Hillcrest-Evergreen’s Mr. Triple-Double will play his final year of high school basketball in Florida.

Trey Simpson announced on social media over the weekend that he was transferring to DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Fla.

On its website, DME claims to be one of the most prestigious boys basketball programs in the United States.

The 6-foot-7 Simpson posted a triple double in Hillcrest-Evergreen’s Class 3A state title win over Midfield last spring.

He had 24 points, 23 rebounds and 15 blocked shots to earn MVP honors. He also was named 3A Player of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.

His coach, Tereance Pinkney, confirmed the move to AL.com as well. Simpson is the second Mr. Basketball candidate to leave the state in the offseason. Reigning Mr. Basketball Caleb Holt announced this summer he was leaving Buckhorn to play at Grayson, Ga.

Two high-profile basketball players also left the state before the 2023-2024 season. Labaron Philon, the 2022 Mr. Basketball, left Baker for Link Academy in Missouri. Chase McCarty left Westminster for IMG Academy in Florida.

Pinkney said Simpson’s decision “blew me away” but his team would move on with their goals for the season.

“I told the guys one good thing is no one will expect anything from us now,” he said. “There won’t be any pressure. One man is not going to stop the show. We are just going to keep doing what we are doing. It will just be with a different look. Our plan is still to make it to Birmingham.”