Alabama Crimson Tide Football Defenders Bond and Build Skills by Picking Up Exciting New Sport Together During Summer Offseason Training Months
For the Alabama Crimson Tide, the summer months are traditionally about strength training, conditioning, and sharpening skills for the grueling season ahead. But in 2025, several members of the Tide’s defensive unit found a unique way to enhance their athletic abilities, build team chemistry, and inject some lighthearted competition into their offseason: they picked up a brand-new sport together.
While football remains their primary focus, a core group of Alabama defenders decided to spend part of their summer on the basketball court. What began as casual shootarounds in the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility gym quickly evolved into organized, high-energy pickup games that brought together linebackers, defensive backs, and even a few defensive linemen. The sport wasn’t just a diversion—it became a way for these players to stay in shape, improve footwork, and strengthen bonds off the gridiron.
One of the key ringleaders was star linebacker Deontae Lawson, who suggested the games after noticing that many players were already spending downtime shooting around. Lawson, known for his leadership and vocal presence in the locker room, saw an opportunity to turn something fun into something meaningful. “It wasn’t just about hoops,” Lawson explained in a lighthearted post-practice media session. “It was about competing, communicating, and holding each other accountable in a totally different environment.”
Basketball’s quick cuts, rapid changes of direction, and constant transitions provided defenders with an unconventional but highly effective conditioning tool. Cornerbacks like Kool-Aid McKinstry and freshman standout Jaylen Mbakwe thrived in the one-on-one matchups, using their coverage instincts to anticipate passes and their recovery speed to contest shots. Safeties like Caleb Downs found themselves calling out defensive switches and directing traffic—just like they would on the football field.
Defensive linemen weren’t left out either. Tim Keenan and Jaheim Oatis may not have been draining three-pointers, but they brought an intimidating paint presence that made driving to the hoop a dangerous proposition. Their physicality translated seamlessly, as offensive-minded teammates learned quickly that challenging them inside wasn’t much different from trying to block them in the trenches.
These summer sessions also revealed a competitive streak in players that doesn’t always show up in practice film. Trash talk flew freely, but it was all in good fun, reinforcing the camaraderie that every great defense needs. Even head coach Kalen DeBoer took notice, joking in one press conference that he might need to start scouting his own players for an intramural championship.
Beyond the laughs and highlight-reel dunks, there was a serious side to this offseason hobby. Basketball forced players to develop hand-eye coordination, stamina, and spatial awareness in ways that complemented their football training. Quick defensive slides mirrored man-to-man coverage techniques. Boxing out for rebounds resembled battling for position in goal-line situations. Fast breaks demanded sprint endurance and precise passing—skills that translate to defensive pursuit angles and turnover opportunities on Saturdays.
By the time fall camp rolled around, the chemistry among Alabama’s defenders was evident. Position groups that had always worked closely together were now communicating even more fluidly. The trust built through hours of competitive, high-energy basketball carried over to the football field, where split-second decisions often determine the outcome of a play.
Perhaps the most valuable takeaway from this summer experiment was the reminder that great teams aren’t built solely on weight room numbers or film study. Sometimes, stepping outside the routine and challenging each other in new ways can forge a stronger, more connected unit. For Alabama’s defense, the summer of basketball wasn’t just a pastime—it was a catalyst for unity, adaptability, and the kind of competitiveness that wins championships.
As the Crimson Tide prepare for the season ahead, fans might never see these defenders take the court in an official capacity. But every time they communicate seamlessly in coverage, react instinctively to a sudden change of direction, or swarm to the football with relentless energy, they’ll be drawing on skills sharpened during those spirited summer games. And who knows—maybe next summer’s new sport will bring even more surprises.
