Music Tastes of NCAA Tournament Coaches: A Blend of Pop, Country, and Hip-Hop
Music Tastes of NCAA Tournament Coaches: A Blend of Pop, Country, and Hip-Hop
In the high-stakes world of the NCAA Tournament, where strategies and game plans are often discussed, there's an unexpected common ground among coaches—music. A surprising revelation has surfaced: Taylor Swift emerges as a popular favorite among NCAA Tournament coaches, highlighting an interesting blend of musical tastes that spans genres and decades.
BYU's head coach Mark Pope's playlist is a testament to the diverse musical interests that exist within the world of collegiate basketball coaching. Pope passionately lists his top Taylor Swift songs, including "Cornelia Street," "New Year's Day," "Karma," and the extended version of "All Too Well," demonstrating not only his admiration for the pop sensation but also the emotional resonance these tracks hold for him. Not to be overlooked, "Cruel Summer" also makes his top picks, rounding out a list that would resonate with Swifties worldwide.
However, the musical preferences among NCAA coaches are not limited to pop. The list spans a wide array of artists from the country genre, including Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Billy Currington, and Kenny Chesney, showcasing a penchant for heartfelt lyrics and melodic tunes that echo the trials and triumphs familiar to the sporting world.
Further diversifying the coaches' playlists, Jeremy Camp's soulful Christian music has found favor among some coaches, while T.J. Otzelberger expresses his admiration for Ed Sheeran's intricate guitar pedal skills—a nod to the craftsmanship and dedication seen both on the stage and the basketball court. John Calipari nods to the ever-popular Drake, and Shaka Smart reveals a preference for the influential rhymes of 2Pac, underscoring a mix of contemporary and classic influences that shape their musical tastes.
A Musical Melting Pot
The NCAA Tournament not only showcases the best in college basketball but also serves as a melting pot for musical diversity, an aspect that enriches the cultural landscape of the sport. From Michael Jackson to Jay-Z, the range of music beloved by coaches spans several genres and eras, illustrating the eclectic soundtrack that accompanies their careers.
Kevin Keatts, Leon Rice, John Groce, and Rodney Terry find common ground in their admiration for Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, whose timeless hits continue to inspire and entertain. Bashir Mason adds to the variety with his preference for Prince, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Jay-Z, a mix that blends funk, soul, and hip-hop.
The tastes further diversify with Donald Copeland and Tom Izzo's selections. Copeland aligns himself with the modern beats of Jay-Z, while Izzo opts for the classic appeal of the Jackson Five, showcasing the broad spectrum of musical appreciation that mirrors the diversity seen on the basketball court.
The Road to the NCAA Tournament
As the NCAA Tournament approaches, the anticipation for thrilling basketball action is matched only by the stories that emerge beyond the court. The tournament sees UConn, Houston, Purdue, and North Carolina securing the coveted No. 1 seeds, each team setting their sights on victory and possibly making history.
UConn, for instance, is on a quest to repeat as champions, a feat that hasn't been accomplished since 2007. Having recently secured their first Big East Tournament title since 2011 and maintaining an impressive record with only one loss since December 20, UConn's prowess on the court is undeniable.
The NCAA Tournament is not just a showcase of the highest tier of collegiate basketball; it is a celebration of the personal preferences, stories, and cultures that coaches bring to the game. The blend of sports, music, and culture that unfolds during March Madness highlights the unique connections and background each participant contributes to the tournament, making it an event that transcends the sport itself. From "Cornelia Street" to the beats of Jay-Z, the NCAA Tournament is as much about the games as it is about the remarkable tapestry of individual tastes and experiences that color this annual spectacle.
