2025 March Madness: Former coaches and Commonwealth-affiliated players in the NCAA Sweet 16

2025 March Madness: Former Coaches and Commonwealth-Affiliated Players in the NCAA Sweet 16

March Madness has always been an exciting time for college basketball fans. The tournament’s drama, upsets, buzzer-beaters, and the ever-present underdog stories are what make the NCAA Tournament one of the most captivating events in American sports. As the 2025 March Madness reaches its Sweet 16, a spotlight is placed not just on the programs and players who have fought their way to this point, but also on the significant figures from the Commonwealth—a region with a rich basketball tradition—that have contributed to this year’s tournament. From former coaches to current players hailing from the Commonwealth or having affiliations with its schools, the Sweet 16 features a combination of seasoned basketball minds and fresh talent.

This article dives into the former coaches and Commonwealth-affiliated players who have made their mark in the 2025 NCAA Sweet 16, exploring their contributions, backgrounds, and how their involvement in this year’s tournament adds an extra layer of excitement to the March Madness spectacle.

The Commonwealth’s Influence in NCAA Basketball

The Commonwealth region has always had a deep connection to college basketball. Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina—states often associated with powerhouse basketball programs—are part of the Commonwealth. Schools like the University of Kentucky, Virginia Cavaliers, and Virginia Tech Hokies have rich histories, and they’ve produced a wealth of NBA talent, notable coaches, and players who have made lasting impressions on the college basketball landscape.

In the 2025 NCAA Tournament, several teams in the Sweet 16 have ties to these historic basketball programs. Whether it’s through players who honed their skills in these regions or through the coaching acumen that shaped their teams’ performances, the Commonwealth’s presence is strongly felt in the tournament’s later rounds.

Former Coaches in the Sweet 16 with Commonwealth Ties

1. Tony Bennett – Virginia Cavaliers

Perhaps no coach in recent history embodies the essence of Virginia basketball better than Tony Bennett. Since taking over the program in 2009, Bennett has transformed Virginia into a perennial powerhouse. The Cavaliers’ stifling defense and methodical offense, which often frustrate opposing teams, have become trademarks of Bennett’s coaching style.

As the 2025 March Madness Tournament heads into the Sweet 16, Bennett’s Virginia Cavaliers are once again contenders, led by a strong, well-disciplined team. Bennett, who led Virginia to an NCAA Championship in 2019, is no stranger to high expectations, and his experience in navigating deep tournament runs is invaluable. Under his leadership, the Cavaliers have consistently been a fixture in the NCAA Tournament and are always dangerous due to their ability to control the tempo of the game and grind down opponents.

Bennett’s connection to the Commonwealth, through both his personal coaching career and Virginia’s success, has made him one of the most respected figures in college basketball. With his ability to adjust strategies on the fly, his leadership in the Sweet 16 will likely be a critical factor in how far the Cavaliers can go in the tournament.

2. John Calipari – University of Kentucky Wildcats

Another legendary figure in Commonwealth basketball, John Calipari, is back in the Sweet 16 with his Kentucky Wildcats. Calipari has long been known for his ability to recruit top-tier talent, and his emphasis on developing NBA-caliber players has turned Kentucky into a basketball factory. In fact, the Wildcats have had more than 40 players drafted into the NBA under Calipari’s tenure, further cementing his legacy as one of the game’s greats.

The Wildcats’ success in March Madness is well-documented, with Kentucky boasting multiple national championships under Calipari’s leadership. As of 2025, Kentucky is once again poised to make a deep tournament run, with a roster full of highly touted recruits and the steady hand of Calipari guiding them. His tactical expertise and experience in the pressure cooker of March Madness make him one of the most dangerous coaches in the tournament.

3. Mike Young – Virginia Tech Hokies

Mike Young may not have the same widespread recognition as Calipari or Bennett, but his work with the Virginia Tech Hokies has quietly made a significant impact. Since taking over as head coach in 2019, Young has elevated the Hokies into a consistent NCAA Tournament team. Under his leadership, Virginia Tech has developed a reputation for playing tough, physical basketball with a focus on defensive discipline.

In 2025, the Hokies have managed to push through to the Sweet 16, making a statement about the strength of their program. Young’s calm demeanor and smart in-game adjustments have been key to Virginia Tech’s success in the tournament, and his coaching acumen is something to watch as the Hokies look to continue their tournament run.

Commonwealth-Affiliated Players in the Sweet 16

While the former coaches have a direct hand in shaping their teams’ performances, it’s the players who ultimately take the floor and execute the game plan. The 2025 NCAA Sweet 16 features several standout players with strong Commonwealth ties, and their performances have been key to their teams’ success in the tournament.

1. Tyrese Proctor – Duke Blue Devils (Virginia)

Tyrese Proctor is one of the most promising young players in college basketball today, and his performance in the 2025 NCAA Tournament has turned heads. Hailing from Virginia, Proctor has showcased elite skills as a combo guard for the Duke Blue Devils, helping propel them into the Sweet 16. Proctor’s combination of speed, court vision, and scoring ability make him a difficult matchup for any defense.

Proctor’s ties to the Commonwealth have added an emotional element to his tournament journey. As a native of Virginia, Proctor’s success brings pride to a state that has produced some of the best basketball talent in the country. As Duke’s primary ball handler, Proctor’s ability to orchestrate the offense while also contributing defensively will be crucial as the Blue Devils look to advance further into the tournament.

2. Oscar Tshiebwe – University of Kentucky Wildcats (Kentucky)

Oscar Tshiebwe, the reigning National Player of the Year, has been the anchor of the Kentucky Wildcats this season, and his impact on the game cannot be overstated. The Kenyan-born big man is a force to be reckoned with in the paint, both offensively and defensively. Tshiebwe’s rebounding ability is unmatched, and his post moves have made him a key figure in Kentucky’s offensive schemes.

Tshiebwe’s experience and leadership were instrumental in Kentucky’s push to the Sweet 16, and as a player with deep ties to the Commonwealth, his performance on this stage holds special significance. Playing for the Wildcats, Tshiebwe is a central figure in a program that has deep roots in the Commonwealth and has produced a long list of successful NBA players. His presence in the tournament gives Kentucky an excellent chance to make a run toward another national title.

3. Reece Beekman – Virginia Cavaliers (Virginia)

One of the standout players for the Virginia Cavaliers, Reece Beekman, is a versatile guard who has been instrumental in the team’s success in 2025. Known for his excellent defense and ability to run the point, Beekman is the type of player who thrives in Bennett’s system. His ability to lock down opposing players and create opportunities for his teammates has made him a key component of Virginia’s Sweet 16 run.

Beekman’s leadership on the court is something that has set him apart, especially during high-pressure moments. As a Virginia native, his connection to the Commonwealth adds a personal touch to his tournament performance, and fans across the state are rallying behind him as he tries to help the Cavaliers make a deep run in March Madness.

4. Jaden Ivey – Purdue Boilermakers (Indiana, but ties to Commonwealth)

Though Jaden Ivey hails from Indiana, he has strong ties to the Commonwealth region through his family and high school connections. Ivey is one of the most dynamic and exciting players in college basketball, known for his explosive athleticism and ability to score in bunches. As a guard for the Purdue Boilermakers, Ivey has been crucial in their success this tournament, helping propel Purdue into the Sweet 16 with a series of impressive performances.

Ivey’s journey through March Madness represents not just the best of Indiana basketball, but also the broader basketball culture of the Commonwealth region, where intense rivalries and a deep appreciation for the game exist. Purdue’s path through the tournament will likely hinge on Ivey’s ability to continue his strong play, as his talent has been key in the Boilermakers’ postseason success.

Looking Ahead: Commonwealth’s Impact on the Sweet 16

As the 2025 NCAA Tournament progresses into the Sweet 16, the impact of former coaches and Commonwealth-affiliated players is undeniable. Coaches like Tony Bennett, John Calipari, and Mike Young have shaped their teams into contenders, while players such as Tyrese Proctor, Oscar Tshiebwe, Reece Beekman, and Jaden Ivey have been pivotal in advancing their respective teams to the tournament’s second weekend.

For the Commonwealth, March Madness provides an opportunity to showcase the region’s rich basketball heritage. Whether through coaching, player development, or raw talent, the Commonwealth is well-represented in this year’s Sweet 16. As the tournament continues to unfold, the eyes of the basketball world will remain fixed on these key figures and their performances, with hopes high that this storied region will continue to shape the outcome of one of the most exciting tournaments in sports.