Martin Luther King Jr. Day

As a black-owned business, The Basketball Movement recognizes the gravity of Martin Luther King Junior’s impact.

Rob Yanders and his entities have always made a point to embrace diversity, practice acceptance, and remain vigilant in upholding the vision of trailblazers such as Martin Luther King Jr.

Being knowledgeable about the triumphs and struggles of those that have come before is critical, but the learning can never stop. Therefore, Yanders makes sure his staff, Yanders Law athletes, and students of We Are United are well-versed in the history that makes what he does possible.

Yanders is a black man that has started a prep school, created and run a successful AAU program, operated a training facility that has bettered the lives of thousands, spoken at events, and put on charitable functions that have impacted many individuals. The sacrifices that occurred to make these things possible in America are not lost on him.

“We have obviously come so far in this country,” Yanders says. “Just as obvious is that we still have work to do. I am proud of our community and the work being done. I hope that the acceptance we see at our facility is also being practiced behind closed doors so that we can continue improving with each generation.”

As a proud black business owner, Yanders hopes that everyone spends Martin Luther King Jr. Day reflecting on the teachings of Doctor King as well as practicing self-examination. Stifling ingrained prejudices is not easy. But, we must all work on ourselves, lift up others, and always bring our A-game regarding matters of acceptance and equal treatment.

Basketball and sports, in general, are great equalizers that bring people together regardless of race or ethnicity. Every year, the NBA does a great job of highlighting Dr. King and blasting reminders of his legacy while delivering a terrific slate of games.

Tune in while you spend your time reflecting. Hoops can bring us together, but so can learning, time spent giving back, and uplifting action. We at The Basketball Movement appreciate you for reading and taking the time to reflect and better our community. Come by any time, and we can get better together!

Tournament of Champions - Championship Saturday

The 2023 Bass Pro Tournament of Champions enters the final day with a dunk contest and championship basketball on deck.

The 2023 Bass Pro Tournament of Champions will begin its third and final day in just a few short hours. Starting with the seventh-place game at 2:30 pm (CST), this will be another full day of some of the best high school hoops the area will see live this year.

The seventh-place game will feature the Bartlett Panthers (TN) against the hometown Kickapoo Chiefs. Trae Oetting has been effective getting into the paint for Kickapoo, who will need improved efficiency from their big men to put together a complete game and get a win. Bartlett has not shot the ball well in the tournament and needs to turn things around quickly.

Next will be Staley (Kansas City, MO) vs. St. Rita (IL) in the fifth-place game at 4:00 pm. Staley is coming off a big win against fellow Missouri Class 6 Kickapoo. Senior guard Kyan Evans shot perfectly from the field for Staley in that one going 9-9, including five threes and seven assists.

St. Rita defeated Bartlett last night, led by juniors Nojus Indrusaitus and Morez Johnson, who both eclipsed the 20-point mark, adding 16 rebounds between them.

Next tonight will be the Slam Dunk Contest, which typically features some area high school dunkers as well as talent from the teams of the tournament, should they choose to participate. Keep an eye on The Basketball Movement Instagram for highlights!

Duking it out in the third-place game will be the Calvary Christian Eagles and the Christ the King Royals at 7:00 pm.

Christ the King put up an excellent fight last night, holding Link Academy to 37 percent shooting from the field. The Royals went 7-15 from deep, led by senior Devin Vanterpool. For Calvary Christian, a balanced attack has been the name of the game, though they only managed 41 points against Sunrise Christian. Look for guards Jaylen Curry and Carl Cherenfont to continue their strong play.

As many anticipated ahead of the tournament, the championship game (9:00 pm start) will feature Link Academy (Branson, MO) and Sunrise Christian (KS). Two of the top 10 teams in the country will clash in this one, promising a great game with plenty on the line.

Link Academy did not shoot well last night but was still able to win with their insane defensive athleticism and fluid offense. If they can find their shooting stroke, they will be difficult to stop.

Sunrise Christian has been keeping one of the tighter rotations in the tournament. They faltered last night shooting the three-ball, though that appeared to be one of their better weapons night one. Triples will be a significant factor in this one if they are to pull off a win. The 7’2 John Bol had a double-double last night for the Buffaloes and will need to continue to use all that length against Link Academy, who has plenty of size of their own.

Remember to follow along as The Basketball Movement covers the tourney! We also have day 1 game highlights on our YouTube channel if you missed any of the impressive action. See you at the games!

2023 Bass Pro Tournament of Champions

The 2023 Bass Pro Tournament of Champions is finally here, and The Basketball Movement has your inside scoop.

One of the biggest high school tournaments in the country, the 2023 Bass Pro Tournament of Champions has tipped off. The action began last night, continues today, and concludes with the championship this Saturday, January 14th, at 9:00 pm.

A full tournament bracket can be found below:

Christ the King is a basketball program out of Queens, New York, that features 2025 guard Kiyan Anthony, son of NBA star Carmelo Anthony. Brandon Williams (2023) is a UCLA commit, Brandon Gardner (2023) is a St. Johns commit, and junior Dwayne Pierce holds offers from Mizzou, Florida State, and St. Johns.

Bartlett High is a relatively younger squad with an impressive junior class - Jack Shackelford, Christian Alston, and Rashad Williams all hold mid-major D1 offers, as does senior Javar Daniel. 2025 KJ Neville already holds multiple offers as well.

Link Academy (MO) is set to open the eyes of area basketball fans that have yet to see the squad in action. The team has too many impressive players to name, sporting commitments to UNC, Baylor, Memphis, LSU, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. So just come out and see for yourself as these players make their mark as one of the top prep programs in the nation.

St. Rita (IL) has another excellent crop of juniors with James Brown (not that James Brown, UNC commit), Morez Johnson (Illinois commit), and Nojust Indrusaitis (offers from Maryland, Marquette, Iowa State, and Ole Miss). In addition, senior Melvin Bell holds offers from Michigan, Mizzou, Iowa, and Illinois.

Sunrise Christian is another top-10 national program. Out of Bel-Aire, Kansas, they are coming off of a win against IMG Academy. With another lineup almost too impressive to break down here, it will feature Matas Buzelis (2023), who has committed to playing for the NBA G-League Ignite. Layden Blocker (Arkansas commit) and Scotty Middleton (Ohio State commit) are the other most notable seniors, while Mikel Brown Jr (2025) and 7’2 John Bol (2024) are players to watch as well.

Kickapoo is the lone Springfield, Missouri representative in the tournament this year. Sometimes those hometown fans can push the local guys enough to make some real noise, as we saw with Parkview last season. Kickapoo is led by seniors Brayden Shorter (Washburn commit) and Harrison Doennig (offer from Evangel).

Staley (Kansas City, MO) rounds out the Missouri teams and will lean on seniors Kayden Fish (Iowa State commit), Kyan Evans (Colorado State commit), and Cameron Manyawu (offers from Oral Roberts, Indiana State, Valpo, and more).

Calvary Christian Academy (FL) was a pre-season top-25 team nationally that will get a great chance here to prove itself. Memphis commit Carl Cherenfant (2023) is their top player. In addition, point guard Jaylen Curry (2023) holds offers from several big programs, and 6’10 junior Ethan Lathan is undoubtedly a player to watch.

Pursue your passion at The Basketball Movement

We encourage everyone to pursue their passion. If yours is basketball: you couldn’t be in a better place.

Each individual is gifted with a unique array of preferences, strengths, and interests. To maximize strengths, cater to preferences, and pursue interests is to seek a happy and successful experience in life. Woah… got deep for a second there. All that is to say that you need to do what makes you happy.

If you are reading this, you likely have some sort of tie to the game of basketball. Noting that it is a game is often important, but at the same time, it is a true passion for many people.

Whether you play the game, watch it, coach, ref, or just like to play 2K, the game has something for everyone. The back-and-forth action is perfect for getting the adrenaline pumping. The mix of speed and strength, brute force and finesse, or offensive versus defensive prowess means that no game will be the same. The constant is two teams that want to win and maybe even more so: don’t want to lose.

The Basketball Movement keeps its doors open for all kinds of players. Multi-sport athletes looking to get in shape can certainly come in and get in intense workouts. Players that just need to stay sharp with occasional drills or with our shooting gun are always welcome. Though the facility accommodates so many types of players, it was clearly built for those that are passionate about the game.

Rob Yanders, Founder of The Basketball Movement, is one of those individuals that are passionate about the sport of basketball. It is evident all over the facility. The off-court amenities such as the Chop Shop upstairs, the smart screen in the film room, the embroidered leather seats, everything is detailed in ways that show Rob’s passion for the full breadth of the sport. Still, the true fire for the game blazes on the courts.

The Basketball Movement, Rob Yanders, and the other coaches are all at their absolute best when mixed with other individuals with a true passion for the game.

A desire to improve is good, but a desire to be one of the best is the kind of all-in mentality that it takes to be an elite player. This facility is built so that you get out exactly what you put in. If you leave it all on our courts during workouts, you will improve without a doubt. The change could be subtle or drastic, but rest assured that the passionate will come away better.

Want to make varsity? Play at the D1 level? Get paid to play professional hoops? We can get you there; you will just have to be willing to put in the time and effort.

If basketball is your passion, you have to reach out to us at The Basketball Movement. It is a business, but it is one run by passionate hoop-heads that want little more than to bring others into the fold and maximize their potential on the court or even off of it. You will not regret pursuing your passion for basketball right here at The Basketball Movement.

Why 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. Getting 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!

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.