USA Basketball update

Exhibition games have concluded, and the men's and women’s Olympic basketball teams are headed to Tokyo.

In what has historically been a display of dominance, the USA Men’s and Women’s teams faltered in their exhibition games leading up to the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. Between COVID scares and surprising losses, the USA will need to find its footing if they hope to take gold in Japan.

Kevin Love has decided to stay behind to continue nursing his lingering leg injuries. In addition, Bradley Beal has been forced to remain stateside due to health and safety protocols (COVID-19). Keldon Johnson and Javale McGee have since replaced the pair. Coach Gregg Popovich is familiar with Johnson, as he coaches him in San Antonio as well. McGee addresses a need for rim protection.

Zach Lavine will not be flying with the team due to health and safety protocols but is expected to join later in the week. This likely means that the team is being cautious with contact tracing.

Also needing a later flight are Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday, and Khris Middleton. The trio is competing in the NBA Finals, which could conclude as early as tonight or as late as the upcoming weekend. Look for a recap of those Finals right here at The Basketball Movement.

Despite the presence of Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and a litany of other stars, Team USA dropped two of their four exhibition games. The opening loss to Nigeria was a shocker, with only a pair of lesser NBA talents standing out on the African squad. A loss to Australia is more forgivable, as the Aussies have a solid team, but the back-to-back poor games are a surprise from a team sporting USA across its chest.

The USAMNBT finished up exhibitions with wins against aging Spain and Argentina squads and will look to carry momentum into Tokyo.

On the Women’s team, we saw a rare exhibition loss as well. In international play, the women have been even more historically dominant than the men but shot the ball poorly in a loss to Australia.

In a fun twist, Team USA played the WNBA All-Star team (those that either were not selected to Team USA or hail from other countries). Team USA lost that one as well, and the MVP was ironically Arike Ogunbowale, who felt she had been snubbed from the USA roster. Apparently, she had a point.

The ladies will look to get back on track just like the men, and they will need to do so quickly. Friday, July 23rd, marks the first action for both the men and women of Team USA. Keep checking back here as we follow along!

Jonathan Dunn accepts Missouri State offer

Jonathan Dunn (6’7 2022 F) of Yanders Law and We Are United prep has accepted an offer to play for Missouri State University.

Since arriving in Southwest Missouri to finish up his high school basketball career in Logan-Rogersville, Jonathan Dunn has impressed. He was still a bit raw before his time with The Basketball Movement but has proven to be an absolute gym rat, and that work has paid off.

During his time here and with the Yanders Law AAU program, Dunn has gone from athletic forward to a complete player, capable of knocking down the long ball, rebounding at an elite clip, and defending multiple positions. And, yes, he can still put opponents in the rim as well.

After graduating high school, Dunn reclassified to 2022, giving himself more time to gain exposure following a challenging recruiting year due to the pandemic. Dunn has committed to playing for We Are United this fall, and his spring and summer play was all he needed to show what he was truly capable of. Look for Dunn to continue expanding his offensive repertoire and overall feel for the game, working with Rob Yanders this upcoming semester.

Dunn held outstanding offers from Mizzou and Texas Tech before ultimately deciding to attend Missouri State University. Coaches Dana Ford and Corey Gipson know to expect an established rim-runner and high motor guy. But, as he continues to work, the sky is the limit for Dunn.

Congratulations to JD and also congratulations to Missouri State. This pairing should yield impressive results from the get, and we are excited to be able to see it right down the road. Go Bears!

Yanders Law UAA Rise wrap-up

Yanders Law (17u) completed a successful UAA Rise Circuit this weekend, with many We Are United and The Basketball Movement players raising their stock.

Cartersville, GA — at the Lake Point Champions Center right outside of Atlanta, the young men of Yanders Law wipe away the sweat and stow away their shoes after the final action of the weekend concludes. Their minds are on the last game - one they believe they should have won - but at their core, they know what a success this UAA Rise Circuit has been.

Finishing 5-2 on the weekend against some elite talent, the wins were impressive, and the losses were close. By the end, Coach Rob Yanders is thrilled to give the young men such an opportunity.

“These guys did a great job competing,” Yanders says. “There were hundreds of coaches here - Mizzou, Arizona, K-State, Texas, Texas Tech, Marquette… our guys were out there drawing attention from major programs. This is so different than sending in videos. Our guys are legitimate prospects, so to be here in the flesh playing at a high level, they are really going to take off. This is only the beginning.”

The Basketball Movement already gave you the breakdown of the first two days of action. The following two on Saturday and Sunday provided plenty more fire.

Zach Howell (6’5 G/F) continued to show why he has high D1 potential. Against Atlanta Express, he hit five threes. Against Philly Pride, he had 26 and 8. Then, against TRD Basketball, he hit another five treys to finish his final game with 22 and 6. Howell is the real deal.

Cam Liggins (6’4 G) hit three triples en route to 16 points against TRD Basketball on Saturday, but it is his renewed focus on defense that likely turned the heads of coaches this weekend. He has been a scorer all season but is now looking like a complete package.

Yanders Law’s biggest breakout player has been newcomer Sincere Malone (6’8 G/F). Like Liggins, Malone is committed to We Are United prep this fall and looks like the perfect candidate to benefit from some additional exposure. Malone is a double-double threat every time he takes the court. He had 11/12 against Atlanta Express and a whopping 17 boards against TRD Basketball to go with four points, four assists, and four steals, which he also has a knack for.

Over the last few days of the circuit, Kanon Gipson (6’3 PG) flashed his ability to crash the boards at the point guard position but also stayed true to his role with ten assists against Atlanta Express and eight more the next day against TRD Basketball.

Logan Applegate (6’2 G) continued his strong play Saturday and Sunday, looking like an elite distributor both on the break and in halfcourt sets. He also tallied four steals against TRD Basketball and will make it very difficult for a college coach to keep him off the floor with his versatile guard play.

Tyler Harmon (6’2 G) is a great defender and glue guy but proved that he could not be left alone on the perimeter either. He went 5 of 8 from deep over the circuit’s final two days and stepped up whenever it was required, as always.

This Yanders Law squad feels like it has multiple players that could hold the “X-factor” title. Jonathan Dunn (6’7 F) used to hold that position, but now, teams know he is coming. JD drew plenty of attention this weekend but continued to be a handful in the paint. He brought the defense in the Circuit’s final games, flying around blocking shots and grabbing steals.

All weekend, we saw flashes of great play from Corey Williams (6’2 G) and Elijah Whitley (6’3 G). Williams is new to the squad and brought terrific toughness on defense. Coach Yanders is looking forward to seeing more of his silky smooth jumper next weekend in Dallas. Whitley can shoot it too and has above-the-rim ability for his size that screams potential.

Highlights for each player can be found on our Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Follow the movement!

“This is going to be a great July,” Yanders says. “We are so excited about how far the program has come.” Yanders Law 17u will be on the road again next weekend in Dallas, TX. We are expecting even more big things, so stay tuned!

Yanders Law 17u - UAA Rise

Yanders Law (17u) is having another strong showing, this time at the UAA Rise Circuit in Atlanta, Georgia.

Off to a 3-1 start in Atlanta, Yanders Law came in hot to the UA Rise Circuit this Thursday and Friday. Of course, the action is far from over, but this has already been a successful weekend for many rising stars of The Basketball Movement.

Already sporting numerous D1 offers and several having committed to Robert Yanders’ We Are United prep this fall, the future is getting brighter all the time for these young men. Coaches from some of the biggest basketball programs in the nation are in attendance this weekend, and Yanders Law is doing its part in giving them a show.

Thursday:

Yanders Law 98 - IBA Illinois Stars 69

Yanders Law 67 - Kingdom Hoops 59

Friday:

Yanders Law 78 - Illinois HoopStars 79

Yanders Law 73 - ESF Threat 41

Kanon Gipson (6’3 guard) has paced Yanders Law in assists in each game so far and has emerged as a pure point guard after having the looks of a shooting specialist previously. Gipson holds an offer from UW Milwaukee. He has also received interest from UC Santa Barbara and Santa Clara.

Unconscious from the field in Yanders Law’s first game against IBA Illinois Stars, Cameron Liggins (6’4 combo guard) dropped 29 and has continued his strong play. An elite rebounder for a guard, Liggins currently holds offers from Western Illinois and Montana State. He has also heard from Oral Roberts, Furman, and Oklahoma State. More to come soon for Liggins.

The most consistent Yanders Law player of the early going, Jonathan Dunn (6’7 forward), has been on a tear to the surprise of no one. Dunn’s versatility has been on full display with games of 19/12, 12/7, and 10/6 with a pair of swats. The high-energy forward holds offers from Mizzou and Texas Tech. He has also heard from Purdue, Marquette, South Dakota, and K-State.

Logan Applegate (6’2 guard) drilled four triples against ESF threat and has had solid showings on both sides of the floor, including a 14 point, 10 dime performance in a tough loss to Illinois HoopStars. Applegate holds offers from Texas State and SIUe and has drawn interest from Drexel, Westpoint, Belmont, and Nebraska Omaha. Elijah Whitley (6’3 guard) is another player to watch after stuffing the stat sheet against IBA Illinois Stars (8/4/5 with three big blocks).

Zach Howell (6’5 guard/forward) has been aggressive, dropping 27 on Illinois HoopStars, but also on the boards, showing that he can be a fantastic contributor even in the rare games where the threes are not falling. Howell recently received an offer from Texas Tech. He also has an offer from SIUe and has drawn interest from Harvard and Mizzou. Another all-around contributor, Tyler Harmon (6’2 guard), has been bringing his usual intangibles, remaining solid from deep and the pest on defense that every good team needs.

Two newcomers to Yanders Law, Sincere Malone (6’8 guard/forward) and Corey Williams Jr. (6’2 wing), are both We Are United commits that have quickly acclimated to the team. Williams Jr. has a great-looking stroke from outside. Sincere Malone has contributed on the boards immediately, with games of 9/9 and 11/10. He has had at least one steal in each contest, including 5(!) against ESF Threat.

Coach Rob Yanders says that they are good to go when the team moves the ball, defends, and rebounds. “When we are tougher than other teams, we win,” Yanders says. “In losses, if we aren’t the tougher team, we lose. We will be undefeated with toughness, and that’s what we are trying to emphasize to these guys.”

There has been no shortage of toughness the first few days of the Rise Circuit. We will be updating you here on the final days to see if the streak holds strong.

NCAA rule changes - NIL

In one of the most impactful changes to college sports in history, the NCAA has announced that athletes may now profit from their NIL.

NIL or name, image, and likeness, rule changes in the NCAA mean that athletes may finally begin earning money from their personal brand, sponsorship, and deals. This step has been multiple years in the making, with only a handful of states coming around to the idea in recent years.

The new rules are still intentionally ambiguous. The NCAA is leaving things open to interpretation in the coming weeks. Hopefully, more details and a more straightforward blanket set of guidelines are in the pipeline as athletes enter this uncharted territory. Congress is expected to step in and assist with uniform guidelines as the national scale of these changes brings widespread implications.

Several athletes have already begun announcing brand partnerships as the ruling took effect at the start of July. Many previously prominent college athletes such as JJ Redick, Johnny Manziel, and Joe Burrow have commented about what they missed out on, but also their satisfaction that change is taking place at last.

It is an exciting time for NCAA athletes across all sports. As the players help their respective schools and teams succeed, they will now also have the opportunity to grow their personal brands and make money that they rightly deserve.

Will we see college basketball superstars sporting signature shoes from big brands during March Madness? Will NCAA video games come back in a big way? The breadth of the changes may be unclear, but change is here nonetheless.

The Basketball Movement will continue monitoring the changes and updates and passing along the info right here. Stay tuned as we keep the breakdowns coming on the NBA Finals and USA hoops down through local updates and player movement. See you again soon!

2021 NBA Finals preview

The Basketball Movement previews the 2021 NBA Finals between the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks.

Will the 2021 NBA Champions be the best team or the healthiest? Ahead of the 2021 NBA Finals showdown, starting tonight on ABC (8:00 pm CST), the health of Giannis Antetokounmpo is the most significant talking point. The two-time MVP and reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Antetokounmpo’s presence may be the deciding factor as the 2021 NBA Playoffs conclude.

“The Greek Freak” appeared to hyperextend his knee in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks. However, the Bucks’ supporting cast was still able to put away the seemingly overachieving Hawks.

A banged-up Trae Young made an impact in the ECF as well, as injuries continue to be an unfortunate theme in these playoffs. More on that once we dive into how the Phoenix Suns arrived in the Finals.

Assuming Antetokounmpo can play, this will be a highly competitive series. Giannis has struggled with his jumper and free throws but has the size to punish anyone on the Suns’ roster in the paint, with perhaps the exception of Deandre Ayton, who has enjoyed an impressive playoff run.

If the Bucks’ star cannot go, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday will be forced into a prominent role on offense. Both struggled at times quarter-to-quarter in the games without Giannis but ultimately were able to put together good enough performances to propel Milwaukee to victory.

Phoenix has had the luxury of barely any Anthony Davis in round one, no Jamal Murray in round two, and no Kawhi Leonard in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Clippers. Although, of course, the Suns are red-hot, so we should not credit injuries for too much of their success, but if they do not have to face Antetokounmpo? That is a fortunate title run.

Chris Paul is chasing his first ring in his storied 16 seasons. Statistically an all-time great, he has always passed the eye test as an elite leader as well. If he can pull off a championship as a veteran, it will cement his status as one of the best point guards of his generation.

Paired with Paul in the backcourt is Phoenix’s leading scorer, Devin Booker. Young, but a proven star, Booker makes for a nasty 1-2 backcourt punch with Paul. Milwaukee’s perimeter defense will be a key in the series. One of the most capable defensive teams in the league, the Bucks will face a difficult task - one that they did not have to meet earlier in James Harden and Kyrie Irving thanks once more to injuries.

If Antetokounmpo can go - look for the Bucks to lean heavily on the drive-and-kick approach. Milwaukee is a lethal three-point shooting team, but so much of that comes from Giannis’ ability to dominate the paint. If he cannot go - Milwaukee will be scrambling to see who of Middleton, Holiday, or even Brook Lopez can step up and keep the series competitive.

For the Suns, it will be all about Paul and Booker trying to break free of Jrue Holiday’s stifling defense. If either player can get it going, and Deandre Ayton is able to do his part and secure the paint, they will be able to play the way they want and have a fighting chance. The Suns’ role players have played well despite relative inexperience. That must continue in these Finals.

Stay tuned to The Basketball Movement and follow us on Twitter as the greatest league in the world nears its climactic finish.

Happy Fourth of July weekend!

Another holiday means another perfect time for reflection, family, and free throw practice… if you ask us.

Independence Day is special because it marks a historic moment for our country and gives us all a chance to celebrate the many freedoms we are afforded. No country is perfect and this is also a time to reflect on what we can do to continue to shape our piece of this world into a shining example of justice, equality, and peace. We all have a part to play - so go out and make a positive difference in your community!

We hope you get some time off to enjoy family and friends and celebrate however you feel is most appropriate. Of course… we would suggest using this time to outwork your competition, but we strive for greatness!

That said, we also want to remind you that there will be no Saturday Clinic this weekend (7/3) as we give our guys a break to be with their loved ones. Those that are missing out on that time to work are encouraged to do some ball-handling work in the driveway, get shots up wherever possible, or even watch some hoops and pay close attention to players you may model your game after.

Saturday will feature game six of the Eastern Conference Finals between Milwaukee and Atlanta. Both teams have been pushed to the brink with their stars having to sit out. The result so far is role players stepping up and fighting tooth-and-nail for a chance to face Phoenix in the NBA Finals. The weekend has a normal slate of WNBA action each day as well.

So enjoy the weekend! Work hard if there is work to be done but do your best to find time to reflect and be grateful as well. As always - keep checking back right here as we monitor the world’s basketball movement and do our part to uplift an already incredible hoops community.

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.