CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Tariq Silver was a star for the Northwest High boys’ basketball team during his time with the program. Now, after a decorated playing career, Silver is looking to make an impact on the court in a different way.

Silver attended Northwest from his sophomore year to his senior year. While on the hardwood, he needed only two seasons to score 1,000 points for the school, and he helped lead his team to their first district championship in over 20 years. During his senior season, Silver averaged 22 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists per game.

Tariq Silver plays basketball at Northwest High School in Clarksville. (Contributed)

Due to his all-around skillset, Silver was recruited to play Division I basketball for teams including Eastern Michigan and Clarksville’s own Austin Peay State University. Silver also played for the Oregon State Beavers during the 2020-21 season when they played their way into the Elite 8 in March.

Following his college basketball career, Silver played professional basketball overseas for a team known as Soleuvre in Luxembourg. During his time in Europe, he averaged 18.4 points per game, according to EuroBasket.com. But Silver’s passion for basketball extends beyond his playing career.

Silver returns to Clarksville as coach

“Coaching is something I always knew I wanted to do,” Silver told Clarksville Now. “I developed an eye for the game early in my career. In high school I would be training my teammates. I never really had somebody I could look up to growing up, and I want to be able to be that person for the kids.

“I played a lot of different levels, and I know what it takes. I feel like I’m going to be a lot better coach than I was as a player. I love it, and I can connect with the kids because I’ve been in their shoes, and I know what they want. I’ve positioned myself with my major (communications in college) to lead and be vocal, and now I’ve got the chance to lead and take it by storm.”

Tariq Silver celebrates as Austin Peay defeats Tennessee State during OVC action at the Dunn Center on Feb. 13, 2022. (Robert Smith/APSU Athletics, contributed)

Silver said his playing career is over, and he turned down multiple offers to play overseas in order to begin his coaching career as an assistant at Rossview High. For him, it’s weird to be on the sidelines for an old high school rival, but he’s grateful to be there.

“It’s definitely funny, honestly, but I love Coach (Johnny) Jackson,” Silver said. “He helped get my professional career started. He’s a better person than he is a coach, and that’s saying a lot. As a player, it would frustrate me to play against his teams. It’s nice to be on his side now and learn from him.”

Defensive mindset and serving as role model

Silver said what surprised him most about coaching is how much he enjoys the defensive side of the ball.

“I didn’t think I would be a defensive guy as a coach honestly,” Silver said. “I always thought I was going to be skill development, but now that I’m on that side, I’m big on defense. In my playing career, I was a good defender, and in terms of coaching, it’s not something I thought I would hop on as quickly as I did. I love hyping the guys up at that end of the floor.”

Oregon State guard Tariq Silver (55) drives on Oklahoma State guard Keylan Boone (20) during the first half of a men’s college basketball game in the second round of the NCAA tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Silver is only a couple years removed from college, and isn’t that much older than his players. His relationship with the players pushes him and keeps him going every day.

“The guys know I played at the level they want to play at,” Silver said. “They always ask me questions about what it was like, and I’m able to show them what it takes. I know what it’s like to not get minutes, I know what it’s like to be a star player, and I know what it’s like to be a role-player. I have the ability to relate to them and show them and not just tell them, because I’ve been there.”

What’s next for Coach Silver

When asked what’s next, Silver said, “That’s the question I’ve asked myself every day.

“I stay here and coach … I’m most likely done playing, but I want to go back to school to get my master’s and be a graduate assistant,” he said.

“My dream as a kid was to be a head coach at the Division-I level. That might not happen, but if you just enjoy the ride, it can always happen. I’m just taking it one day at a time and learning. This summer, I want to get kids in the gym and build my resume with training. I want to be something for the community and the youth that people can look up to. I want to use basketball to impact something bigger than myself. Seeing kids grow into better people is the best part of this job.”

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