fall at Robert Yanders new post-grad school, We Are United. For more on Yanders Law standouts, We Are United, and all things hoops, stay locked to The Basketball Movement.

Team sport MVP

The Basketball Movement breaks down what it means to be the MVP of a team sport.

NBA MVP, WNBA MVP, National College Player of the Year, high school player of the year… we are always seeing awards given to the most valuable players, though basketball is a team sport. To many, team success should be the bar by which all else is measured. In many ways, team success does come first. However, the effort and skill of the individuals make teams win; some individuals bring more to the table than others.

The NBA recently named its MVP for the 2020-21 regular season. Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets was consistent, unique in his dominance, and the leader in almost every statistical category for his team, which finished with a 47-25 record (third in the Western Conference).

Team success? Check. A healthy, consistent season? Check. Statistical dominance? (26/11/8 with great percentages, led NBA in +/- and VORP) Check. Are these the things that truly determine the most valuable player?

On just a team level, the different values players bring can be challenging to quantify. Having a willing distributor could provide more impact than a three-point specialist. Having a three-point specialist could be more valuable some nights than having a dominant rebounder or defensive stopper. Many solid teams are put over the top by a chippy jack-of-all-trades.

Any given team could have a most valuable player that no one else may guess. It could be a great locker room presence that holds the team together. Scoring stands out, but a player’s actual value can only be witnessed by those that watch closely and know what to look for.

Nikola “The Joker” Jokic entered the league humble, a willing passer, and well, tall. He has developed into an elite scorer at all three levels, a solid defender and rebounder, and perhaps the greatest passing center the world has seen. He seems genuinely liked by his teammates and has never been the root of any known drama, a rarity for an NBA star.

Value can be defined subjectively, so there will always be a debate. Some players put up gaudy numbers on largely irrelevant teams, while others like Jokic are simply the most impressive cog in a winning machine. Players who achieve individually but do so by elevating those around them are typically the most valuable.

Basketball is a team sport, after all.

How would you define the MVP of a team sport? Do you think The Joker is the NBA’s rightful winner, or did someone else get robbed? Let’s keep the discussion going as we continue monitoring the basketball movement!

Around the NBA: 2021 Playoff Update

The first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs is nearly complete, with an exciting second round on deck.

With most matchups wrapping up quickly, the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs has nearly concluded, immediately giving way to second-round action starting tonight (Saturday, June 5th). The way things have shaken out so far already means that we will have some fresh faces in on the Conference and NBA Finals action.

Following an injury to Anthony Davis, LeBron James’ Lakers got bounced in the first round for the first time in his career (15 playoff appearances in 18 seasons). This means that we will have the first Finals since 2010, which does not feature LeBron James or Steph Curry. Let’s break down the action.

Western Conference

One of the teams responsible for keeping Steph Curry’s Warriors out of the Playoffs, the Memphis Grizzlies fought hard. Still, they ultimately fell to the Utah Jazz, who displayed why they own the league’s top regular-season record.

Utah will go on to play the winner of the Clippers and Mavericks in the second round. LA and Dallas are on their way to the only game seven of the first round following a monster performance by Kawhi Leonard to keep his team alive. Game sevens are always a blast - the match will take place in LA this Sunday (6/6). The away team has won every time in this series so far.

The winner of the Jazz and DAL/LAC will face either the Denver Nuggets or Phoenix Suns. Denver dispatched Portland despite Damien Lillard’s best efforts. Outside of Lillard, bonehead plays and poor shooting plagued the Trailblazers, and Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets are too good to let that slide.

For Phoenix, advancing meant defeating the reigning champion Los Angeles Lakers. Love him or hate him, LeBron James has been a dominant force in the league for nearly two decades, and this Suns squad has now proven that they belong as contenders. This is the first time in Chris Paul’s 16 seasons that he faced off with LeBron. With Paul’s steady leadership and a talented young core, these Suns are forreal.

Eastern Conference

Out East, none of the first-round series went past five games. Milwaukee delivered the only sweep of the first round, schooling the reigning Eastern Conference Champion Miami Heat. Jimmy Butler's competitiveness could not make up for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominance. The Bucks seem like they are playing their best ball at just the right time.

Milwaukee will face the Brooklyn Nets, who are lauded as the most talented team in the league, having just dispatched the Boston Celtics. The question with Brooklyn is whether or not they have had enough time to mesh as a true championship team. Their three-man-core of Durant, Irving, and Harden has only played so many games together, so this will be a fun matchup against the battle-tested Bucks.

The top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers put the Wizards away, but not without paying a price; Joel Embiid suffered a “small lateral meniscus tear” against Washington and is listed as day-to-day. The Sixers did well with their MVP candidate sidelined this season but are certainly hoping he can give it a go in the next round.

Philly will play Atlanta, who toppled the New York Knicks with surprising ruthlessness. No Embiid could lean the scoring advantage in the Hawks’ favor, but the difference in experience means Philly should stay afloat regardless.

Tune in and remember to keep checking back here and on The Basketball Movement’sTwitter as we keep up with the action!

Road trips: Traveling to games

Home court advantage is excellent, but you will be traveling to play half the time or less (during spring and summer).

Traveling to games can often be the worst part of game day. Different teams and players approach this aspect in diverse ways, but it is certainly something that everyone has to deal with one way or another. Traveling short distances is nice, but you may want more time to get in the zone. Traveling long distances is the most challenging because your mind can wander, you could stiffen up, or frankly, you could get bored.

The time and distance between you and your destination can seem insignificant next to the game, shootaround, practice, and so on. While the order of importance of these things can be debated, the travel time is still just one more thing that you must prepare for.

“It’s not the will to win that matters. Everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.”
— Paul "Bear" Bryant

Some coaches encourage quiet trips to games. They see chit-chat, laughter, or what have you as distracting from the task at hand. Others may take no issue with it, as it may be seen as the camaraderie contributing to team building. As usual, when in doubt, do as your coach says.

As a general rule, it is probably okay to chat with your teammates, but you need to try and keep it in the realm of basketball. Talking about your game strategy, plays, or opponent/scouting report are all great ways to pass the time. Even talking about basketball in general, be it NBA, WNBA, NCAA… you are still thinking about the sport you are about to play.

Another good way to pass the time is listening to music; the genre or artist is, of course, up to you. For some, it may be beneficial to listen to something a bit more relaxing if you tend to get nervous or worked up before a game. For many, something that elevates your adrenaline a bit, like rap or rock, is preferable. Find something in your sweet spot and stick with it.

Stiffening up on a long road trip can be a tricky issue to avoid. Stretching is essential here as it is in so many other aspects of basketball. Even if it is rotating your ankles, straightening out your back or legs, or rotating your neck, it isn’t a bad idea to maintain a little movement on the way every so often. Once you’ve arrived, remember that it is never too early to start stretching out.

Some road trips will be extra long. Sometimes you may even travel to a distant town and not play until the next day. In those instances, it is perfectly fine to relax a bit. Listen to what you want, joke around, so on and so forth. As much as possible, though, stay locked in on the task at hand and stay mentally ready to do your thing come game time.

For more tips, team news, and more, keep checking back right here!

2021 Yanders Law standouts (17u)

The Basketball Movement is highlighting several Yanders Law players that have stood out so far this season.

To this point, Yanders Law Basketball has had one of the most competitive AAU schedules in the Midwest. Composed entirely of in-state talent, YLB has competed with high-level Nike, Adidas, and Under Armor sponsored teams. However, as Robert Yanders puts it, his players “want all that smoke.”

“Playing these high-level teams, we win some and lose some,” Yanders says. “The thing is, we’re not looking for trophies. We are looking for scholarships. Going on to play in college leads to things that last forever. Trophies break.”

Almost all of Yanders’ 17U squad bost D1 offers already, but their stock continues to rise as they meet and compete with fierce competition. “We’ve beaten EYBL, UA, Adidas, and some of the best independent teams in the country,” Yanders says. “This spring, we played 40 guys from the ESPN Top 100 list. Our guys love it - we’re competitors.”

A few notable games this season include wins over George Hill All-Indy and Illinois Wolves. Yanders Law Blue Elite trumped All Ohio Red (EYBL), which boasts 12 AAU national championships. The squad played Mac Irvin Fire to a two-point game and Team Thad EYBL to a four-point game. Even from losses, the experience and exposure have resulted in continued buzz for these Yanders Law guys as they show what they can do.

Below, we highlight several standout players from Yanders Law. Get to know the guys repping your corner of the Midwest on the elite AAU scene:

Jonathan Dunn

6’7 Forward

Jonathan Dunn is a 6’7 forward boasting an offer from Mizzou. He has also heard from Purdue, Marquette, South Dakota, and K-State.

Always a threat to bully players inside, Dunn has recently seen his perimeter game takeoff as well. For his muscular frame, he has no issue keeping up with 2s and 3s on the perimeter, and he is evolving into a 3-and-D guy in addition to his rebounding and attacking style. One of the best rim-runners in the Midwest, he has developed the ability to put the ball on the deck and is an ever-evolving threat.

With a motor that just does not stop, Dunn has earned high praise from coach Robert Yanders. “J Dunn is a dawg,” Yanders says. “He has displayed so much growth on both ends of the floor.”

Dunn is committed to playing post-grad hoops for We Are United this fall.

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Cameron Liggins

6’4 Combo Guard

Cam Liggins is a 6’4 combo guard with offers from Western Illinois and Montana State. He has also heard from Oral Roberts, Furman, and recently took a call from Oklahoma State.

Liggins has evolved from a good shooter to a great scorer, displaying the ability to make baskets at all levels. He has become an intimidating downhill attacker but must be chased off the perimeter as he poses a deep threat as well.

“Cam is definitely a mid-major-plus guy,” Rob Yanders says. “One of his best qualities is that he can rebound the hell out of the ball. Elite rebounder at his position.”

Liggins is committed to playing post-grad hoops for We Are United this fall.

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Kanon Gipson

6’3 Guard

Kanon Gipson is a 6’3 guard that has drawn interest from UC Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, and UW Milwaukee.

Like another notable Santa Clara guard, Kanon Gipson is 6’3, crafty, and has a knack for winning. As steady as they come, Gipson has done a great job leading the club this spring and has drawn praise from coach Rob Yanders.

“Kanon has played against high-level guards all spring and has held his own on both ends of the floor,” Yanders says. “Three-star guys like Jaden Schutt and Sean Jones - Kanon defeated them. He isn’t flashy, but he consistently just gets the job done.”

Gipson is committed to playing post-grad hoops for We Are United this fall.

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Logan Applegate

6’2 Guard

Logan Applegate is a 6’2 guard with offers from Texas State and SIUe and has drawn interest from Drexel, Westpoint, Belmont, and Nebraska Omaha.

With Gipson assuming point guard duties, Logan Applegate has slid into the role of scoring guard seamlessly and has done a great job working off the ball. Applegate is an elite passer, giving Yanders Law the luxury of having multiple playmakers on the floor at once.

He has a pretty jump shot, a big motor on defense, and impressive athleticism. His stock is rising quickly and will likely not stop anytime soon.

Applegate is committed to playing post-grad hoops for We Are United this fall.

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Elijah Whitley

6’3 Guard

Elijah Whitley is a 6’3 guard with an offer from SIUe. He has taken calls from Eastern Illinois and Nebraska Omaha.

An explosive guard, Whitley has been opening eyes this spring with his bounce and ability in the open floor. Coach Rob Yanders says he would like to see Whitley be more aggressive this July but applauded his ever-developing, well-rounded game.

“He is a jack-of-all-trades,” Yanders says of Whitley. “He is good on the break, plays above the rim, can defend, and score.” Whitley is benefiting from big-game exposure and is likely to be hearing from more programs soon.

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Zach Howell

6’5 Guard/Forward

Zach Howell is a 6’5 guard/forward with an offer from SIUe and has drawn interest from Harvard and Mizzou. He will soon take an unofficial visit to Colorado State as well.

A gym rat of The Basketball Movement for years, the results of Zach Howell’s hard work are striking. As Rob Yanders put it: “Zach is one of the best shooters in the country.”

Howell will be a senior next season at Springfield Catholic but is already able to hang with top talent from around the country. A sound defender, elite shooter, and ever-improving attacker, Howell is poised for an explosive finish to his prep career.

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Tyler Harmon

6’2 Guard

Tyler Harmon is a 6’2 guard with high D2 to low D1 prospects.

Harmon has taken significant steps forward in his time with the Yanders Law program and at The Basketball Movement. He creates a presence on the floor that allows him to play beyond his size and guard multiple positions.

“He is going to be our defensive stopper,” Yanders says of Harmon. “He is good at turning D into O. If he is clicking on defense, then he’s good to go at the other end. He is tough, hard-nosed, and gets it done. We are excited for July as his role continues to grow with the team.”

Around the NBA: 2021 Playoff Preview

With the Play-In Tournament wrapped up, the 2020-21 NBA Playoffs can officially begin.

Compared to the previous NBA Playoffs format, a change this year was having a Play-In Tournament for lower-seeded teams from the regular season. In each conference, the teams with the 7th and 8th best records play for the right to the 7-seed. Another game is played between teams with the 9th and 10th best record, with the winner playing the loser of the 7th-seed game for a chance for the 8-seed.

Still with us?

It was an interesting but perhaps muddled way to allow for an additional chance for these teams in a slightly shortened season (72 games vs. a standard 82).

In the Eastern Conference, the Pacers sent the Hornets home night one while the Celtics trumped the Wizards behind 50 points from Jayson Tatum. In the game for the 8-seed, Washington bounced back, beating down the Pacers to clinch their spot.

The Western Conference Play-In saw the Grizzlies send the Spurs home, and the Lakers secure the 7-seed with an impressive win over Steph Curry and the red-hot Warriors. In the 8-seed game, Memphis outlasted Golden State in overtime and sent the MVP candidate Curry packing.

The brackets are finally set on both sides, and the 2021 NBA Playoffs are set to officially get underway. Intriguing matchups are everywhere you turn in the first round as these best-of-seven-game-series begin.

Eastern Conference

For their valiant effort in the Play-In, the Celtics won the honor of facing the Brooklyn Nets, who may be the most talented team in the Playoffs. Boston may be in trouble without injured breakout star Jaylen Brown.

Washington will be similarly rewarded, now with the chance to face the Philadelphia 76ers and MVP candidate Joel Embiid. This will be a scrappy series (and an entertaining one with Embiid and Westbrook feuding in the past), but Philly should have no problem moving on if they can avoid injuries.

Reigning Eastern Conference Champions, the 6-seeded Miami Heat will take on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, who have a chip on their shoulder after being knocked out by the Heat a season ago. This has the potential to be one of the most competitive matchups of the first round.

In the 4/5 game, the surprising New York Knicks will take on the talented young Hawks. Either of these teams advancing past the first round would be a big step for their franchise, so this will be a fresh, interesting matchup.

Western Conference

In the Western Conference, the 1-seed Utah Jazz may actually have their hands full with the Grizzlies, who are riding the high of beating out the Warriors. The Jazz boasts the NBA’s best record for a reason though and their collective playoff experience should be enough to carry them through.

The defending champion Los Angeles Lakers will face the Phoenix Suns, who have exceeded expectations this year after adding Chris Paul. Now healthy and rolling, the Lakers are a tough matchup for the young Suns to see in the first round, but if they come out on top, they will have proven that they can win it all.

Dallas did well to work its way up to the 5-seed but still have plenty to prove. They will get that opportunity right away, facing a Clippers team that is still loaded. Paul George has something to prove in these playoffs, and Kawhi Leonard has already established that he is a postseason monster. Do not underestimate these guys.

After a bit of an injury-plagued season, Portland should be back in a position to score with anybody. They are hoping everything will click at just the right time. For Denver, Nikola Jokic is an MVP favorite, and the injury loss of Jamal Murray only allowed for the ascension of Michael Porter Jr. They are battle-tested and prepared for anyone.

The full first-round schedule can be found at NBA.com

Stay tuned here and follow us on Twitter as we keep up with the best basketball action in the world.

We Are United Prep - Jonathan Dunn

JONATHAN DUNN IS OFFICIALLY COMMITTED TO PLAYING POST-GRAD HOOPS WITH WE ARE UNITED PREP.

With school ball behind him, Jonathan Dunn is looking forward and focusing on working out and getting better this summer. If his spring performances with Yanders Law Basketball are any indication, things are going incredibly well.

Dunn recently received offers to hoop with Mizzou and SIU-Edwardsville and is currently drawing interest from Iowa State, Purdue, Murray State, Maryland, and more.

Dunn attributed his strong play in AAU ball to his teammates. “We play well together,” Dunn says. “We do a good job playing off the ball. Whoever is hot gets the ball in their hands; when I’m having a good day, they get me the ball.” With Yanders Law, Dunn has certainly had plenty of “good days,” most of which is due to his willingness to run the floor, a nose for the ball, and vicious rack attacks.

He has already come a long way, but Dunn knows there is already room for improvement. He says he will work on his jump shot mechanics this summer, focusing on backspin and having a consistent stroke. “I also want to make sure I’m attacking off the dribble more,” Dunn says. “I also want to use my length to score over the defense.”

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Asked about his decision to continue his hoops career at We Are United, Dunn says he simply needs to continue to get better. “I want to get better, and I want to work with good people - people who are in my corner,” Dunn says.

Since Dunn initially came to The Basketball Movement and began working with Rob Yanders, he says that their similarities have allowed the relationship to strengthen. “He is competitive on-and-off the court, just like me,” Dunn says of Yanders. “He pushes everyone to be the best they can be and still makes sure they continue to work.”

Dunn has been coming to The Basketball Movement and working with Coach Rob long enough that he knows what hard work looks like. The strides he has taken in his time here cannot be understated, and his arrow is pointing straight up.

For more on We Are United’s upcoming inaugural season and all things basketball, keep it locked to The Basketball Movement.

We Are United Prep - Sincere Malone

CHICAGO NATIVE, 6’8 SINCERE MALONE HAS COMMITTED TO PLAYING POST-GRAD HOOPS WITH WE ARE UNITED PREP.

Currently holding offers from Chicago State and Southern U., Sincere Malone is coming from Chicago to We Are United prep in hopes of raising his stock further. Robert Yanders’ new post-grad school will allow Malone to improve rapidly and do just that.

Malone says that school ball ended quickly and mostly felt like a scrimmage environment with no fans being allowed to attend. Making a visit to We Are United, Sincere liked the atmosphere quite a bit, saying that he made his mind up on the spot.

“It is a family environment,” Malone says. “I feel like I am at home. I know that it will be a good place to hoop and develop.”

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Development, hooping, and family are significant areas of emphasis at We Are United and The Basketball Movement, so we are pleased to hear these words. Development starts early, as Rob Yanders is putting his recruits through rigorous workouts already. “I thought IU was in shape before I came here,” Malone told Yanders after a recent workout. Yanders’ patented toughness can mold players in a hurry if they have the correct mindset.

“He’s a hard-knock coach,” Malone says of Yanders. “He knows what it takes to get to the next level. I am self-motivated, but everyone can use that extra voice in their ear. He’ll give me that edge.”

Sincere says that this summer, he will spend his time striving to improve his athleticism, shooting, and rebounding. He also notes that he has work to do to become a better off-ball player, slashing and cutting. With We Are United using The Basketball Movement as its home base, he will get plenty of opportunities to improve every aspect of his game.

Keep an eye out as we highlight more players committed to We Are United and keep it locked to The Basketball Movement for news, player updates, and more.

We Are United Prep - John Lovelace Jr.

Milwaukee native 6’8 John Lovelace Jr. has committed to playing post-grad hoops with We Are United Prep.

Robert Yanders’ new prep school, We Are United, is set to have its inaugural hoops season this fall. Commitments are heating up, including 6’8 John Lovelace Jr. out of Milwaukee, WI.

Lovelace Jr. already boasts offers from Mizzou, DePaul, Western Illinois, and Grambling State. He has received interest from Wyoming and Illinois as well, and his stock is on the rise.

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Lovelace Jr.’s high school coach, Jose Winston, was the connection with Rob Yanders. Coach Winston explained to John that he and Rob would be an excellent fit. “Rob is a great guy,” Lovelace says. “I like that he’ll push me and expects everybody to work hard. He treats the 15th guy like he treats the best players.”

With professional aspirations, Lovelace Jr. knows he has plenty to work on to make his NBA dream a reality. “I’ve been pushing myself in practice ‘til I can’t go anymore,” Lovelace says. “I’ve been working on my athleticism, conditioning, ball-handling, shooting, and creating plays on both sides. I always try to guard the best player too.”

John says that this seems like a great area, and he seems ready to go to work this fall. He says that he is prepared to be pushed, which is music to Rob Yanders’ ears.

“I think the world of John,” says Yanders. “It’s always good to have guys here from where I’m from. The pieces are coming together and the talent level of We Are United is going to be very, very high.”

Stay tuned for more from We Are United and The Basketball Movement.

HOF enshrinement: Duncan, Garnett, and Bryant

Saturday, May 15th, marks the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement for Time Duncan, Kevin, Garnett, and the late Kobe Bryant.

The basketball world will be remembering an important era of hoops this weekend as The Big Fundamental, The Big Ticket, and The Black Mamba enter the hoop hall and cement their basketball legacies. Each player had legendary careers and will be looked back on as some of the greatest ever at their respected positions.

Of course, the passing of Kobe Bryant will add a somber note to the event. Gone too soon, the loss of Kobe and his daughter Gigi shook the world, and things are still not quite the same. Each player will get their due recognition, but Kobe and his family will be showered with love and remembrance through it all.

Bryant came right out of high school and spent his entire career as a Las Angeles Laker. He holds multiple team records, an impressive feat, playing for one of the Association’s most storied franchises.

From his unstoppable tandem with Shaquille O’Neal to his 60-point final game, Bryant’s competitiveness and pursuit of greatness were apparent at all times. His philanthropy, what he meant to one of the biggest cities in the USA, and now his induction into the Hall of Fame will ensure that his memory will not fade.

Another player that spent his entire career with one team, Tim Duncan retired as one of the winningest players in history. Never having a losing record and winning championships as early as 1999 and as late as 2014, Duncan was dominant.

Perhaps one of the greatest team players and winners since Bill Russell, Duncan is regarded by many as the greatest power forward of all time. No flash, none of the teeth-gritting or fire that we see from Bryant or Garnett, but an undeniable legacy for his sustained dominance on both ends of the floor.

Kevin Garnett spent his first 12 seasons in Minnesota, amassing nearly all team records in the process (almost all of which still stand). He was a revolutionary player, stretching the floor and using his quickness to torch opposing big men. What he lacked in power was moot, as his body control and ferocious demeanor meant he could punish teams inside as well.

When he went to play for Boston during the summer of 2007, he finally paired with fellow All-Stars that allowed him to exist as a defensive anchor and clutch third option on offense. His numbers went down, but his terrifying, competitive nature remained. He was an integral part of a memorable championship squad, cementing his Hall of Fame status.

The rest of the inductees per NBA.com: “…four-time National Coach of the Year Eddie Sutton, two-time NBA Champion coach Rudy Tomjanovich, 10-time WNBA All-Star and four-time Olympic gold medalist Tamika Catchings, three-time NCAA National Championship Coach of Baylor Kim Mulkey, five-time Division II National Coach of the Year Barbara Stevens and longtime FIBA executive Patrick Baumann.”

Focus on strengths - Insulate weaknesses

You know what you are good at, and you know what needs work. Which is more deserving of attention?

As a player, unless you are blinded by supreme confidence, you are aware that you are not perfect. Perhaps you have never been the best shooter, or maybe you are an undersized post player. You also know where you shine on the court or in the locker room.

With something like basketball, it is easy to get caught up in the areas that need improvement. This is not always a bad thing; there are always opportunities to elevate skill level but do not also forget to focus on the strengths that set you apart.

Players like Shaquille O’Neal and DeAndre Jordan have been mercilessly criticized for their free-throw shooting woes. They are also heavily applauded - Shaq was an NBA MVP, and DeAndre Jordan was 1st team all-NBA with the Clippers. Do you see where we are heading with this?

Focus on what sets you apart

Shaq was not a great free throw shooter, but it did not matter because he was so dominant in other facets of the game.

If you are a great shooter, keep working on shooting. Never entirely ignore any aspect of the sport, but stay sharp and keep improving even your best qualities. The all-time great shooters were not content with being decent. They still practiced shooting every single day. 

Even if you are hyper-focused on strengths, do not forget:

Insulate weaknesses to make sure you do not fall behind

Just because you are focused on what sets you apart does not mean you can ignore the other aspects of the game. You can become a great shooter, but coaches will be hesitant to play you if you never bothered to work on defense.

Not everyone can be fast. Stay in shape and keep your conditioning at the best level you can, but do not sweat it too much if you struggle to improve foot speed. Focus instead on footwork and body positioning to insulate this weakness. Then, get right back to focusing on what sets you apart.

Great rebounders practice rebounding. Glue guys focus on defense and ball movement. Shooters get up hundreds of shots. Be a well-rounded player, but make sure your best skills are kept the sharpest for your team.

Make sure to keep up with more on the great game of basketball here at The Basketball Movement.

Tracking interest, offers, and commitments

In what has likely been the strangest recruiting and scouting year ever, The Basketball Movement is keeping you up-to-speed on our athletes.

Different athletes naturally have different goals, all of which are respected at The Basketball Movement. Some young players just want to get a feel for the game, some may want to crack the varsity squad, and others may have dreams of going pro. While we work with players from every stage of the game, we have recently been fortunate to be a part of a large wave of high school players committing to play NCAA basketball.

Every player is responsible for their own destiny, so work with The Basketball Movement will only take individuals as far as they will let it. We are confident in saying that we know what it takes to help any player reach their next level if they let us.

Recently, many athletes that work with The Basketball Movement (most of which also participate in Yanders Law AAU basketball) have received offers to play Division 1 hoops. Some have already accepted those offers, and others are still deciding as they continue to elevate their level of play.

We track offers and commitments of our players on our social media platforms, so make sure that you are following The Basketball Movement.

Despite a challenging year for scouting and recruitment, this has been the strongest crop of young local talent in recent memory. Some players are choosing to reclassify and wait for more exposure as they continue to develop. Many of those players have committed to attending the new prep school, We Are United, this fall (more on that later).

For any parents or players - let us know if we are missing anything also. If you frequent The Basketball Movement or are part of #LawNation, DM us or shoot an email to basketballmovement@yahoo.com to tell us about any recruiting news you think we should know about.

In addition to news about recruitment, The Basketball Movement has been pumping out player highlights, news, and more on our social media sites. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook as we monitor all of the movement!

One-on-One with Lyla, Ella, Ruthie, and Riley

The Basketball Movement catches up with some of our favorite ladies following the conclusion of their high school seasons.

The Basketball Movement’s affiliate AAU program, Yanders Law has helped some of the area’s finest hoopers elevate their game beyond what the competition of Southwest Missouri may otherwise allow. Playing for Yanders Law and working out right here at The Basketball Movement allows for bonds to be built and a competitive edge to be sharpened.

We caught up with a few girls that have been staples of the Yanders Law program as well as gym rats of The Basketball Movement to see how things are going with school ball in the rear-view for a while.

Lyla Watson, Ozark (Jr.)

With her junior season at Ozark completed, Lyla Watson is ready for the next chapter. “It wasn’t the best season,” Watson says. “ I had some mental battles for sure, but I overcame them by the end. I am really ready for summer ball and then my senior season.”

Asked what she will be focusing on this offseason, Lyla says that she wants to focus on being more than a shooter. “I need to focus on a drive-first mentality and work on aggression,” Watson says. “I know that I can shoot the ball, but I need to keep focusing on all aspects. I am strong and I need to take advantage of that.”

Lyla is “extremely confident” in her shot, but her drive on the defensive end is what can turn the tides of a game even when shots are not falling. “I love the satisfaction of locking someone up,” Watson says. “Stuff like forcing five-second calls - it motivates me. That is what fuels my offense.”

Her time with Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement has transcended beyond hoops. In Lyla’s eyes, it is all like family.

“They have given me confidence and hope,” Watson says. “They have seen me and believed in me all along. It is so much more than a gym. I’ve learned how to work hard here and never give up. I couldn’t even shoot a right-handed layup when I started - they get credit for everything.”

From winning the Nike Tournament of Champions in Chicago to teaching Coach Rob the newest dance moves, Lyla’s time with us has definitely been mutually beneficial and we are so excited to see where she goes from here.

Ella Lippelman, Springfield Catholic (Sr.)

Having finished what she considers her best team and individual season, Ella Lippelman has wrapped up a great high school career. However - she is not finished yet.

Ella committed to continuing her academic and athletic career at Colorado College last August and is ready for the next step. In fact, she was in our gym the day after her season ended. “It is a weird feeling,” Lippelman says of her high school career being over. “The other girls (at The Basketball Movement) still have another year. I’m excited for what’s to come.”

When asked why she selected Colorado College, she pointed out that the school and the program checked all of her boxes. “For me, it has everything I’ve wanted,” Lippelman says. “Academics is so important and it is one of the top liberal arts schools. The coaches are nice and supportive and honestly remind me of Rob (Yanders) and The Basketball Movement. I wanted to feel supported and invested in.”

A part of Yanders Law since 6th grade, Ella has had the chance to be around coaches and trainers that set great examples. “They really care and that makes them different,” Lippelman says. “They will push you every single time until you can’t move - slacking off is not allowed. I wasn’t very good when I started, but here I have improved every area of my game.”

“Practices prepare you for game situations. Basketball IQ has been one of my biggest takeaways. Beyond that, they are as awesome at being there for you as a person as a player. If I ever needed anything, I know they’d be there.”

As she ramps up lifting and prepares her conditioning for playing at a higher altitude, Ella is not done with The Basketball Movement. She will remain a regular through school and be here most mornings over the summer in preparation. When she finds time though, Rob and Craig are going to need those Colorado College T-shirts.

Ruthie Brown, Clever (Jr.)

Having wrapped up her junior season with Clever, Ruthie Brown says that he feels that she still has unfinished business. “It was a bit of a rough season,” Brown says. “I’ll definitely be making up for that next year and working extra hard this summer.”

Brown is already focusing on what she needs to work on to put her team in a better position next year. She will get plenty of opportunities to do so while playing AAU ball with Yanders Law this summer. “I’m going to focus on being more aggressive,” Brown says." “Playing at a higher tempo and getting stronger inside.”

Ruthie has been a member of #LawNation since about 5th grade and says she has come a long way personally in addition to her improvement on the court. “When I started, I didn’t really talk to anyone, didn’t know how to play,” Brown recalls. “Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement have completely built up my confidence and transformed my play. It’s like a family.”

Also a member of the team that won the national Nike Tournament of Champions, Ruthie is has been a cornerstone of the Yanders Law program over the years. Playing with many of the same girls for a long time, dinners and experiences on road trips, competing, and winning are all a part of what has made her time with the program special.

Already equipped with the needed work ethic, we are pleased to have been able to provide the tools to help Ruthie along her journey. She is a highly versatile player and absolutely has what it takes to help a team at the next level.

Riley Arnold, Blue Eye (Jr.)

Coming off of a third-place finish in Missouri Class 2, Riley Arnold and her Blue Eye teammates are feeling good. Not many teams get to end their season on a win. It wasn’t first though, and Arnold will be back again next season. “With the tie for third the last year, this means we’ve done it back-to-back,” Arnold says. “We will hopefully be back again next year.”

To make that happen, Riley will be spending the offseason working on everything that goes into being a floor general. “I’ll be focusing on continuing to improve my ball-handling and point guard skills,” Arnold says. “All of that will improve getting to play with Yanders Law as well.”

“(Yanders Law) is a really hard-working club,” Arnold says. “It has taught me a lot about basketball and life honestly. Always being pushed hard has helped me to develop my skills. Every workout I’ve been through here has been challenging and I’m always ready for the next.”

Riley is also active in cross country, track, and volleyball. Whatever path she chooses to pursue, coaches should know that she works hard, is aggressive, always fights to win, and has leadership qualities that are not easily taught.

Playing time - A basketball balancing act

Year after year, playing time is one of the top issues on the minds of players (and their families).

Whether it is justified or not, many players find themselves not getting the time on the court they desire. There are situations in which it comes down to coach oversights, preferences, or bias. Almost always though, a player can increase their playing time by stepping up their game.

“I don’t complain about playing time. My job is to play so well the coach can’t sit me.”
— Shane Battier

All of the practice and effort that goes into basketball comes together in games, so that is why it can be so frustrating to not get many minutes - if any at all. No matter the reason for the limited minutes, the frustration is understandable.

That being said, many of your minutes are truly up to you. A coach controls substitutions, but you control your abilities. In a game situation, a coach’s mind is going 100 miles per hour. Many of their decisions are based on split-second instinct. They go to players and schemes that they are comfortable with and make sense in specific situations.

During your time on the court, time in practice, and even time off the court, present your best self to your coach. Get noticed by your play and demeanor - this will place you more prominently in your coach’s mind. Naturally, this will pay off when those split-second decisions happen in games.

The best thing you can do to increase playing time is simple - step up your game. Just practicing with your team is not going to separate you from the pack. The most improvement often happens in the offseason.

Not only getting up shots but going through basketball-specific workouts like those offered by The Basketball Movement are the kind of thing that separates a team’s best players from the rest.

It can be tough to dig yourself out of the hole that is the bench, so it will take patience and determination. Overcoming adversity is something else that helps to separate the strongest from the pack, however. It is a challenge worth taking on if you are serious about getting more minutes.

Parents - It can be tough to accept sometimes, but this isn’t your battle. Coaching decisions are not yours to make and you must understand that you have blind spots when it comes to your own boys and girls. If coaching actions seem abusive in any way, it is of course time to step up. With issues such as playing time, however, just support your children and be willing to help them in any way possible.

As mentioned, The Basketball Movement is a tremendous resource in the Midwest for scenarios just like these. If a player is serious about improving in a hurry, The Basketball Movement is the perfect place to start at any level of the game.

Remember you can contact us anytime here!

Cam Liggins (2022) continues to dominate

Over the last few weeks, 2022 guard, Cameron Liggins has been lighting up the competition and opening eyes around the country.

6 foot 4 athletic wing, Cameron Liggins just finished up dropping a 40-piece on a Nike NYBL squad. If anyone is surprised, they have not been paying attention. Liggins has had big games this weekend against Illinois Wolves, All Ohio, and then the 40 point, 15 rebound game against Team Thad.

Cam Liggins has a great body for a perimeter player. He can drill the three, runs well, and has become a terrific downhill attacker.

He currently holds an offer from Western Illinois. Liggins has previously received interest from Oklahoma State, Montana State, and Texas State, but his Yanders Law coach, Rob Yanders has been taking calls from several new coaches this weekend following his impressive performances.

Liggins is presently slated to attend We Are United Prep this fall. His stock had been rising but is likely to spike with his current level of play. Stay tuned!

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!