Coaches' Playlist Favorites Shed Light on Personal Tastes Amidst NCAA Tournament Buzz
Coaches' Playlist Favorites Shed Light on Personal Tastes Amidst NCAA Tournament Buzz
In a revealing glimpse into the personal tastes that soundtrack the strategies and game plans of NCAA Tournament coaches, it turns out that Taylor Swift tops the playlist for BYU's head coach, Mark Pope. His affinity for Swift's storytelling through songs like "Cornelia Street," "New Year's Day," "Karma," and notably, the 10-minute version of "All Too Well," along with the upbeat "Cruel Summer," showcases a broad appreciation for Swift's emotional and musical range.
Beyond the Swift-centric universe, the musical preferences among the coaching ranks span genres, touching on the heartstrings of country, rock, and hip-hop. A handful of coaches express their favoritism towards country music stars such as Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Billy Currington, and the perennial beach-loving Kenny Chesney. This variety underscores the coaches' diverse backgrounds and perhaps, the different moods accompanying the highs and lows of basketball seasons.
The contemporary Christian music scene finds its representative in Jeremy Camp, reflecting a spiritual and motivational dimension to some coaches’ musical inclinations. In a contrasting note of musical artistry, T.J. Otzelberger points out Ed Sheeran's notable guitar pedal skills, shining a light on technical admiration blending with melodic enjoyment. Meanwhile, the genre-spanning tastes stretch to include hip-hop favorites like Drake, admired by John Calipari, and the legendary 2Pac, whose storytelling and depth resonate with Shaka Smart.
From Michael Jackson to Jay-Z: A Melodic Diversity Among NCAA Coaches
The eclectic nature of coaches' music favorites further branches out into pop icons and genre-defining artists such as Michael Jackson and Jay-Z. The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, unites the likes of Kevin Keatts, Leon Rice, John Groce, and Rodney Terry under his timeless spell, emphasizing the universal appeal of his music across generations.
In a colorful mix of musical legends, Bashir Mason vocalizes his admiration for Prince, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Jay-Z, an eclectic trio that spans funk, soul, pop, and hip-hop. This blend highlights how music, much like sports, transcends boundaries, bringing together diverse tastes and backgrounds. Donald Copeland and Tom Izzo pay homage to Jay-Z and the Jackson Five, respectively, echoing a respect for musical pioneers who helped shape the landscape of contemporary music.
The Unifying Power of Music in the NCAA Tournament
As the NCAA Tournament positions UConn, Houston, Purdue, and North Carolina as No. 1 seeds, the storylines extend beyond the court. UConn's pursuit to become the first repeat champion since 2007 adds historical suspense to the competition, bolstered by its recent Big East Tournament title, its first since 2011. With UConn maintaining an impressive streak with just one loss since December 20, the blend of sports, music, and culture paints a vibrant backdrop for what promises to be a captivating tournament.
March Madness is more than a showcase of collegiate basketball; it's a cultural phenomenon that bridges the gap between sports and music, reflecting coaches' personal preferences and the diverse sounds that motivate and inspire them. The tournament becomes a stage for more than just basketball—it celebrates the rich tapestry of influences that shape the personalities and strategies of the men and women behind the teams.
From "Cornelia Street" to "Cruel Summer," the musical preferences of NCAA Tournament coaches paint a picture of diversity and passion that resonates both on and off the court. As fans tune in to catch the next game, they might just find themselves unwittingly nodding along to the diverse soundtrack that accompanies the road to victory.
