Tacko Fall Returns to U.S. Spotlight in NBA Celebrity Game After Global Journey
Tacko Fall is back on American hardwood - not in a regular-season NBA game, but on one of the league’s biggest stages: All-Star Weekend. After two years playing overseas, the 7-foot-6 former UCF standout is suiting up for the NBA’s Celebrity Game, and fans couldn’t be more excited to see one of basketball’s most towering figures back in the spotlight.
Fall joins a team filled with star power and crossover talent, including ESPN’s Shams Charania, former NBA champion Jeremy Lin, and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Coaching the squad? None other than Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers, Thanasis and Alex, alongside MLB All-Star Mookie Betts.
It's a lineup that blends basketball, football, baseball, and media into a fun, fan-friendly showcase - and Tacko is right in the middle of it.
This isn’t just a novelty appearance for Fall - it’s a reminder of how far he’s come and the unique path he’s taken through the game.
From UCF Sensation to Global Big Man
Fall first grabbed national attention during his college days at the University of Central Florida. With his rare combination of size and mobility, he was a matchup nightmare in the paint.
Over four seasons with the Knights, he averaged 10.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game - numbers that only tell part of the story. His presence alone altered offensive schemes and forced opponents to rethink how they attacked the rim.
He committed to UCF in 2014, drawn in by then-head coach Donnie Jones’ vision for his development both on and off the floor. “What sold me about going to UCF is everything that they were going to try to accomplish with me on the court and everything that he was going to try to help me off the court,” Fall said in a recent interview.
After a tough freshman year that saw UCF finish 12-18, Jones was let go. That opened the door for Johnny Dawkins to take over - and that partnership proved pivotal. Dawkins built a strong relationship with Fall, and together they led UCF to a memorable NCAA Tournament run in 2019.
In the first round, Fall was dominant against VCU, posting 13 points, 18 rebounds, and two blocks in a 73-58 win. His size overwhelmed the Rams, who couldn’t find an answer even when sending multiple defenders.
In the next round, UCF pushed Zion Williamson and top-seeded Duke to the brink, falling just short in a 77-76 heartbreaker. Fall finished with 13 points, six rebounds, and three blocks in what would be his final college game.
The NBA Journey: A Tough Climb
After going undrafted in 2019, Fall signed with the Boston Celtics and quickly became a fan favorite - not just for his size, but for his work ethic and humility. On media day, he credited Dawkins for helping him find confidence in his game.
“Coach Dawkins, even when I was back in school, I feel like he believed in me more than I actually believed in myself,” Fall said. “He used to tell me that I was the best big man in college basketball, and it took me a while to start to play like that.”
Fall spent two seasons in Boston, then a final NBA season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His minutes were limited - averaging just over six per game - but his presence was always felt, whether on the court or on the bench as a beloved teammate.
He continued to chase opportunities, appearing in the 2022 and 2023 NBA Summer Leagues with the Utah Jazz and Milwaukee Bucks. Despite solid showings, he didn’t land a standard or two-way contract.
Finding a Home Overseas
With NBA doors temporarily closed, Fall took his game international - and he’s been busy. He’s played in the Chinese Basketball Association with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers and Nanjing Monkey Kings, and in the Australian National Basketball League with the New Zealand Breakers. Currently, he’s suiting up for the Ningbo Rockets in the CBA, where he continues to refine his game and make an impact.
For many players, the overseas route is a detour. For Fall, it’s been a proving ground - a place where he’s continued to grow, compete, and stay ready for whatever comes next.
Back in the Spotlight
Now, back in the U.S. for the NBA’s All-Star Celebrity Game, Fall is once again in the spotlight - and not just for his height. This is a celebration of his journey, his perseverance, and his ability to connect with fans wherever he goes. Whether he’s blocking shots in China or throwing down dunks in an exhibition game stateside, Tacko Fall continues to be one of basketball’s most compelling stories.
And who knows? With the right opportunity, this Celebrity Game might not be the last time we see him on an NBA court.