As the NCAA Tournament brackets get filled out and basketball fans gear up for the spirited competition of March Madness, an unexpected aspect of the coaches' personalities has come to light - their music preferences. From Taylor Swift to 2Pac, the NCAA coaches' diverse taste in music adds an intriguing layer to the usual sports narratives.
Taylor Swift: The Coaches' Choice
Taylor Swift, a pop icon known for her catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics, surprisingly tops the list of favorite artists among NCAA Tournament coaches. BYU's head coach, Mark Pope, stands out as a dedicated Swiftie. His top picks from Swift's discography include anthems like "Cornelia Street," "New Year's Day," "Karma," "All Too Well" (the ten-minute version), and "Cruel Summer." These songs span across various albums, showcasing Pope's in-depth appreciation of Swift's evolution as an artist.
However, the love for music within the NCAA coaching ranks stretches far beyond the realms of pop. Coaches have shown an affinity for a range of genres, from country to rap, reflecting a rich tapestry of musical diversity.
Country and More: The Varied Sounds of the NCAA
Country music finds its champions in the NCAA coaches' community, with Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Billy Currington, and Kenny Chesney receiving notable mentions. This genre, often associated with storytelling and strong emotional connections, seems to resonate well with the coaches, perhaps reflecting the narratives they experience within the sport.
Christian music artist Jeremy Camp also finds favor among some coaches, hinting at the role of faith in their lives and careers. In contrast, T.J. Otzelberger, expresses admiration for Ed Sheeran's technical prowess with a guitar pedal, highlighting an appreciation for musical craftsmanship.
The list would not be complete without mentions of hip-hop and rap. John Calipari, for instance, tunes into Drake's beats, while Shaka Smart opts for the legendary 2Pac, showcasing the genre's influence and its crossover appeal across different age groups and backgrounds.
From Michael Jackson to Jay-Z: A Legacy of Hits
The musical preferences of NCAA Tournament coaches also pay homage to iconic artists who have shaped the music industry. Michael Jackson, known as the King of Pop, is a favorite among several coaches including Kevin Keatts, Leon Rice, John Groce, and Rodney Terry. This choice underscores the timeless appeal of Jackson's music and its ability to transcend generational divides.
Bashir Mason diversifies the playlist with his admiration for Prince, Earth Wind & Fire, and Jay-Z, combining the best of funk, soul, and hip-hop. Similarly, both Donald Copeland and Tom Izzo share their appreciation for artists connected to the Jackson lineage, with Copeland being a fan of Jay-Z and Izzo opting for the Jackson Five, illustrating the enduring legacy of this musical family.
March Madness: A Mosaic of Basketball and Beats
As the NCAA Tournament commences, it brings together not just the pinnacle of collegiate basketball, but also a celebration of music and culture. With No. 1 seeds such as UConn, Houston, Purdue, and North Carolina, the competition is set to be fierce. UConn, in particular, aims to become the first repeat champion since 2007. The stature of the Tournament provides a platform not only to showcase basketball talent but also the personal nuances of its coaches, such as their music preferences, enriching the narrative of March Madness.
This blend of sports, music, and culture underscores the multifaceted identities of the individuals behind the game, offering fans a glimpse into the personalities that navigate the strategies, victories, and defeats of NCAA basketball. As the Tournament unfolds, the eclectic playlists of its coaches remind us that beyond the court, a rich tapestry of personal tastes and interests fuels the passion for the game.
