CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The deadline for early entry underclassmen declaring for the 2022 NBA Draft is only a few weeks away. Many talented players have already declared for the draft, which included Clarksville’s own Tariq Silver.
Silver attended Northwest High, where he was a standout on the basketball team. He helped lead the school to their first district championship in 22 years. According to Austin Peay Athletics, he needed only two seasons to reach 1,000 career points for the Vikings. Following his high school basketball career, Silver became a journeyman in the college basketball world.
Silver attended Northwest High, where he was a standout on the basketball team. He helped lead the school to their first district championship in 22 years. According to Austin Peay Athletics, he needed only two seasons to reach 1,000 career points for the Vikings. Following his high school basketball career, Silver became a journeyman in the college basketball world.
He began his collegiate experience with Eastern Michigan University. Silver was redshirted for his first year and proceeded to play for the Eagles during the 2018-19 season. After one year of scarce playing time, the Northwest product decided it was time to move on.
Silver detailed to Clarksville Now in 2021 that he wanted to go somewhere to truly showcase his talents. This led him to take his talents to the junior college level. Silver made an instant impact for Tallahassee Community College during the 2019-20 season. The team ended up going 27-6 on the year as Silver received honors such All-Conference and Conference Newcomer of the Year, and he was ranked the 17th best JUCO player in the country. This made the guard a hot commodity.
Latter half of college career
Dozens of teams showed interest in Silver; this included programs such as Cincinnati, Temple, Wichita State, Florida and Oregon State, he said. He ultimately decided to attend Oregon State for the 2020-21 season.
Silver said he didn’t get a considerable amount of playing time on the year, but he contributed in a major way during the Beavers’ Elite 8 run. This included playing 15 minutes against Oklahoma State in the round of 32 according to Sports-Reference.com. He held the Cowboys’ No. 1 scoring threat, Cade Cunningham, to making 6 out of his 20 shot attempts. Cunningham went on to be selected with the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, speaking volumes to Silver’s defensive capability.
Silver weighed his options following his time with Oregon State and felt it was time to move on once again. This led him to return to Clarksville to play for Austin Peay State University and head coach Nate James. This was Silver’s first real chance to broadcast his talents at the Division I level.
The statistics from his college career show what he can do when given the opportunity and minutes:
| EMU | TCC | OSU | APSU | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 3.3 | 12.1 | 1.6 | 10.1 |
| FG % | 0.443 | 0.493 | 0.419 | 0.369 |
| 3P % | 0.394 | 0.455 | 0.389 | 0.343 |
| TRB | 0.7 | 4.2 | 0.7 | 1.8 |
| AST | 0.4 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 2.0 |
| Minutes/G | 9.4 | 27.2 | 7.4 | 26.9 |
| GS | 2 | 32 | 0 | 19 |
Silver is set to graduate with his degree in sports communications next month.
Tariq Silver on the record
Question: What has the Clarksville community meant to you while you attended Northwest High and Austin Peay State University?
Answer: Starting with Northwest High, I was part of a team that brought the Vikings their first district championship in 22 years. Being able to share that moment with my teammates, peers and school made it a special moment in my life. Then, being able to return home and have the entire Clarksville community behind me was an experience I’ll forever be thankful for.
Q: How did Austin Peay help prepare you for the NBA?
A: Coach Nate incorporated a high level of professionalism within me. He told me that with my dreams of going into the NBA, I need to carry myself like a pro on and off the court. In addition, this was my first year playing consistently at the Division I level. The experience showed me what I need to work on and helped me build on my confidence.
Q: What did declaring for the NBA draft mean to you?
A: This moment is the biggest moment of my life, because this will lay the foundation for my future. I do not have expectations to be drafted, but I have a multitude of goals as we progress toward the draft. These goals include earning a NBA workout, signing as an undrafted free agent and displaying my skill in the summer league. Similarly to two friends I’m close with, Terry Taylor and Alex Poythress, I am betting on myself to succeed at the next level wherever it may be.
2022 NBA Draft
Q: Describe your character and what you would bring to a NBA team.
A: The first thing I would bring to an NBA team would be my mentality. I am someone who always feels like they have to prove themselves. I have done so consistently throughout my entire life, not just in the game of basketball. This type of mentality has played a major part in my overall confidence in my game. A lot of guys throughout the league have instilled in themselves this kind of mindset. My work ethic and IQ of the game are two additional components I would bring to an NBA team. With all of this being said, I understand that I’m auditioning for a job and have to prove myself. My understanding of what is expected of me and the role I will have to play elevates me to a certain degree.
Q: Did you have a particular set of teams that you wanted to play for?
A: I don’t have a preference on what team I could potentially join. I’m looking for an opportunity on a team where shooting is valued, such as in a run and gun system. However, I grew up being a Lakers fan, so playing in Los Angeles would be like a dream come dream to me.
Q: What separates you from other players at your position in this years draft class?
A: My ability on the offensive and defensive ends is something that stands out for me. I have the ability to shoot the ball consistently, while affecting my opponents on defense with my instincts and length. I stand at 6-foot-5, but my wingspan is actually measured at 6-foot-11. I may not be able to showcase my ability to create offense off the dribble right away, but I believe in my ability to catch and shoot. Also, my experience is something else that separates me in this draft class. I have comprehended how to play within different systems and playing styles such as the fast pace of play in the Pac-12.