In the high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled world of the NCAA Tournament, one might be surprised to learn that music plays a significant role in the lives of its top coaches. As diverse as their strategies on the court, so are their musical preferences off-court. A standout favorite among the coaching fraternity is none other than pop sensation Taylor Swift. BYU's Mark Pope is an avid fan, citing tracks like "Cornelia Street," "New Year's Day," "Karma," "All Too Well" (the 10-minute version), and "Cruel Summer" among his top picks.
However, the musical tastes of NCAA Tournament coaches span far beyond just pop. Figures such as Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Billy Currington, and Kenny Chesney also find favor among the coaches, showcasing a strong inclination towards country music. Contemporary Christian musician Jeremy Camp is another artist who resonates with some of them.
Diving into individual preferences, we discover T.J. Otzelberger's admiration for Ed Sheeran's adeptness with a guitar pedal and John Calipari's preference for the hip-hop vibes of Drake. Shaka Smart, meanwhile, keeps it classic with a nod to the legendary 2Pac. These choices underscore the wide-ranging musical preferences that enrich the coaches' lives outside the high-octane world of college basketball.
A Melodic Mix Behind March Madness
The NCAA Tournament is not only a showcase of the country's elite collegiate basketball talent but also a window into the personal tastes and influences of its leading figures. The spectrum of musical preferences among coaches spans from the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, to hip-hop moguls like Jay-Z.
Kevin Keatts, Leon Rice, John Groce, and Rodney Terry express a unified appreciation for Michael Jackson's timeless hits. Moving to a more eclectic mix, Bashir Mason shares his affection for the incomparable Prince, the dynamic Earth Wind & Fire, and the influential Jay-Z. Donald Copeland shows allegiance to the rap genre with his favoritism towards Jay-Z, while Tom Izzo takes a trip down memory lane, selecting the Jackson Five.
This array of musical favorites not only humanizes these coaches, often seen as tactical masterminds but also highlights the significant role music plays in shaping their identities and, potentially, their approaches to the game.
Marching Towards Musical Memories
As the NCAA Tournament edges closer, the anticipation for thrilling basketball action is matched by the intrigue surrounding its participants' musical proclivities. With UConn, Houston, Purdue, and North Carolina poised as the No. 1 seeds, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown. UConn aims to etch its name in the history books by becoming the first repeat champion since 2007, riding high on the momentum of its first Big East Tournament championship since 2011 and an impressive run of victories since December 20.
The NCAA Tournament is more than just a basketball championship; it's a cultural phenomenon that intertwines sports, music, and personal storytelling. As millions tune in to witness the action unfold, the musical tastes of the coaches add an enriching layer to the narrative of March Madness. Whether it's Taylor Swift's storytelling prowess, the soul-stirring melodies of Earth Wind & Fire, or the poetic intensity of 2Pac, these musical preferences offer a unique lens through which fans can connect with the masterminds behind the madness.
As the tournament progresses, it's not just the on-court drama that captivates audiences; it's also the vibrant tapestry of passions and preferences that make the event a holistic celebration of talent, dedication, and culture. From the echoes of "Cornelia Street" to the thumping beats of Jay-Z, the NCAA Tournament is a harmony of basketball brilliance and musical diversity, making March truly mad in the most spectacular way.
