Pro-level workouts

The Basketball Movement offers pro-level workouts for men and women that are aiming for the top.

At The Basketball Movement, we go through skill workouts, clinics, and camps with athletes of almost all ages. Some of our favorites, and some that we are best-equipped for, are pro-level workouts with men and women with professional aspirations.

Even if you are already a professional hooper, we have proven over and over that The Basketball Movement can elevate even the most elite athletes. Whether you are a junior or senior in high school, college player, overseas or domestic pro, we can help you get to your personal next level.

(Peep the video below to see what a professional jump shot looks like with Toshua Leavitt)

With the NBA draft concluding and all eyes on the upcoming season, we will soon see several pros in action that can all attest to what The Basketball Movement can provide.

For many other players that are not able to join the pro ranks, now is the time to elevate. Robert Yanders is a former pro and specialist in this area. There are few trainers that can match Yanders’ intensity, experience, and knowledge of the game.

For all pro players and agents (or anyone interested in training at the highest level), reach out to us at basketballmovement@yahoo.com to get with Yanders and his staff. We can accommodate difficult schedules and assist in making arrangements for those that need to travel.

Everything Yanders does is centered around the fundamentals of the game, but the speed, intensity, and purpose of his drills are what sets him apart from other trainers.

“Rob’s a great guy. He genuinely knows what he’s doing and exactly what he’s talking about. He has been a great mentor for me because of his experience and that he doesn’t sugar coat anything; he tells it like it is.”
— Alize Johnson, Indiana Pacers

Check out our social sites; they provide media that offers a window into what these workouts look like. Every hooper has a limit, and we will find yours and push it. The Basketball Movement is designed based on professional facilities. We are equipped to help you get that work, but can also assist in cooldown. The facility features a film study room as well that allows us to teach some of the most undervalued skills in the game.

If you are a pro or want to be a pro, come see us. We are the top training facility in the Midwest for the best players to come to if they are not satisfied just being elite. Do you want to be great? We want to help.

What is The Basketball Movement?

The Basketball Movement is the premier facility in the Midwest for hoopers to come to and elevate their game.

Many players from this area and beyond have been elevating their game with The Basketball Movement. Those familiar with the local basketball scene see that many of the best players are part of #LawNation (Yanders Law AAU) or have put in time at The Basketball Movement.

Coincidence? C’mon now.

Most of us at The Basketball Movement are parents ourselves and understand the desire to see our children succeed. By now, we have proven that the best way for athletes to experience success is by putting in time at our facility with our elite core of coaches and trainers.

There are many ways to work on basketball skills, but we are confident that we provide the most bang for your buck, not just in Southwest Missouri but in the whole Midwest. To get your athletes in front of trainers requires an investment no matter where you take them, so why not the most proven talent developers in this part of the country?

The good news? For what The Basketball Movement provides, our pricing system is very reasonable. To get a feel for what that looks like for you or your athlete(s), contact The Basketball Movement. Younger players can also check out our Saturday Clinics to try out our atmosphere before diving into skill development workouts.

Get the most out of your time and money year-round with Rob Yanders and his elite crew of trainers at The Basketball Movement!

Alfonso Plummer's NBA pre-draft workout

The Basketball Movement’s Wil Harrington caught up with Alfonso Plummer after his NBA pre-draft workout for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

June 23rd will be the 76th edition of the annual NBA Draft. The Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, will once again host the event. Hopeful prospects worldwide will wait with bated breath to see if their lives will be changed forever. Puerto Rico’s Alfonso Plummer is one of those hopeful young men.

Finishing his collegiate career at Illinois, Plummer is a sharpshooter with an excellent, well-rounded game for his stature. He is strong, savvy, and on the radar of several NBA squads. His work with Rob Yanders and The Basketball Movement has helped take his game to the next level.

Long-time blog author and social media manager for The Basketball Movement, Wil Harrington, caught up with Plummer to talk about his recent workout for the Cavaliers:

WH: How would you say the Cavs workout went for you?

AP: It went great. They reached out to my agent right after and said that they liked what they saw, which definitely seems like a good sign.

WH: Were you surprised by anything they threw your way during the workout?

AP: I feel like my work with Rob (Yanders) has helped me be ready for any situation. They try to get you tired and then do one-on-one and three-on-three work. I was prepared.

WH: So it was pretty conditioning-focused then?

AP: Yeah, the whole workout was conditioning-focused. It was intense and pretty hard. At the end, we did a conditioning drill where we had to make ten baskets in different ways in under a minute. I did it, so I am proud of my conditioning - I am definitely where I need to be. Only two out of the six guys there made it.

WH: Any more workouts scheduled? I guess we are getting down to the wire for that.

AP: No, that was it. The other teams know my game too and know my shooting, so that will have to speak for itself.

Plummer has a great shot at making it to the Association via the draft. If not, he knows where to put in work to make it another way. With Rob Yanders in our corner, you cannot be counted out. Good luck, Alfonso! We will be tuned in and rooting for you!

NBA prospect - Alfonso Plummer

Working out with the Cleveland Cavaliers today, Alfonso Plummer made sure he was more than prepared.

Alfonso Plummer is represented by Edge Sports Intl., which knows that The Basketball Movement is one of the premier facilities in the country for NBA prep work. Former pro hooper and founder of The Basketball Movement, Rob Yanders has a reputation for opening young athletes’ eyes to what comes next.

In college, Plummer transferred from Utah to Illinois, where he finished his NCAA career. His knack for hitting the long ball followed him everywhere, and he says he is prepared for the jump to the next level. “College is the highest level ahead of the NBA and it mentally and physically prepared me,” Plummer says.

“Shooting is a skill that all teams need,” Plummer says. “I am elite. I am one of the best shooters in the draft.”

Plummer adds that he has all of the intangibles that are necessary such as positivity, work ethic, and being a good teammate. He says that everyone must have those things coming in, so his confidence as a shooter should set him apart.

He is also relentless in moving off the ball, which creates space for teammates. Steph Curry or Klay Thompson-like movement not only helps shooters create shots but helps teammates get shots as well. It is an underrated skill and indicative of a high-motor player.

Besides continuous shooting practice, Plummer says that he is also working on aggressiveness, dribbling, and communication on both sides of the floor.

NBA scouts do not miss much, so Plummer is confident that his shooting prowess is already a given. “(Scouts) know my shooting,” Plummer says. “I do it off-balance, catch-and-shoot, coming off screens…”

The details that are harder to gather from quick film studies of college highlights are what can make or break some draftees. Plummer knows that there are plenty of takeaways from his play that can work to his advantage.

“I am great at creating space,” Plummer says. “I’m also efficient; you cannot leave me open. I am a better finisher than I was last year too. I make the right reads and I can score but also make my teammates better.”

In his brief time around Rob Yanders, Alfonso Plummer has already been able to elevate his already impressive game.

“It has been great,” Plummer says. “It has been for a short time but (Yanders) is a great guy. He is humble and makes me feel comfortable. He is very intense and has helped my aggressiveness. He’s also very focused on details. I am definitely more prepared now than I was a month ago. I’m grateful that he’s done that for me.”

There may be no substitute for the nervous energy players have at an official NBA workout. That said, no trainer or facility brings players as close as The Basketball Movement. We wish Alfonso the best of luck working out for the storied Cleveland Cavaliers organization!

We Are United - Ishmeal David

Another We Are United prep commitment rolls in - this time, it is St. Paul, Minnesota’s Ishmeal David.

6’3 athletic wing Ishmeal David has been added to We Are United prep’s 2022-23 roster after his recent commitment. David brings playmaking, a good offensive feel, and stout perimeter defense to Rob Yanders’ squad.

David describes himself as a great kid to be around and “a pretty cool guy.” On the court, he says that coaches have praised him for defense that is more than pretty cool. “Coaches tell me I’m a force to be reckoned with,’” David says.

In addition to his defense, Ishmeal says that he brings plenty on the offensive end of the floor. “I’m very unselfish and know when and when not to force things,” David says. Regarding areas he is currently working on, he mentioned aggression on offense and understanding the game better in terms of spacing.

David says that he chose the prep route to expand his knowledge of the game of basketball and become a better player. He has come to the right place.

First impressions of Head Coach Rob Yanders quickly tell players that visit The Basketball Movement all they need to know. He does not hide his tenacity or his expectations for players that may attend We Are United.

“He demands a lot from his players,” David says of Yanders. “Out of the gate, he is very intense. I think that will gel very well with me, actually.”

Overall, Yanders was why Ishmeal David chose We Are United for his next step. “I have seen things from Coach Yanders - he has gotten players to the next level, and that is my goal,” David says.

We are excited to see Ishmeal in action and be a part of his basketball journey. We will do our part to help him achieve his dreams! Follow along right here at thebasketballmovement.com for more.

NBA prospect - Payton Willis

Minnesota Golden Gopher Payton Willis has declared for the NBA draft and has Rob Yanders in his corner.

Rob Yanders is a name that has circulated among basketball elite across North America as a trainer that can genuinely maximize potential. Those that have their sights aimed at the top understand this and seek out “the basketball Mecca of the Midwest” - The Basketball Movement.

Payton Willis is one such player.

Declared for the NBA Draft, Payton Willis has an impressive resume that will only improve as he hones his skills here in Southwest Missouri.

“I guess I’ve been a bit of a journeyman,” Willis says. “I have been to Vanderbilt, Charleston, and Minnesota. I wound up with half my college career at Minnesota.” Willis rounded out his collegiate career nicely as a Minnesota Golden Gopher but soaked up each stop along the way.

“I got to experience beautiful cities and schools,” Willis says. “(Each program had) different styles and coaches, and my role changed some, but basketball is basketball.” Having experienced several programs, Willis is uniquely suited for the ever-changing atmosphere of pro hoops.

Last year, the 6 foot 4 Willis averaged 15/6/4  for his squad, demonstrating his ability to contribute across the board.

“I defended three different positions and see myself as a versatile player,” Willis says. “I have been a shooting and playmaking specialist, but I can fit any role a team puts me in.”

Currently, Payton Willis is working on becoming efficient from NBA (3pt) range and tightening his handles. These are just a couple of examples of areas Robert Yanders and his team specialize in. Willis says his time around Yanders has been “great.”

“Obviously (Yanders) has a super nice facility and great workout equipment,” Willis says. “He does super tough workouts, which have definitely been developing my game. The best part is mentorship; I am taking every tip and making sure I’m running with it.”

Willis is applying these lessons rapidly, as he has already had a few NBA workouts with more on the horizon.

The Atlanta Hawks and championship contending Golden State Warriors have already worked out Willis, with the up-and-coming Timberwolves on deck. We asked Payton how these workouts usually shake out.

“(The workouts) are super conditioning based,” Willis says. “They get you tired and then see who wins one-on-one or three-on-three. They know your game already, but they want to see who is strong mentally or who has been putting in the time to be in the best shape possible.”

Willis wants to make sure that decision-makers for these NBA teams know that he is a winner. “I try to be a great guy on and off the court,” Willis says. “I am going to fit in wherever and do whatever is asked of me.”

As anyone that has worked with Rob Yanders can attest, Payton Willis is certainly battle-tested. We wish him the best!

We Are United - Colin Hardrick

Phenom U Team Herro 6’4 combo guard Colin Hardrick is headed to We Are United prep.

Another nice get for We Are United prep, Colin Hardrick looks to be a big part of Rob Yanders’ new school next season. Hardrick is from the Milwaukee, WI area and was a big piece for Wauwatosa West High School and Phenom U Tyler Herro (AAU). But why head to Missouri?

”I like what they are doing down there,” Hardrick says. “I like Rob and he seems like a good fit for me. This will be a good next step.”

Hardrick says that his first impression of Yanders is that he is a great guy, but he has spoken to him a few times previously beforehand. “We’ve met a handful of times,” Hardrick says. “He has a good history with basketball. He played pro and he knows what he is doing and how to help me get where I want to go.

For Colin Hardrick, where he wants to go is to a Division I college program.

“I am doing whatever I can to prepare for D1,” Hardrick says. “I am getting stronger to prepare for the next level. I want to improve however I can - having a better basketball IQ and just a better feel for the game.”

Hardrick previously held offers from Green Bay and Grambling before deciding to reclassify and pursue the prep route. His time with Phenom U playing against elite talent (including Rob Yanders’ Yanders Law program) has helped to prepare him for this next level.

“I was playing with good players all around me on the best circuit in the country,” Hardrick says. “I’ve played the best of the best. It has definitely helped me get better.”

The young hooper outlined what not only We Are United can expect from him but also college coaches down the line:

“I am a hard worker,” Hardrick says. “I’m coachable; I listen. I enjoy the game and come ready to work every day.”

We are excited to see Colin Hardrick don the white and black for We Are United and already chomping at the bit to see the squad Yanders assembles for his prep school’s second season. For more, keep it locked right here on thebasketballmovement.com.

Remembering Jeremiah Dotson

The Basketball Movement family mourns the loss of We Are United prep’s, Jeremiah Dotson.

There are truly no words to express the tragedy of a young life lost. However, the post below by We Are United’s official account does as good a job as is possible.

The Basketball Movement echoes those sentiments and asks everyone to be patient with We Are United, Yanders Law, and The Basketball Movement family going forward as we work through these difficult times. Please respect Jeremiah’s family’s privacy also. They are all in our thoughts and prayers, and we hope in yours as well.

Rest in peace, Jeremiah.

Workout with The Basketball Movement

This St. Patrick’s Day, we want you to know how to get the most out of your “green.” When it comes to hoops, at least.

Many of the hoopers from this area and beyond have been elevating their game with The Basketball Movement. Those familiar with the local basketball scene see that many of the best players are part of #LawNation (Yanders Law AAU) or have put in time at The Basketball Movement.

We assure you, this is not due to luck (sorry, St. Pat).

Most of us at The Basketball Movement are parents ourselves and understand the desire to see our children succeed. By now, we have proven that the best way for athletes to experience success is by putting in time at our facility with our elite core of coaches.

There are many ways to work on basketball skills, but we are confident that we provide the most bang for your buck, not just in Southwest Missouri but in the whole Midwest. To get your athletes in front of trainers requires green no matter where you take them, so why not the most proven talent developers in this part of the country?

The good news? For what The Basketball Movement provides, our pricing system is very reasonable. To get a feel for what that looks like for you or your athlete(s), contact The Basketball Movement. Younger plays can also check out our Saturday Clinics to try out our atmosphere before diving into skill development workouts.

Get the most out of your green not just St. Patrick’s Day, but year-round with Rob Yanders and his elite crew of trainers at The Basketball Movement.

We Are United - North American Cup Champions

Last weekend, We Are United prep won the North American Cup tournament in Indianapolis.

In the program’s first season, We Are United prep managed to win a tournament comprised of many of the top teams in the nation. The North American Cup tournament was held in Indianapolis, Indiana is a big annual event for high-level post-grad programs.

“There were legitimately some of the better teams in the country here,” Head Coach Rob Yanders says. “We went 3 and 0 and won it all anyway.”

John Lovelace showed out over the weekend, as did Sincere Malone, Logan Applegate, and more. Jonathan Dunn reminded everyone he is a walking double-double.

“The whole team played well and were connected,” Yanders says. “You hope for those moments where it all comes together, and this tournament was one of them. We are all excited; this is great for our young program.”

You do not have to wait to see We Are United prep back in action. They host Link Year prep tonight (Wednesday, 3/2) right here at The Basketball Movement at 8:00 PM. So come out and see why you should be hyped about what Rob Yanders and his crew are doing with the hoop scene in SW MO. We will see you there!

The process before the promise

Jeremiah Dotson of We Are United prep has received an offer from West Plain Junior College.

After putting in WORK with Robert Yanders and We Are United prep, Jeremiah Dotson has received an offer from a Division 1 Jr College (NJCAA Region 16) just down the road. West Plains has a history of recognizing hard workers and slept-on talent, so this offer for JDot should come as no surprise.

“He has been one of the best at embracing the process,” Head Coach Rob Yanders says of his We Are United athlete. “He likes this offer, and I believe the fit would be a good one. But, as always, that is for him to decide.”

Wherever Dotson commits, he says that they will be getting a hard worker and someone they can count on to be “the same guy every day.”

“It has been a long, hard process being able to get better,” Dotson says. “I have really been finding myself (at We Are United) and discovering my true position.”

In addition to his on-court acumen, Dotson has found himself developing as a person under Rob Yanders. “It has really prepared me for life after basketball,” Dotson says.

Originally from Brown Deer, Wisconsin, finding himself in Springfield, Missouri, has invigorated Dotson much the same way it did for Milwaukee’s Rob Yanders years ago. An offer from West Plains makes for a nice full-circle moment for one of the most all-in players that Yanders has in his We Are United program.

Dotson is already a steady rebounder and has the ability to play around the rim on both ends of the floor. He says he is focusing on his low-post game, and we are excited to see his continued improvement as he contemplates his next steps.

Congratulations, Jeremiah! We will be in our corner no matter your decision!

Introducing The Basketball Movement Exclusive

Robert Yanders is proud to announce the launch of The Basketball Movement Exclusive

The Basketball Movement Exclusive is your portal to the very best content Southwest Missouri has to offer in prep hoops. Boys and girls basketball is flourishing at the high school level in this area. The Basketball Movement is narrowing its scope and making sure you local hoop-heads do not miss a thing.

As a member of The Basketball Movement Exclusive, you would be granted access to articles, photos, and videos that highlight the very best area high school hoops have to offer. Articles will feature area tournaments, standout players, notable performances, and more. Rob Yanders’ local player rankings are live on The Basketball Movement Exclusive as well.

Photos and videos will be flooding these pages. For previews, check out all the latest highlights on The Basketball Movement’s Instagram. If you like what you see there - buckle up. All content on our social media is just a teaser for what is included with The Basketball Movement Exclusive.

This is a player-focused experience that highlights the best of the Midwest. Give it a shot and come see why you need to be a part of the newest hoops movement!

Establishing a support system

In basketball and life, you are going to need a support system. The further you want to go, the more critical it becomes.

Whether it is 100 people or just one person, you will need a support system of some kind as you advance in your basketball career. You may already have a circle, but is it filled with individuals who genuinely support and want the best for you?

Yes, your mama can be your support system. Yes, a teacher, friend, or coach can be your support system. It doesn’t matter who it is as long as they are honest, supportive, and willing to have your back. Taking any path in life by yourself will be exponentially more difficult than doing it with the support of others. Even more challenging is going through life surrounded by the wrong people.

Individuals can, unfortunately, be toxic in many different ways. There are those that scheme and undermine you intentionally, though it may not always be immediately apparent. Sometimes people just don’t want you to succeed and will work behind the scenes to hold you back. It is a harsh reality to face when this happens, especially when it comes from a source that you believed was in your corner.

Often, there is an even more difficult obstacle to detect. Some people in your corner may be unintentionally toxic. They think they help, they think they build you up, but really they are unaware that they do more harm than good. These situations are tough to deal with.

Cutting ties with someone you’re close to is going to be complicated. However, it is imperative that you only surround yourself with those who will build you up and help you be the best person and player you can be.

The further you get in your basketball career, the more critical this lesson will become. Of course, a negative influence will impact you at any level. Seriousness turns up as you select a college to play for. The more positive voices in your ear, the better. The more negative influences, the greater the consequences.

After college, if you are trying to play pro ball, you will need to work harder than you ever had in your life. You need everything to be as streamlined and beneficial as possible. At this stage, a negative influence can cost you everything. Make sure that your support system is filled with those who want to lift you up - not those looking for a meal ticket.

Knowing exactly who has your back can be more complex than it sounds. Trust your instincts and listen to any nagging inclinations that someone may not have your best interest in mind. What is easy is stringing these people along for far too long. Don’t make that mistake; you will need to pull the weeds as soon as possible if you are going to grow and flourish to reach your potential (congratulations on reading the first and last gardening/basketball tie-in ever).

We used the words “difficult” and “tough” quite a bit here. Establishing a support system is not always difficult, but maintaining it can be. Do your best, and lean on those that you can trust completely. A strong support system will carry you far in all aspects of life!

Yanders Law commitments

Since late December, Yanders Law has had a trio of college commitments, keeping top talent local.

Producing a pair of Drury Panthers and an Evangel Valor, Yanders Law is continuing to sharpen local stars. Logan Applegate and Elijah Whitley will play for Drury this fall, and Lyla Watson will suit up for Evangel.

Watson has been with Yanders Law for years and is a much different player now than when she started. She has always been a potent shooter, but she has grown as an all-around scorer and distributor even just over the last few years. However, her defense undoubtedly pushed her over the top into the collegiate talent she is now. Lyla can guard virtually any position and anchored some great defensive squads during her time with the Yanders Law program.

Elijah Whitley committed to Drury right before Christmas and then proceeded to give Panther fans plenty to look forward to with Parkview’s holiday games. For Yanders Law, Elijah has always been a great competitor, and it was a blast to see his athleticism catch defenders off-guard, resulting in many above-the-rim highlights for the standout guard.

Logan Applegate recently announced that he would be playing for the Drury Panthers as well. Applegate not only was a standout with Yanders Law but has been continuing to elevate his play with We Are United - Rob Yanders’ prep school. Logan has a knack for remaining completely cool while utterly dismantling a defense with his three-point shooting, athleticism, and elite court vision. He turns heads wherever he goes. Fans are in for a treat, and opponents are in for a nasty surprise.

Whitley and Applegate are not the only Yanders Law teammates playing college hoops in Missouri, with Isaac Haney and Elijah Bridgers at Missouri State and Anton Brookshire and Trevon Brazile holding it down up north at Mizzou.

Robert Yanders and all of the other coaches of Yanders Law are immensely proud of these individuals. Each year, the talent level of the Yanders Law program seems to climb higher and higher, so stay tuned as more big news always seems to be just around the corner. #LawNation

Keeping up with We Are United

As Rob Yanders prep school, We Are United continues its inaugural campaign, make sure that you do not miss anything.

The Basketball Movement is the home of We Are United prep, a school formed by Robert Yanders that is elevating the local hoops scene like never before. Behind the scenes, Yanders is working tirelessly to ensure his student-athletes receive the education they need and the care they deserve. When the lights come on and the opening tip is underway, that is when you the fan can see the product.

Where is the best place to see these things? For starters: The Basketball Movement. Contact us if you want to catch these up-and-comers in action, and we will let you know the best time to do so!

You can also check out weareunitedbasketball.com for the program’s tentative schedule as well as player bios, coach bios, and more.

The easiest way to keep up with the action is across social media. The Basketball Movement posts some We Are United content, but the school has its own pages as well. Check out the Instagram here.

We Are United is also on Twitter! Check out the Twitter page here and give Head Coach Rob Yanders a follow while you are there, as he posts We Are United content as well.

Keep up with the movement - you will not be disappointed! For coverage on other prep starts from around the area, stay tuned. The Basketball Movement has a big announcement coming soon about exclusive coverage of high school basketball in Southwest Missouri, and we cannot wait to share it with you.

Follow the movement!

Saturday Clinics at The Basketball Movement

One of our favorite offerings, The Basketball Movement Saturday Clinics, remains in full swing.

The Basketball Movement’s bread and butter is our individual or group skill development training (contact us for more info!). However, not every hooper is ready for intense training, whether due to age or skill level. That is why Rob Yanders implemented Saturday Clinics, an inexpensive way for young players to work on the basics and sharpen their basketball skills.

Every Saturday, the Clinics are held from 9:00-11:00 am unless otherwise posted on our site or social pages.

These mini-camp-style open gyms are for both boys and girls from 2nd to 8th grade. It is $25 to participate. Parents of multiple eligible athletes may be entitled to a discount.

Registration is not necessary, but if you have questions or want to ensure spots, you can call (417) 861-2166 and speak with Coach Craig.

There are no plans for limiting the number of individuals at this time, but as we continue monitoring the impact of the pandemic, we ask that you adhere to best common-sense practices. If possible, we ask that you limit non-participants that come in and practice social distancing as you observe or move about the facility.

Saturday Clinics and are a fun weekend activity that we are thrilled to provide to our community. If you have any further questions, call, or email basketballmovement@yahoo.com

We look forward to seeing you!

We Are United vs. Sunrise Christian

Tonight is an away game for We Are United, but the squad still gets to play right down the road!

We Are United gets an opportunity to continue its stellar season tonight, facing Sunrise Christian Academy. The game will be held at Baptist Bible College right here in Springfield, Missouri.

Tipoff tonight (1/6) is at 8:15 PM CST.

“We are excited to be back at it,” says Head Coach Rob Yanders. “Everyone had a good Christmas break, and we are ready to continue building upon our hard work from last year.”

The student-athletes of We Are United prep are fired up to hit the books in addition to getting back on the court. Yanders is expecting big things from these young men after seeing what they can do so far. Hard practices, tough opponents, and high expectations have guided the team so far.

Tonight will be another excellent test.

Sunrise Christian is a Nike Elite team out of Bel Aire, Kansas. They are a storied program that plays some of the top prep talent year in and year out. Just this year, they boast wins over Oak Hill, La Lumiere, IMG Academy, and more.

Coach Yanders says that playing Sunrise Christian will be yet another great challenge for his squad.

Come out and support one of the biggest movements in local hoops! We would love to see some of our allies from around Southwest MO in the stands. See you there!

Around the NBA: Health and safety protocols

Several seasons later, the NBA is still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

To this point, the NBA has placed approximately 113 players in the health and safety protocols since the 2020-21 regular season began. One hundred of those have been in December, and three are in for the second time.

These hurdles are an unfortunate obstacle in what had started off feeling like a typical NBA season. Over 95 percent of players were reportedly vaccinated coming into tipoff in October, but vaccination does not mean immunity. Now, with so many players removed from their teams, we are back to game postponements and teams struggling to come up with the mandatory eight-player minimum for games.

Many star players such as Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, James Harden, Ja Morant, Anthony Edwards, Zach Lavine, De’Aaron Fox, and more have been impacted. The Brooklyn Nets even planned to bring Kyrie Irving back to fill the gaps on road games (he is unvaccinated and can therefore not play in New York). But, ironically, he entered the protocols on day one of his return.

This turmoil feels a bit like the struggles from the early days of the pandemic. Hopefully, this wave hitting the NBA gets under control sooner than later.

The NFL is currently dealing with similar struggles. Well-known to be less stringent and frankly vague about policies and testing related to COVID-19, the new issues are less than surprising. However, both leagues being hit simultaneously does serve as a reminder that the pandemic is still real and dangerous.

We selfishly hope the world of basketball clears up quickly so we can get back to watching hoops. However, we also want to use this instance as a reminder for those who come through our doors locally to be diligent with hygiene and socially considerate to minimize risking playing time for our hardworking athletes, not to mention the health of everyone.

All of the players missing action means significant opportunities for players being called up from the G-League and other areas. We wish all these players luck on the big stage and are thankful to have interesting pro hoops to sustain us while we wait for the league to be back at full strength.

Stay tuned to The Basketball Movement as we keep up with the happenings around the NBA!

We Are United vs. MSU West Plains

Tonight marks a coming home party as Coach Rob Yanders takes his We Are United prep team to his old stomping grounds.

One of the most decorated hoopers to play at MSU West Plains, Robert Yanders, is going back, this time as a coach. Yanders’ newest undertaking, his We Are United prep school, has been a labor of love. Tonight’s game will provide as much love as ever as he reunites with old coaches, his host parents, and one of the gyms he grew as a player in.

Gametime is 7:00 PM Central at Joe Paul Evans Arena

Yanders was a two-time All-American at MSU West Plains and has been inducted into their Hall of Fame. Going back will be a blast, but count on his competitive nature being most prevalent once it is time for tipoff.

“We are looking forward to it,” Yanders says. “I had some of the best times of my life at West Plains, and I am excited to see everyone. I’m also excited for healthy competition for our guys.”

We Are United is 5-1 in-season, and this will be their final game before the Christmas break.

“This should be a fun game and a nice way to finish the year before the break,” Yanders says. “Our players are excited to play and also excited to head back home to be with their families once we take care of business..”

Yanders says that once the players get some deserved R&R, they should be more than ready to go in the new year. Already battle-tested and proven, the best is yet to come for this We Are United team in the school’s inaugural season.

For more on We Are United and all things basketball, keep it locked to The Basketball Movement.

Keeping your head in the game

Knowing and understanding various situations in basketball can be the difference between winning and losing.

There is a lot that goes into understanding the sport of basketball. There is more to it than putting the ball in the hoop. Coaching and experience are two essential pieces involved in this understanding.

The Basketball Movement can help further a player's knowledge about many aspects of the sport. The nuances of ball-handling, shooting, and how to conduct yourself are a few examples.

Game-time situations come at you fast. Sometimes, in those instances, you learn the most, whether you get it right or especially if you get it wrong.

“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.”
— Michael Jordon

Even the most experienced can still falter

For all of your coaching, practice, and game experience, you will still make mistakes. Overplaying passing lanes, trying too hard to thread a pass into the post, the list of possibilities is very long.

A player must keep track of what they can control. Always being aware of the time on the game clock (or shot clock), how many fouls you have, and the score are simple yet important facets of the game.

Even a grizzled NBA veteran like JR Smith can still make basic mistakes. Don't be a JR Smith.

Keep your head in the game and control as much of what happens as you can. Mistakes will happen; the best players often average the most turnovers.

Don't sweat the small stuff, but also do not assume that you will make the correct decisions at all times. Take deep breaths, analyze as much of each situation as time will allow, and play the game.

To continue taking your game to the next level, get in touch with us here at The Basketball Movement.