Why does Geno VanDeMark have Ty Simpson in Alabama football’starting five’ in basketball?

At first glance, the idea of Ty Simpson, Alabama’s football quarterback, being in the starting five for Alabama’s basketball team might seem perplexing. After all, the roles of a football quarterback and a basketball player are drastically different, requiring completely distinct skill sets, physical attributes, and training regimens. Yet, the decision for Geno VanDeMark, Alabama’s basketball coach, to feature Ty Simpson in his starting five isn’t entirely as out of left field as one might initially think. There’s more to this decision than just a simple basketball lineup choice—it speaks to the broader concept of athletic versatility, the integration of cross-sport skill sets, and the role of leadership and competition in a program like Alabama’s.

In this article, we’ll explore why Ty Simpson has made his way into Alabama’s basketball team’s starting lineup, considering the unique circumstances surrounding his multi-sport background, the connection between football and basketball, and the broader implications of this decision for both Alabama football and basketball programs.

The Surprising Cross-Sport Talent of Ty Simpson

To understand how Ty Simpson—a highly touted football quarterback—finds himself on the basketball court, it’s crucial to first look at his background as an athlete. Ty Simpson, a highly-ranked recruit, was a football star before even stepping onto the Alabama campus. Known for his arm strength, athleticism, and leadership on the gridiron, Simpson was one of the top quarterbacks in the 2023 class, and his skill set made him a sought-after player for football programs across the country. He ultimately chose to play for Nick Saban and Alabama, a program known for producing elite football talent and consistently competing for championships.

However, despite his commitment to football, Simpson has always maintained a strong passion for other sports, particularly basketball. In high school, he not only excelled on the football field but also displayed impressive skills on the basketball court. His agility, vision, and ability to perform under pressure translated well to basketball, where many of the same traits that make a great quarterback—quick decision-making, coordination, and an ability to read the game—are highly valued.

Simpson’s basketball experience includes playing at the high school level, where he was known for his dynamic playmaking ability. While football was his primary sport, his basketball skills were well-known, and he was regarded as a versatile athlete who could contribute in multiple ways on the court. It was clear early on that Simpson’s athleticism and adaptability made him a potential dual-sport athlete, even if his primary focus was football.

Geno VanDeMark’s Bold Decision

So why, then, has Geno VanDeMark, the head basketball coach at Alabama, chosen to include Ty Simpson in his starting five? On the surface, it seems odd to have a football player—a player who likely hasn’t participated in the full basketball training regimen—take such a prominent role in a high-level basketball program. However, the rationale behind this decision likely stems from several key factors:

1. Basketball Skills Translation

Basketball is a sport that requires agility, hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and the ability to make quick decisions—traits that are not only critical for quarterbacks but also key for basketball players. Simpson’s agility and understanding of movement on the court make him a natural fit for the fast-paced, dynamic nature of basketball.

In fact, his background as a football player likely complements his basketball abilities in several areas:

• Footwork and agility: Quarterbacks are often required to pivot, sidestep, and create space in the pocket. These same abilities—especially when it comes to lateral movement—are vital in basketball, whether on offense or defense.
• Vision and decision-making: A quarterback needs to read defenses, assess options in a split second, and make accurate passes under pressure. These abilities translate directly to basketball, where creating plays, making decisions on the fly, and executing in high-pressure situations are fundamental skills.
• Leadership under pressure: As a quarterback, Simpson has faced intense pressure, with entire games—and even seasons—riding on his performance. This mental toughness and composure can serve him well in high-stakes basketball moments, such as critical late-game situations or the pressure of playing at the highest level of college sports.

Given these transferable skills, it’s not surprising that VanDeMark would consider Simpson for a role on the team.

2. Athleticism and Versatility

In college sports, versatility is a rare and coveted trait. Players who excel in multiple sports are often highly valued by coaches, not only for their talent but for their ability to bring a fresh, dynamic perspective to their respective teams. Ty Simpson’s impressive athleticism—evident on the football field—is a great asset for basketball as well.

As a quarterback, Simpson is not just a thrower; he’s a dynamic athlete capable of using his body in a variety of ways. His ability to move, react, and make quick decisions on the fly are attributes that would serve him well in a sport like basketball, where those same skills are constantly required. In addition, his speed and vertical leap—key traits for any football player, particularly quarterbacks who rely on mobility—could make him a strong asset in fast breaks, cutting, and even on defense.

For VanDeMark, a coach known for his focus on dynamic and adaptable players, adding a player like Simpson to the roster gives the basketball team a unique dimension. The idea of cross-sport talent could also keep Alabama basketball versatile, allowing it to match up with more varied competition and adding a level of unpredictability to its lineup.

3. Team Chemistry and Leadership

Another major reason VanDeMark might have opted for Simpson is the leadership qualities that he brings from the football field. Ty Simpson is a leader by nature—leading an Alabama football team to victory in high-pressure games requires not only talent but the ability to inspire teammates, maintain focus, and bring out the best in everyone around you. These leadership skills are highly valued in basketball, where strong team chemistry can often be the difference between winning and losing.

By having Simpson on the basketball team, VanDeMark may be tapping into that leadership dynamic. He can potentially serve as a motivator for other players, especially in situations where the team might be struggling or in need of a spark. Alabama’s basketball team, despite being talented, can always use the mental toughness and resilience that a quarterback brings to the table. Simpson’s willingness to work hard, set an example for his teammates, and push through challenges makes him an ideal candidate for an on-court leader.

Additionally, by introducing a player who is already accustomed to the spotlight and pressure, VanDeMark may be looking to boost the team’s mental fortitude. Simpson’s presence on the floor could help keep the team focused and composed, especially during high-pressure moments in key games.

4. Building Cross-Sport Connections

Another motivating factor for including Simpson in the starting lineup could be the growing trend of cross-sport athletes gaining recognition in major programs. College athletic departments, particularly those with powerhouse programs like Alabama, have been increasingly open to the idea of players excelling in multiple sports. This trend is particularly noticeable in universities that foster a competitive athletic environment, where top-tier athletes are expected to perform at the highest level in any discipline.

By featuring Ty Simpson in his basketball team’s starting lineup, VanDeMark could be signaling a new approach to cross-sport development. A player who is already part of one of the most prestigious programs in college football can bring additional attention and excitement to basketball, showcasing the possibility of excelling across multiple disciplines. This could also attract future recruits who are interested in participating in multiple sports, seeing Alabama as a place that encourages multi-sport excellence.

The Impact of Simpson’s Presence on Alabama Football and Basketball

Simpson’s inclusion in the starting five has broader implications for both the Alabama football and basketball programs. On the football side, there is the natural concern about wear and tear on the athlete. Balancing football and basketball at the same time could risk overexertion, especially given the intensity and physical nature of both sports. However, Nick Saban and the Alabama football staff are no strangers to managing multi-sport athletes, and it’s possible that Simpson’s commitment to both sports could be seen as a testament to his versatility and drive.

Additionally, for Alabama basketball, this could be a new avenue to increase visibility and attract attention. Having a player like Simpson on the court introduces a level of intrigue—fans of football might start paying closer attention to basketball, increasing viewership and interest across the board. It could also strengthen the ties between the two programs, creating more opportunities for cross-promotions, fan engagement, and overall school spirit.

Moreover, the inclusion of a high-profile football player like Simpson on the basketball team can boost team morale. His presence might inspire his teammates to push themselves further, showing that dedication and adaptability can lead to success across multiple sports. VanDeMark could be using Simpson not just for his skills but also as a symbol of what it means to be an elite athlete at Alabama.