Coaches' Eclectic Tunes Set the Stage for NCAA March Madness
Coaches' Eclectic Tunes Set the Stage for NCAA March Madness
In the midst of buzzer-beaters and bracket busters, the NCAA Tournament is also a time when the personal tastes of college basketball coaches come into the spotlight, revealing a playlist as diverse as the strategies they employ on the hardwood. Among the array of artists beloved by these tacticians, Taylor Swift emerges as a tournament favorite, with BYU's Mark Pope championing tracks that span her career, from "Cornelia Street" to "Cruel Summer."
However, Taylor Swift isn't the only artist getting love in college basketball circles. The genre-spanning preferences of NCAA coaches include country stars like Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs, as well as the relaxing tunes of Jimmy Buffett, conveyed through Kenny Chesney's music. Yet, the musical appreciation doesn't stop at the country genre. Jeremy Camp's spiritual melodies resonate with some, while Ed Sheeran's mastery over a loop pedal impresses others like T.J. Otzelberger. From the courtside beats of Drake favored by John Calipari, to the timeless rhymes of 2Pac preferred by Shaka Smart, the coaches' playlists offer a unique glimpse into their off-court personalities.
A Harmonious Blend of Old School Hits and Modern Jams
The variety in musical taste among NCAA coaches does not end with the contemporary. Legends of the music industry like Michael Jackson and Prince also find their way into the hearts and playlists of these basketball mentors. Coaches like Kevin Keatts, Leon Rice, John Groce, and Rodney Terry find solace in the hits of Michael Jackson, while Bashir Mason expands his repertoire to include Prince and Earth, Wind & Fire, alongside the ever-popular Jay-Z. The affinity for the classics extends to Donald Copeland's preference for Jay-Z and Tom Izzo's fondness for the Jackson Five, showcasing a bridge between generations of music that parallels the diverse age range of coaches and players alike.
The Road to Glory: March Madness 2023
As the NCAA Tournament unfolds, the stakes are high and the excitement palpable. This year's tournament sees UConn, Houston, Purdue, and North Carolina clinching the coveted No. 1 seeds, setting the stage for a showdown filled with potential upsets and Cinderella stories. UConn, in particular, is on a mission to etch its name in history by becoming the first team to clinch back-to-back championships since 2007, a testament to their prowess and resilience. Following their triumph in the Big East Tournament—their first since 2011—the Huskies have been on an impressive run, losing only once since December 20.
While the court battles for supremacy, the NCAA Tournament also represents a convergence of sports, music, and culture, reflecting the personal tastes and backgrounds of its participants. From the country roots echoing through the preferences of Mark Pope, to the timeless classics cherished by Tom Izzo, the tournament is as much a celebration of musical diversity as it is of athletic excellence.
As teams gear up for their moment in the national spotlight, the amalgamation of strategies, skill sets, and musical tastes creates a backdrop as engaging and varied as the tournament itself. Whether it's the strum of a guitar, the beat of a drum, or the thrill of a last-second shot, March Madness 2023 promises to be a symphony of sporting and cultural expression, uniting fans, players, and coaches in a shared experience that transcends the basketball court.
