When the UAAP formed in 1939, Silva was hired as head coach of his alma mater when Dr. Jose Rodríguez resigned.

[5][6][7] When the UAAP was on postwar resumption in 1946, Silva was retained, and after a five-year absence saw the Glowing Goldies record their first undefeated season when they won all six of their games to claim their third straight championship.

In the deciding match, UST was leading towards the end of regulation when a power outage struck the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, forcing play to stop.

When power had not been restored after an hour, the tournament organizers decided to award the 1947 championship to both teams.

In the 1951 UAAP Finals, Coach Silva put into play his peculiar strategy of dribbling the ball until time ran out.