Tarik Black
A bruising center who maximized his opportunities, he fought his way from undrafted prospect to meaningful minutes with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Born 1991 (age 35)·American basketball player·Birthday: November 22·Millennials
Biography
Tarik Black's path to the NBA was never guaranteed, defined by a blue-collar ethos that turned him into a fan favorite. After a solid college career that began at Memphis and culminated at Kansas, he went undrafted in 2014. Undeterred, he clawed his way onto the Houston Rockets' roster, impressing with his relentless energy, rebounding, and defensive hustle. His most memorable stint came with the Los Angeles Lakers during a challenging period for the franchise. There, Black's physical style of play and obvious heart made him a consistent presence in the frontcourt, a player who earned every minute through sheer effort. While his NBA career eventually shifted overseas, his story remains a testament to the impact a player can make through determination and force of will.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Tarik was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Tarik Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Tarik's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played 149 games in the NBA across three seasons with the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers.
- Signed with the Lakers as a free agent in 2014 and became a rotation player, starting 39 games during his tenure.
- Played college basketball for two major programs, the University of Memphis and the University of Kansas.
- After his NBA career, he continued playing professionally in leagues across Europe and Asia.
Did You Know?
He was a standout student-athlete, earning Academic All-Big 12 honors during his time at the University of Kansas.
Black is a devout Christian and has spoken openly about his faith guiding his career.
He participated in the NBA Summer League for multiple teams before securing his first regular season contract.
“I just wanted to be a professional basketball player, and I was willing to do whatever it took.”
