Coaches' Top Picks: From Taylor Swift to Ed Sheeran
Coaches' Top Picks: From Taylor Swift to Ed Sheeran
The NCAA Tournament, a showcase of collegiate basketball's elite, does more than just highlight athletic prowess. It also offers a unique glimpse into the personal preferences of the coaches who lead these teams to victory. Surprisingly, the eclectic music tastes of these coaches reveal a love for artists spanning from Taylor Swift to Ed Sheeran, and beyond.
Among the favorites, Taylor Swift stands out as a popular choice among NCAA Tournament coaches. BYU’s Mark Pope, in particular, showcases an admiration for Swift, with top song choices including "Cornelia Street," "New Year’s Day," "Karma," "All Too Well" (the 10-minute version), and "Cruel Summer." Pope's selection reflects a deep appreciation for Swift’s storytelling and emotional depth in her music.
However, Taylor Swift is not the sole artist receiving admiration. The musical preferences of the coaches extend into various genres, spotlighting artists like Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Billy Currington, and Kenny Chesney. This variety indicates that country music holds a special place in the hearts of these basketball strategists.
Contemporary Christian music artist Jeremy Camp also finds favor among some of the coaches, highlighting the diverse musical tastes that accompany these basketball professionals.
In a specific accolade to musical skill, T.J. Otzelberger expressed admiration for Ed Sheeran, particularly citing his impressive use of guitar pedals during performances, showcasing a respect for technical musical talents beyond just the songs themselves.
When it comes to incorporating hip-hop and R&B into their playlists, the coaches have their go-tos. John Calipari listens to Drake, while Shaka Smart has a preference for 2Pac, illustrating that the beats and rhymes of these genres energize some of the nation's top basketball minds.
NCAA Tournament Musical Diversity
The NCAA Tournament does not only celebrate athletic excellence but also serves as a melting pot of musical preferences. From Michael Jackson to Jay-Z, the coaches' musical tastes span an impressive range, reflecting an appreciation for varying genres and eras.
Notably, Michael Jackson emerges as a common favorite among coaches like Kevin Keatts, Leon Rice, John Groce, and Rodney Terry. Their choice underlines the timeless appeal of the King of Pop's music within the basketball coaching fraternity.
Bashir Mason offers a broader selection with his preferences for Prince, Earth Wind & Fire, and Jay-Z, while Donald Copeland and Tom Izzo express their likes for Jay-Z and the Jackson Five, respectively. These choices signify not only a nostalgia for music of the past but also an acknowledgment of the talent and influence these artists have across generations.
March Madness: A Convergence of Sports, Music, and Culture
As the NCAA Tournament positions UConn, Houston, Purdue, and North Carolina as No. 1 seeds, the anticipation builds not only around the potential for UConn to become the first repeat champion since 2007 but also on how these musical preferences might play into team dynamics and coaching strategies.
UConn's recent victory in the Big East Tournament title, its first since 2011, coupled with only one loss since December 20, positions the team as a formidable contender. The achievements highlight the team's resilience and the potential for history-making performances in the upcoming tournament.
The NCAA Tournament is much more than a series of basketball games. It is a cultural event that merges sports, music, and personal expression, showcasing the complexity of the individuals behind the teams. From "Cornelia Street" to "Cruel Summer," and from Michael Jackson to 2Pac, the coaches' musical preferences enrich the narrative of March Madness, adding layers to the shared experiences of sports, music, and culture.
In summary, the NCAA Tournament stands as a testament to diversity—not only in the variety of competing teams from across the nation but also in the wide range of musical tastes that accompany the coaches on their journey towards victory. Whether through Taylor Swift’s lyrical stories or the timeless beats of Michael Jackson, music serves as both a motivator and a reflection of the multifaceted personalities that lead and inspire collegiate basketball's finest athletes.
