We Are United Signings

The Basketball Movement is taking you behind the scenes for a few of our recent We Are United signings.

Rob Yanders and The Basketball Movement have been fortunate to see many players progress from young hoopers to collegiate athletes. We recently highlighted some of our shared accomplishments with NCAA basketball getting underway across the country.

Even though We Are United is a young program, it has already produced collegiate talent and is continuing to do so as well.

This year’s We Are United prep squad already has several players committed to playing for their future programs. The Basketball Movement took fans inside the process of inking those commitments to make them permanent.

Check out some of the behind-the-scenes footage:

Coach Rob and his organizations are exceedingly proud of these young men for finalizing essential steps in continuing their education and playing careers.

The best part about it all? This is only the beginning. Follow along with We Are United as more players receive offers and elevate themselves on and off the court.

Rob Yanders - Vision to Reality

Tonight is a celebration and a showcase of how Rob Yanders, The Basketball Movement, Yanders Law, and We Are United have elevated our hoops community.

Tonight, college basketball tips off around the country. Millions of fans finally get to see their school’s new squads in action. But, for Rob Yanders, tonight means something a little bit more.

Between Yanders’ from-scratch entities - The Basketball Movement, Yanders Law Basketball, and We Are United prep - he does not have enough screens in his home to watch all his players tonight. ESPN, ESPN+, Fox Sports… there are 16 of his players in action on TV this week. Sixteen.

For Rob Yanders, this is a case of vision turning into reality.

“This is a showcase of our hard work,” Yanders says. “We’ve come so far. The vision has always been to bring basketball to another level in this community.”

Many individuals throughout Southwest MO have Rob’s back. Countless parents and athletes have trusted him with the keys to drive their hoop dreams.

Before there was a prep school or AAU program, there was a man with a vision, opening the doors to a gym by himself. Rob says you first have to show people what you are made of, and then the help comes later. It’s turned into a helluva show.

The opportunities now afforded to the area because of Yanders are often difficult to quantify. However, some concrete figures you can point to is the money saved by community members gaining college scholarships because Rob helped them capitalize on the game they love.

“I am proud of where we are now, especially considering the journey and the battles,” Yanders says. “When you are in the trenches day in, and day out, you don’t always have time to step back and admire what you have built; what you are still building.”

“Tonight is special,” Yanders continues. “I am super excited. I mean, on night one, we have Zach Howell, probably immediately a starter or sixth man playing against Purdue. It’s just wild when you see how far we’ve come in elevating these young men and women.”

Rob has been in the game long enough now that he even has college coaches popping up that are Yanders Law alumni. He has worked with many professional athletes, but these players that have grown up with his programs are undeniably his proudest accomplishments. He takes pride in every achievement they have on and off the court.

Yanders’ footprint on the basketball landscape is increasing exponentially, and he is only getting started. Stay tuned!

Colin Hardrick - We Are United

6’4 combo guard Colin Hardrick is a leader for Rob Yanders’ We Are United prep squad.

We Are United is looking good in the early part of the season. The talent level for Rob Yanders’ crop of players this year is through the roof. Milwaukee's Colin Hardrick is a big piece of why the talent pool is so impressive.

“Things are going well,” Hardrick says about the season. “We are developing and getting better every day. It’s all coming together as we learn each other’s play styles  - we’ve made good strides in the last few weeks.”

Colin is a well-rounded offensive player with tremendous defensive upside at the guard position. However, his main goal for We Are United is to fill a leadership role.

“I can play whatever role puts me in,” Hardrick says. “I can score it, but I like to be pass-first, lead the team, and set the tone for the whole squad.”

Asked how his time at We Are United has helped him improve already, Colin responded the same way as many players we have talked to before him. Coach Yanders and his facilities bring out the best in him as a person as well as a player.

“I have improved tremendously on the court and off the court as a young man,” Hardrick says. “We do hard work here; it’s no joke. Rob pushes us to our limits because he wants the best for us. Owning up to that challenge has been going well for me.”

Colin is holding out for the right fit as a collegiate player. As the season continues, he will undoubtedly get more and more options to choose from.

“My goal this season is to find a fit for me at the next level and, of course, just get better and better,” Hardrick says.

Wherever that fit may be, Colin’s college coaches can expect more than the prototypical freshman basketball player.

“I’m a really good student,” Hardrick says. “I try to be someone that’s great to be around. As a player, I’m someone that works hard and comes in ready to work every single day.”

In his short time running We Are United prep, Rob Yanders is quickly re-affirming himself as a developer of people. He prides himself on that development, but it also can’t happen to players unwilling to WORK.

Colin Hardrick is willing to work.

Follow We Are United on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with highlights from Colin and the entire squad all season long!

We Are United - Makuei Riek

6’6 guard Makuei Riek is a UW-Milwaukee University commit set to make a splash with We Are United.

First, congrats to We Are United’s Makuei Riek for committing to a quality D1 program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Second: congrats to UW-Milwaukee for securing a quality person and player whose arrow is pointing straight up.

A 6’6 guard out of Minnesota, Makuei has spent many summers traveling to the Milwaukee area to play AAU ball, so he is already familiar with the area. Upon even further inspection, he fell for the city.

“I toured the city on a visit,” Riek says. “I got to see places I’d be and meet many of the people I’d be around. I felt a lot of love, and it seemed like home.

Makuei loves nature and is excited to be near a beautiful lake. However, it was the environment of the basketball program that was the deciding factor. “The staff was very caring,” Riek says. “I watched a practice, and the coaches push you to be your best and also seem great to be around.”

Sharing a mindset with coaches is also what steered Makuei to We Are United prep. Ultimately, he decided to come because of Coach Rob Yanders.

“What made me decide on We Are United was Coach Rob - him showing up for me and trusting in me,” Riek says. “I have faith in what he has told me and where he believes he can get me. He’s a hard worker, I’m a hard worker, and I always try to be around people who share the same goals as me.”

Even though we are just scratching the surface of the We Are United season, Makuei says that Yanders has already prepared him mentally, physically, and spiritually for the next level of hoops.

“The season has just started, so we’re still working,” Riek says. “(Coach Yanders) speaks to us as adults. He tells us what we need to hear, not always what we want to hear. He is making us better as men, not just as players.”

Yanders tells his players what they need to hear, but that does not mean he has any shortage of praise for his big new guard.

“He great to be around and is also just a big-time basketball player,” Yanders says. He is a guy that can flat-out score. Coach (Bart) Lundy runs an up-tempo style that will suit him. He knows how to play, scores in bunches, and can be an impact player right away.”

Currently, Makuei says he is working on fully incorporating everything he has learned and using it to make others better. “I want to be a better teammate, better scorer… I’m just learning to grow as a true basketball player,” Riek says. “I am learning to play guard, the four, or any position I find myself in. I am learning the ‘why’ behind where to be on the court.”

If Makuei is hoping to be a sponge, soaking up basketball knowledge, he is in the right place.

To his next team, UW-Milwaukee, he plans to take the work he learns at We Are United and apply it to make his whole team better.

“I am always going to come in wanting to improve,” Riek says. “I work to get better every time I lace my shoes up. I am always going to push and do everything I can to make others get better as well as myself. I want to be a great leader and role model however I can.”

Makuei is already a leader by example. As the We Are United season forges ahead, expect continual improvement to his already impressive game. Stay tuned.

We Are United - Juok Riak

We Are United forward Juok Riak has already committed to Drury University ahead of a big prep season.

A 6’8 forward out of Madison La Follette high school in Madison, Wisconsin, Juok Riak is set to be a force for Rob Yanders’ We Are United prep squad. What’s more, he has also committed to playing next year right here in Springfield for Drury University.

Juok knew that coming to The Basketball Movement, home of We Are United, would not necessarily be an easy route. Nevertheless, he eagerly accepted the challenge.

“I was told that it’d be hard by former (We Are United) players,” Riak says. “I also knew that Rob (Yanders) gets it done. That’s why I wanted to come here.”

Asked what Yanders has already done to prepare him for the next level, Juok responded like a player that had already been through quite the gauntlet, though we are just scratching the surface of the 2022-23 We Are United season.

“Man… we are doing college work,” Riak says. “It is like being in college already. Rob - he’s been there. Everything he puts us through is work to get us ready.”

While Juok experiences the blood, sweat, and tears that go into being a Robert Yanders certified player, he can hopefully rest easy knowing that Yanders is impressed by what he has seen so far.

“He is fun to coach,” Yanders says of Riak. “He is a good kid with an amazing personality to go with his impressive game.”

That game has already landed Juok some college offers - one of which he accepted right here in Southwest, Missouri, despite being brand new to the area.

“He is an intelligent player… can pass and do it all,” Yanders says. “He will do great for Drury, and we will get many chances to watch him succeed.”

An athletic six-foot-eight, Juok Riak can immediately be recognized as a potential force on the hardwood. Add existing film and the well-known ability of Rob Yanders to develop players, and the coaching staff at Drury University recognized that they needed to try their hand at an offer. It paid off.

“Coach Foster and Coach Carr believed in me,” Riak says. “We haven’t even played a game yet, and they believe in me so much. They are telling me how good I can be working with Rob. With coaches that have that belief in me, why waste time in committing there?”

Juok will bring size and a true interior presence to his new squad. In addition, he is an excellent rebounder and has a high basketball IQ that allows him to make the right plays on the floor. “I am a hard worker,” Riak says. “I’m unselfish and push teammates to be better on and off the court.”

Riak says he is currently focusing on stretching the floor and improving upon all the facets of the game he is good at already. “I’m now trying to be great at things,” he says. “I am continuing to learn the game and how to always play the right way - that’s the most important thing.”

We Are United is on the road this weekend, and Drury Panther fans should definitely follow along as the highlights start to roll in. Next season, Juok will join Logan Applegate at Drury, another We Are United alumni. Retaining talent in the area allows us to keep a close eye on our guys and continue to work with them. Riak has professional aspirations as well as the motor and tools to achieve them. Don’t blink.

Zach Howell Shooting Camp

Young area players are getting an opportunity to learn from one of the best this weekend at The Basketball Movement!

This Saturday (August 20th), The Basketball Movement is proud to host the Zach Howell Shooting Camp, put on by one of the best shooters to come out of SW MO in some time. UW Milwaukee’s Zach Howell, a Springfield Catholic graduate and Yanders Law alumni, is back in town to spread his knowledge and love of the game.

Zach’s camp will be for boys and girls from 3rd grade through 10th. The price is $50 per camper.

3rd-6th grade will be held from 8:00-10:00 AM (8/20)

7th-10th grade will be held from 12:00-2:00 PM (8/20)

Howell has been at his new school in Milwaukee but will be coming back to the area to be around family. Also, the guy cannot seem to stay out of our gym. So when The Basketball Movement’s founder Rob Yanders called with the idea of hosting a camp, Zach said he was all in.

“I have worked with Zach for over 10 years,” says Yanders. “He has been one of the best shooters in the state for a long time. He is an artist at shooting the basketball.”

Yanders continues by saying that he is excited to see Howell lead young people to the next level. “He is someone young kids should aspire to be like AND shoot like,” Yanders says. “As good as he is as a player, he is an even better person.”

Howell says that much of what he learned about the sport came from events like this one and time spent at The Basketball Movement. “Being around Rob and guys like Craig and AJ… these guys all know their stuff,” Howell says. They are great basketball minds and great people. I was lucky to grow up here and attend camps like this one.”

Speaking more with Howell, he says that the camps will be very focused on teaching early on. “We will work on stuff like hand placement on the ball and holding follow-through,” Howell says. “Great shooters have to be great at setting screens and reading screens as well. We’ll hold some competitions towards the end of each session. By the end, the overall winners from each session will get a pair of shoes!”

Sign up using the button below! For more information, contact (417)848-1124

Look inside The Basketball Movement workouts

Take a look at the bread and butter of The Basketball Movement: our skill development workouts and training.

Rob Yanders and his trainers at The Basketball Movement are well known as developers of people. Through the sport, they have grown young people into more confident people and better leaders. Also, folks that come around here tend to get exponentially better at the game of basketball.

The Basketball Movement has many things to offer, but individual or group skill development workouts offered here are what put the movement on the map.

Whether training a professional hooper or working with a group of grade schoolers that need to hone the fundamentals, The Basketball Movement approaches the sport with a seriousness and intensity that gets the very most out of players.

Yanders is hard-nosed, driven, honest, and a true developer of people. He also happens to be one of the elite basketball minds available in this part of the country. Those that have come to Yanders to get better have to be ready to WORK. If they can hang, they will rise above their competition. If you follow basketball in Southwest Missouri, you have seen it for yourself.

High school basketball is one thing, but The Basketball Movement is equipped to train collegiate and professional players as well. With a theater dedicated to film study, room and board, a barber shop, and other amenities modeled after pro facilities, Yanders’ has built something that few others in the Midwest could try to replicate.

To get involved with The Basketball Movement and come get this work, contact us.

Not every player will be up to the sweat-drench, basketball knowledge overload that The Basketball Movement delivers. But, those that have passion for the game and a true desire to improve are welcome. You want to get to the next level, and we can help you. Reach out!

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!