Brief Introduction of Tarik Black
Tarik Bernard Black is a distinguished American professional basketball player recognized for his commanding presence as a center and power forward. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches, he has built a formidable career marked by his physicality, rebounding prowess, and efficient scoring near the basket. Black’s journey has taken him from standout collegiate stints at the University of Memphis and the University of Kansas to the premier global stage of the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he played for the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers. Following his impactful time in the NBA, he transitioned to a successful international career, competing in prestigious leagues across Europe, including the EuroLeague. His extensive experience and consistent performance have solidified his reputation as a resilient and skilled big man in the world of professional basketball.
Tarik Black Overview
| Full Name | Tarik Bernard Black |
| Date of Birth | November 22, 1991 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 34 |
| Birthplace | Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Husband/Wife | Kennedy Raye (married in April 2017) |
| Family | Parents: Lawrence and Judith Black; Brothers: Bilal and Amal |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Information not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Tarik Black
Tarik Black was born in Memphis, Tennessee, to Lawrence and Judith Black and grew up with two older brothers, Bilal and Amal. From a young age, Black was instilled with a strong work ethic, often assisting his father with his residential real estate business. This involved strenuous tasks like painting, carpentry, and even moving heavy appliances, which inadvertently helped build the physical strength that would later define his basketball career. He attended Ridgeway High School in Memphis, where he emerged as a dominant force on the basketball court. In his junior year (2008-09), he averaged an impressive 15.7 points and 11.8 rebounds per game, leading his team to a District 15-AAA title. He continued his stellar performance into his senior year (2009-10), averaging 16.3 points and 12.6 rebounds and securing a second consecutive district championship. Academically, Black was also a dedicated student, a trait that would follow him to college. He earned his bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from the University of Memphis and later pursued a master’s degree at the University of Kansas.
Tarik Black’s Career
Tarik Black’s basketball career is a testament to his perseverance and adaptability, spanning high-level collegiate competition, the NBA, and prominent international leagues. After a decorated high school career, he began his collegiate journey at the University of Memphis in 2010. During his three seasons with the Tigers, he was a key contributor, earning accolades such as a spot on the Conference USA All-Freshman Team in 2011 and selections to the All-Conference USA Second Team and All-Defensive Team in 2012. He set a single-season record for field goal percentage at Memphis, shooting an exceptional 68.9%. In 2013, after graduating from Memphis, he transferred to the University of Kansas for his final year of eligibility. With the Jayhawks, he was named the Big 12 Preseason Newcomer of the Year and provided a strong interior presence.
Despite his collegiate success, Black went undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft. However, his relentless work ethic earned him a spot with the Houston Rockets for the NBA Summer League, which led to a contract with the team. He played 25 games for the Rockets before being waived and subsequently claimed by the Los Angeles Lakers in December 2014. Black spent parts of three seasons with the Lakers, carving out a role as a reliable backup center known for his energy and rebounding. He returned to the Houston Rockets for the 2017-2018 season. Over his NBA career, he appeared in 220 regular-season games.
In 2018, Black embarked on the international phase of his career, signing a one-year deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel. His time in Europe proved highly successful. With Maccabi Tel Aviv, he won the Israeli League championship in 2019 and was named to the All-Israeli League Second Team. He later played for Zenit Saint Petersburg in Russia, Bahçeşehir Koleji in Turkey (with whom he won the FIBA Europe Cup in 2022), and Olympiacos in Greece (where he won the Greek League, Greek Cup, and Greek Super Cup). His career has also included stints with Pallacanestro Reggiana in Italy and LDLC ASVEL in France.
Tarik Black Personal Life & Family
Tarik Black’s personal life is centered around his family. He is the son of Lawrence and Judith Black and has two older brothers, Amal and Bilal. In April 2017, Tarik married his wife, Kennedy Raye. Together, they have built a loving family with three children. Their son, Naim, was born in October 2017, followed by their daughter, Kiya, in November 2020. The family welcomed their third child, a daughter named Eliyanah, in November 2023. Black has often spoken about the importance of family and has credited his father, a real estate entrepreneur, with instilling in him a strong work ethic from a very young age. This upbringing not only shaped his character but also contributed to his physical development, as he was involved in manual labor for his father’s business. Beyond his immediate family, Black has expressed a deep appreciation for his roots and the support system that has been with him throughout his journey.
Awards and Achievements of Tarik Black
- FIBA Europe Cup Champion (2022)
- Greek League Champion (2023)
- Greek Cup Winner (2023)
- Greek Super Cup Winner (2022)
- Israeli League Champion (2019)
- All-Israeli League Second Team (2019)
- Israeli League All-Star (2019)
- Big 12 Preseason Newcomer of the Year (2013)
- C-USA All-Defensive Team (2012)
- Second-team All-C-USA (2012)
- C-USA All-Freshman Team (2011)
Tarik Black Net Worth and Income
Information regarding Tarik Black’s current net worth is not publicly available. Throughout his career, he has earned income from contracts with several NBA teams, including the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers. His earnings in the NBA have been documented, with reports of a one-year, $3.29 million contract with the Rockets in 2017. Since moving his career overseas, he has also signed contracts with prominent European clubs such as Maccabi Tel Aviv, Zenit Saint Petersburg, and Olympiacos, which would have contributed significantly to his income. However, the specific financial details of these international contracts are generally not disclosed to the public.
Legacy and Influence
Tarik Black’s legacy in the world of basketball is one of resilience, hard work, and the ability to carve out a successful career through determination. While not always in the spotlight, he has consistently proven to be a valuable asset to every team he has played for, both in the NBA and internationally. His influence stems from his professional approach to the game and his reputation as a strong, physical player who excels in his role. He serves as an inspiration for players who may go undrafted but still possess the talent and drive to compete at the highest levels. His successful transition to European basketball further highlights his adaptability and commitment to his craft. Off the court, Black’s dedication to his education, having earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, sets a positive example for young athletes about the importance of preparing for life after sports.
Interesting Facts about Tarik Black
- He set the University of Memphis single-season record for field goal percentage at 68.9%.
- While at the University of Kansas, on his Senior Night, he shot a perfect 9-for-9 from the field, the best shooting efficiency by a Jayhawk since 1990.
- From a young age, he worked for his father’s real estate business, which involved physically demanding tasks that he credits for helping build his strength for basketball.
- He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis and went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Kansas.
- He was teammates with future number one NBA draft pick Andrew Wiggins during his time at the University of Kansas.
Controversies
There are no widely reported or significant controversies associated with Tarik Black’s professional or personal life. He has maintained a reputation as a dedicated professional and family man throughout his career.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not publicly available
- Twitter – Information not publicly available
- YouTube – Information not publicly available
Final Words about Tarik Black
Tarik Black’s career is a powerful narrative of persistence and professionalism. From his standout days in high school and college to making his mark in the NBA despite going undrafted, and then forging a successful career in top-tier European leagues, Black has consistently demonstrated his value as a player. His journey is defined by a powerful work ethic, a commitment to his role, and an ability to adapt to different basketball cultures. As he continues his professional career, his legacy is already cemented as a player who maximized his talents through hard work and dedication. Beyond the court, his focus on family and education paints a picture of a well-rounded individual who has planned for a future beyond basketball. Tarik Black’s story continues to be an inspiring one for aspiring athletes everywhere.
