Coaches Corner –" TN Tigers: Committed to the Standard of Excellence"

Ryley McClaran

@THeggs_32

Four years ago, Ryley knew exactly where he wanted to plant his roots as a coach, and there was only one program that came to mind—the Tennessee Tigers. As a former Tiger himself, Ryley had lived the culture, competed under Chip Smith, and carried the lessons from that experience with him long after high school. When the opportunity opened, he jumped in headfirst, coaching the Tigers’ 2025 group at 15U. Four years later, he found himself coaching the 2027 Tigers 16U team, embracing the challenge of shaping young athletes who are beginning to define not only their games, but also their character and identity.

For Ryley, the mission has always been clear. The Tigers stand on a foundation of excellence, one that hasn’t wavered since the day he wore the uniform himself. To him, excellence isn’t about dropping 20 points or throwing down a highlight dunk; it’s about accountability, consistency, and actions that line up with words. That standard flows from the top down, with every coach and player held responsible for living it out daily. For Ryley, his role is about building more than players; it’s about building men.

Off the court, Ryley is centered by family and friends, drawing joy from simple moments that remind him what really matters. He values treating people right in every setting, and that belief spills directly into his coaching. The more you invest in players as people, he believes, the more they’ll trust you on the floor. That trust builds confidence and freedom, creating an environment where kids play harder because they know they’re cared for beyond basketball.

His basketball journey only deepens the connection he shares with his players. As a high school standout, Ryley earned the title of Tennessee Mr. Basketball and became Eagleville’s all-time leading scorer. From there, he went on to Freed-Hardeman University, where he had a decorated college career as a National Champion, winning three conference titles, over 1,000 career points, and the winningest player in program history. These experiences, from the grind of high school gyms to the glory of college championships, built the perspective he now passes on: what it takes to get recruited, how to prepare, and what life at the next level really demands.

The fire to coach, however, was sparked long before his playing days ended. Growing up in gyms alongside his father, a high school coach of over 30 years, Ryley absorbed the rhythms of leadership and mentorship from an early age. Watching his dad’s relationships, the victories and memories he created with players over decades, planted a vision of what lasting impact looks like. Today, that same passion drives Ryley. Every lesson, every practice, every game is an opportunity to continue that legacy.

The Tigers’ evolution into one of the most respected programs in Tennessee doesn’t surprise him; it’s the same standard of excellence that existed when he played, only now magnified through platforms like social media for the world to see. He sees his role as more than teaching X’s and O’s; it’s about being a believer, a mentor, and a man of faith who guides players not just through games, but through life.

Ryley’s favorite message for his 2027 group is. “How you do anything is how you do everything.” For him, details matter. He teaches his players to embrace every road trip, team dinner, and early morning tip as blessings, because access to the game isn’t promised to everyone. That perspective keeps his kids grounded, grateful, and committed. Alongside Chip Smith, Harris, and Jordan, Ryley works tirelessly to reinforce that being a Tiger means giving everything you have, not because you have to, but because you get to.

Coaching high-level talent is a privilege Ryley doesn’t take lightly. Every matchup against elite competition brings responsibility, knowing the eyes of recruiters may be watching. His pride doesn’t come from highlight reels, but from watching his players rise to the challenge, make their mark, and earn opportunities. That’s why he does it, to see them succeed.

And as for raising the bar, Ryley believes it’s about continuing to bring in the right kids, never losing sight of what built the Tigers’ name in the first place. Excellence isn’t optional; it’s the standard. Stay true to that, he says, and the program will only keep climbing.

At the end of the day, when players look back years from now, Ryley wants them to remember one thing: that he cared. Beyond the plays, the wins, and the tournaments, he wants them to know he was always in their corner, walking with them through their journeys. That’s the legacy he’s building, not just as a coach, but as someone who showed love, accountability, and belief in every kid who wore “Tigers” across their chest.