The Musical Tastes of NCAA Tournament Coaches: An Eclectic Mix
The Musical Tastes of NCAA Tournament Coaches: An Eclectic Mix
The NCAA Tournament, a cornerstone of American college basketball, not only showcases the country's top collegiate teams but also reveals the diverse personal preferences of its coaches. This year, an intriguing aspect of their personalities has come to light: their musical tastes. From the timeless tunes of Taylor Swift to the distinctive beats of 2Pac, coaches' preferences provide a unique soundtrack to March Madness.
The Swift Influence
Taylor Swift emerges as a notable favorite among several NCAA Tournament coaches. Brigham Young University's Mark Pope stands out with his admiration for the pop icon. His playlist includes Swift hits such as "Cornelia Street," "New Year's Day," "Karma," "All Too Well" (the 10-minute version), and "Cruel Summer." The emotional depth and storytelling of Swift's songs seem to resonate with Pope, illustrating the connection between music and coaching—a blend of strategy, empathy, and understanding.
Other coaches have shown affinity for genres that parallel the intensity and passion found within college basketball. Artists like Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Billy Currington, and Kenny Chesney paint a picture of a community that appreciates the narratives and rhythms of country music.
Inspiration from Various Genres
The musical predilections of NCAA coaches span a wide array of genres, underlining the eclectic tastes that influence these figures. Jeremy Camp's spiritual melodies find favor with some, offering a testament to the role faith and motivation play in the realm of sports leadership.
T.J. Otzelberger expressed admiration for Ed Sheeran, particularly highlighting the artist’s adeptness with guitar pedals. This interest in the technical aspects of musical performance parallels the analytical mindset required in coaching.
Basketball heavyweight John Calipari tunes into the contemporary sounds of Drake, while Shaka Smart channels the empowering lyrics of 2Pac. The choice of such diverse artists underscores the varied sources from which coaches draw inspiration.
Legendary Influences
The broader musical landscape embraced by NCAA coaches includes legends from various decades, from Michael Jackson to Jay-Z. Coaches Kevin Keatts, Leon Rice, John Groce, and Rodney Terry unanimously select Michael Jackson, pointing to the timeless appeal of his music.
Bashir Mason adds to the diversity with his appreciation for Prince, Earth Wind & Fire, and Jay-Z, blending genres from funk to hip-hop. Similarly, Donald Copeland’s taste for Jay-Z’s rhymes and Tom Izzo’s preference for the Jackson Five reveal a nostalgic yet relevant influence on their coaching philosophies.
NCAA Tournament Anticipation
As the NCAA Tournament approaches, teams such as UConn, Houston, Purdue, and North Carolina secure their positions as No. 1 seeds, each with sights set on the championship. UConn, striving to become the first repeat champion since 2007, boasts a strong season with notable achievements, including its first Big East Tournament title since 2011 and an impressive run with only one loss since December 20.
The NCAA Tournament is more than a display of collegiate basketball prowess; it's a testament to the personal interests and inspirations that define each coach. Their musical preferences, ranging from the evocative storytelling of Taylor Swift to the motivating beats of 2Pac, enrich the tapestry of March Madness. It’s a celebration that seamlessly weaves sports, music, and culture, offering a multifaceted view of the personalities guiding the nation’s top collegiate basketball teams.
As the tournament unfolds, the eclectic soundtracks of NCAA coaches underscore the profound connection between music and sports—a universal language that inspires, motivates, and unites.
