As the NCAA Tournament gears up, the focus isn't solely on basketball strategies, plays, and matchups. An intriguing aspect of the tournament that often goes unnoticed is the diverse music preferences of the coaches, extending the competition from the court to the coaches' playlists. Leading the pack in popularity among NCAA Tournament coaches is none other than pop sensation Taylor Swift.
Taylor Swift Reigns Supreme
BYU's Mark Pope particularly stands out for his admiration of Swift. His top songs from the singer-songwriter include "Cornelia Street," "New Year's Day," "Karma," "All Too Well" (the 10-minute version), and "Cruel Summer." It's a mix that showcases Swift's versatility, from her emotional ballads to her catchy pop hits, mirroring the multifaceted nature of March Madness itself.
But Swift isn't the only artist on coaches' playlists. The tastes span across genres, including country stars like Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Billy Currington, and Kenny Chesney. This breadth in music preference underscores the diverse backgrounds and personalities of the NCAA coaches, proving that their interests extend far beyond the basketball court.
Other Musical Favorites
Contemporary Christian artist Jeremy Camp also finds favor among the coaches, adding a spiritual dimension to their diverse musical tastes. T.J. Otzelberger, in particular, expressed his admiration not for a singer's vocal talents, but for Ed Sheeran's mastery over his guitar pedal board, highlighting the coaches' appreciation for technical skill in music.
High-profile coaches such as John Calipari and Shaka Smart have more urban tastes, listening to Drake and 2Pac respectively. This variety further enriches the mosaic of musical preferences, documenting a cultural dialogue that transcends the sporting arena.
Pop to Hip-Hop: A Musical Journey
In a testament to the enduring influence of legends in the music industry, coaches' preferences also hark back to icons such as Michael Jackson and Jay-Z, along with legendary bands like Earth Wind & Fire. Coaches like Kevin Keatts, Leon Rice, John Groce, and Rodney Terry opt for the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, whereas Bashir Mason broadens the spectrum with his appreciation for Prince, Earth Wind & Fire, and Jay-Z. Donald Copeland and Tom Izzo exhibit a penchant for the timeless — Jay-Z and the Jackson Five, respectively, underscoring the wide-ranging musical tastes that permeate the NCAA coaching ranks.
What Lies Ahead in the Tournament
As the NCAA Tournament unfolds, UConn, Houston, Purdue, and North Carolina hold the coveted No. 1 seeds, with each team bringing its unique style to the fore. UConn, in particular, seeks to etch its name in history as the first repeat champion since 2007, buoyed by its recent Big East Tournament title win — its first since 2011. With a remarkable record since December 20, losing only once, UConn is a team under the spotlight for more reasons than one.
As the tournament progresses, it becomes more than just a showcase of elite collegiate basketball. It evolves into a celebration of the myriad personal preferences of its coaches, blending sports, music, and culture into the thrilling uncertainty of March Madness. From "Cornelia Street" to "Cruel Summer," the coaches' playlists are as varied as their game plans, each bringing a unique flavor to the tournament.
In summary, the NCAA Tournament stands as a testament to the universal language of music, uniting individuals from varied backgrounds in their love for the game and their eclectic musical tastes. As the battles on the court intensify, so too does the camaraderie off it, underscored by a shared appreciation for the rhythms that soundtrack their lives.
