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El Hadji Tacko Sereigne Diop Fall (born 10 December 1995) is a Senegalese professional basketball player for the Ningbo Rockets of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). He has previously played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Key Information

Fall was born and raised in Dakar, Senegal. He moved to the United States at age 16 and later played college basketball for the UCF Knights. Fall went undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft, but later signed with the Boston Celtics. During his two seasons in Boston, Fall became a fan favorite.[1] He signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers as a free agent in 2021.[2]

At 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m), Fall was one of the tallest NBA players and is one of the tallest living humans.[3][4] At the 2019 NBA Draft Combine, his measurements set all-time NBA records for tallest height in shoes (7 ft 7 in; 2.31 m), longest wingspan (8 ft 2.25 in; 250 cm), and highest standing reach (10 ft 2.5 in; 3.11 m).[5] The NBA now lists players' heights without shoes, so Fall is listed at 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m).[6][7]

Early life

[edit]

Fall was born and raised in Dakar, Senegal. In 2011, Senegalese basketball coach Ibrahima N'Diaye, the brother of former NBA player Mamadou N'Diaye, heard from a friend about an exceptionally tall teenager that he had seen playing with friends in a local street.[8] After identifying him, they visited the 15-year-old Fall—who already stood 7 ft 3 in (2.21 m) tall—at his home and persuaded Fall's mother, Marianne Diop Sene, to allow Fall to start attending N'Diaye's basketball academy.[8] Fall moved to the United States at age 16. He first played organized basketball in Houston, Texas, and trained with NBA Hall-of-Famer Hakeem Olajuwon.[9]

Fall was listed as 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m) and was purportedly still growing around his senior year, making him the tallest high-school basketball player in the country while he played for Jamie's House Charter and Liberty Christian Prep.[10]

Due to his height and reach, Fall was one of the most highly scouted high-school basketball centers in the nation.[citation needed] He first played for Jamie's House Charter School in Houston, where his team won the state championship. Fall played with ISTI all-stars summer travel team and for Each 1 Teach 1 on the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) circuit where he played alongside fellow class of 2015 recruits Antonio Blakeney and Ben Simmons.[11] Fall also played in several NCAA certified events, including the NBPA Top 100 Camp in Virginia.[12] He then attended Liberty Christian Preparatory School in Tavares, Florida. As a senior in 2015, Fall averaged 20 points, 15 rebounds, and 5.1 blocks per game. Rated as a four-star and three-star recruit in the 2015 high-school class,[13][14][15] nearly 40 different schools expressing interest in him.[10] Fall committed to the University of Central Florida in Orlando, who officially signed him on 28 October 2014. Fall played with the UCF Knights under head coach Donnie Jones.[13]

College career

[edit]
Fall at UCF in 2017

Fall played college basketball for the UCF Knights. As a freshman during the 2015–16 season, he faced fellow Senegalese center Mamadou N'Diaye, who stands at 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m), in the tallest tip-off and match-up in U.S. college basketball history in a game against the UC Irvine Anteaters.[16]

As a sophomore in 2016–17, Fall was named American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year.[17] He ranked second nationally in field-goal percentage as of January 2017.[18]

On 5 April 2017, Fall declared for the 2017 NBA draft, with the possibility of returning to Central Florida still available to him before the end of the draft lottery that year.[19][20] On 24 May, Fall withdrew his name from consideration for the NBA draft, to return to UCF for his junior year.[21] During his junior year, Fall injured his shoulder,[22] causing him to play in only 16 games, totaling 351 minutes.[23]

Coming into his senior season, Fall was named to the Preseason Second Team All-AAC.[citation needed] During his senior season, Fall helped lead the Knights to the 2019 NCAA tournament and secured their first victory in program history with a win over the VCU Rams.[24] In his final game, Fall recorded 15 points and six rebounds in a 77–76 loss to the Duke Blue Devils.[25]

Professional career

[edit]

After the conclusion of his senior year, Fall was named one of 80 participants (40 representing the NBA draft hopefuls) for the NBA G League Elite Camp in May 2019.[26] He was subsequently added to the NBA Draft Combine.[27] During the combine, he put up new records at the event, including height (which received comparisons to former NBA player Manute Bol),[28] wingspan, and standing reach.[29]

Boston Celtics (2019–2021)

[edit]

After going undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft, Fall joined the Boston Celtics for the 2019 NBA Summer League,[30] participating in all five games and averaging 7.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and shooting a team-high 77 percent from the field.[31] He signed with the Celtics on 25 July 2019.[32] On 13 October, the Celtics converted Fall to a two-way contract, which split his time with the Celtics and Maine Red Claws of the NBA G League.[33] Fall made his debut for the Celtics on 26 October during a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. He recorded four points and three rebounds in four minutes, with his first points coming from a standing dunk.[34] On 20 December, Fall recorded a season-high five points, along with two rebounds and one block, in a 114–93 victory over the Detroit Pistons.[35] On 13 August 2020, he logged season highs of four rebounds and two blocks in a 96–90 loss to the Washington Wizards.[36] Fall led the Celtics in field goal percentage during the 2019–20 season.

With the Red Claws during the 2019–20 NBA G League season, Fall averaged a double-double of 12.9 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. He earned All-Defensive Team honors, with averages of nearly three blocks per game.[37][38]

On 23 November 2020, Fall re-signed with the Celtics on another two-way contract.[39][40] On 30 December, Fall made his season debut for the Celtics, recording two points, a rebound, and two blocks in a 126–107 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.[41] On 15 January 2021, Fall logged a season-high six points, along with five rebounds and one block, in a 124–97 blowout victory over the Orlando Magic.[42] On 5 May, he recorded a season-high four blocks in a 132–96 blowout victory over the Magic.[43] On 16 May, Fall grabbed a season-high eight rebounds in a 92–96 loss to the New York Knicks.[44] Despite being under a two-way contract, Fall never played in the G League during the 2020–21 season due to the Red Claws not playing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[45] He also led the Celtics in field goal percentage for the second consecutive season.

Cleveland Cavaliers (2021–2022)

[edit]

On 27 September 2021, Fall signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers.[2] On 16 October, his deal was converted to a two-way contract with the Cleveland Charge.[46] On 11 November, Fall made his debut for the Charge, logging a G League career-high 23 points along with 12 rebounds and three blocks in 29 minutes of play.[47] On 22 December, Fall made his first career NBA start in a 111–101 loss to his former team, the Celtics, grabbing a career-high 10 rebounds and a season-high four points.

On 9 January 2022, Fall was waived by the Cavaliers.[48]

Cleveland Charge (2022)

[edit]

On 12 January 2022, Fall was re-acquired by the Cleveland Charge.[49]

Xinjiang Flying Tigers (2022–2023)

[edit]

On 24 August 2022, Fall signed a one-year contract to play for the Xinjiang Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association.[50]

Fall joined the Milwaukee Bucks for the 2023 NBA Summer League.[51][52]

Nanjing Monkey Kings and New Zealand Breakers (2023–2025)

[edit]

On 17 August 2023, Fall signed with the Nanjing Monkey Kings of the Chinese Basketball Association.[53] In 44 games during the 2023–24 season, he averaged 8.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game.[54]

In September 2024, Fall joined the New Zealand Breakers of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) for the club's three-game U.S. tour.[55][56][57][58] He went on to miss all three games due to a quad injury.[59] Fall returned with the Breakers to New Zealand, where he trained with the team as a practice player.[60] On 26 November, Fall signed a two-year contract with the Breakers.[61][62] In 18 games during the 2024–25 NBL season, he averaged 11.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.[54]

On 2 March 2025, Fall signed with the Nanjing Monkey Kings for the rest of the 2024–25 CBA season.[63] In 12 games, he averaged 11.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game.[54]

On 22 July 2025, the Breakers parted ways with Fall.[64]

Ningbo Rockets (2025–present)

[edit]

On 29 August 2025, Fall signed with the Ningbo Rockets of the Chinese Basketball Association.[65]

Player profile

[edit]

Given his size, Fall plays the center position. His shoe size is 22 (US), his wingspan is 8 ft 4 in (2.54 m)[66] and he has a reported standing reach of 10 ft 2 in (3.10 m).[18] Fall also has a maximum vertical leap of 2 ft 2.5 in (67 cm). His hands measure at 10.5 inches (27 cm) in length and width.[67] Prior to the 2019 NBA draft, Fall was viewed as a great shot blocker who was relatively lacking in lane agility and three-quarter-court sprinting speed.[68]

Career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

NBA

[edit]

Source[69]

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2019–20 Boston 7 0 4.7 .786 — .333 2.1 .1 .1 .6 3.3
2020–21 Boston 19 0 7.2 .724 — .333 2.7 .2 .1 1.1 2.5
2021–22 Cleveland 11 1 5.4 .417 — .286 2.1 .2 .0 .5 1.1
Career 37 1 6.2 .673 — .320 2.4 .2 .1 .8 2.2

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2020 Boston 2 0 1.5 1.000 — .500 .5 .0 .0 .0 1.5
2021 Boston 1 0 1.0 — — — 1.0 .0 .0 .0 .0
Career 3 0 1.3 1.000 — .500 .7 .0 .0 .0 1.0

College

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2015–16 UCF 30 26 17.6 .750 — .558 5.9 .3 .1 2.3 7.4
2016–17 UCF 36 36 26.3 .715 .000 .462 9.5 .6 .3 2.6 10.9
2017–18 UCF 16 15 21.9 .767 — .460 7.3 .3 .3 1.9 11.3
2018–19 UCF 32 32 24.9 .750 — .363 7.7 .5 .3 2.6 11.0
Career 115 110 23.0 .740 .000 .432 7.7 .4 .2 2.4 10.1

Personal life

[edit]

Fall is a Muslim,[3] and selected the jersey number 99 with the Celtics as a reference to the 99 names of Allah.[70] He is not the only tall member of his family; Fall's younger brother was reportedly 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) at age seven, while two of his uncles are 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m), but his extreme height stands apart even among them.[citation needed] Fall maintained a 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) in high school,[71] while taking advanced mathematics and science classes. He became fluent in English within eight months and scored in the 95th percentile on the SAT. Fall was a computer-science major at UCF[18] and originally had aspirations of becoming an engineer for electronic companies such as Siemens or Microsoft.[3]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tacko Fall

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from Grokipedia
Elhadji Tacko Sereigne Diop Fall, known professionally as Tacko Fall, is a Senegalese professional basketball player renowned for his extraordinary height of 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m), which makes him one of the tallest players in professional basketball history.[1] Born on December 10, 1995, in Dakar, Senegal, Fall has built a career as a center, leveraging his size for shot-blocking and rebounding while navigating challenges related to mobility and skill development.[2] As of November 2025, he plays for the Ningbo Rockets in China's Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), marking his latest chapter after stints in the NBA, G League, and various international leagues.[3] Raised in a devout Muslim family in poverty-stricken conditions in Dakar, Fall initially favored soccer but was introduced to basketball at age 16 after moving to the United States, where he attended Liberty Christian Preparatory School in Florida.[4] He later played college basketball for the University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights from 2015 to 2019, where he averaged 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game in his senior year, earning All-AAC honors despite academic eligibility hurdles that sparked the viral "#FreeTacko" campaign.[1] Undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft, Fall signed a two-way contract with the Boston Celtics, appearing in 26 games over two seasons and becoming a fan favorite for his defensive presence and charismatic personality, though limited by his raw offensive skills.[2] Fall's NBA tenure extended briefly to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021–22, where he played 11 games, accumulating career totals of 37 appearances, 2.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game across his time in the league.[2] After his NBA career, he continued in the G League before transitioning to international play, including stints in China, Puerto Rico, and Australia, such as with the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL during the 2024–25 season, where he averaged 11.4 points and 6.6 rebounds in 18 games.[5] His move to the Ningbo Rockets in August 2025 underscores his ongoing pursuit of professional opportunities abroad, where his unique physical attributes continue to make him a standout, even as he works on refining his game.[6]

Pre-professional career

Early life and high school

Elhadji Tacko Sereigne Diop Fall was born on December 10, 1995, in Dakar, Senegal, where he was raised by his mother alongside a younger brother in a devout Muslim family facing economic hardships.[4][1][2] His family was not particularly tall, with an uncle standing around 6 feet 8 inches and other relatives of average height, though Fall himself grew rapidly to 7 feet 6 inches by his late teens.[7] As a child, Fall's primary interest was soccer, which he played occasionally in the streets of his neighborhood, but his mother kept him close to home for safety, limiting his participation in outdoor activities.[4] Basketball entered Fall's life unexpectedly in Senegal when he was spotted at age 15 by coach Ibrahima N'Diaye, brother of former NBA player Mamadou N'Diaye, who recognized his exceptional height of 7 feet 2 inches at the time and invited him to a local basketball academy.[1][7] Despite limited organized access to the sport in Senegal, Fall's initial exposure came through informal sessions at the academy, sparking his interest despite having no prior experience.[8] In 2011, at age 16, Fall immigrated to the United States on a special student visa and high school scholarship, accompanied only by fellow Senegalese player Ange Badji, to pursue better educational and basketball opportunities; he arrived in Houston, Texas, speaking primarily Wolof and French with little English.[9][8][1] Fall's high school career began at Jamie's House Charter School in Houston, but instability followed due to the school's closure and visa challenges, leading him to transfer across four states—Ohio, Georgia, and Tennessee—while living with various host families.[7][1] He eventually settled at Liberty Christian Preparatory School in Tavares, Florida, where he hosted with a supportive family and focused on both academics and basketball development.[8][7] Academically, Fall maintained a strong 3.6 GPA, excelling in math and science while aspiring to study engineering, and he achieved high SAT scores that qualified him for Ivy League consideration.[8] On the court, starting with no prior organized play, he rapidly improved his agility and strength—progressing from 4 to 35 pushups—and learned fundamentals like dunking within two years, earning celebrity status at school for his 8-foot wingspan and growing frame.[8][7] His performances highlighted his potential as a rim protector and rebounder.[7] His high school exploits drew widespread recruitment interest from major programs, including Georgia Tech, Georgetown, and Purdue, but Fall committed to the University of Central Florida in 2015, drawn by its engineering program and the familiarity of head coach Donnie Jones.[8] This decision marked the culmination of his foundational years, transitioning him from an immigrant newcomer to a promising collegiate prospect.[1]

College career

Fall committed to the University of Central Florida (UCF) in October 2014 and enrolled in 2015 as a freshman, majoring in computer science.[10][11] During his freshman season in 2015–16, Fall faced initial challenges adjusting to his height and NCAA eligibility, as he was cleared to play only in mid-November after arriving from Senegal. He appeared in 30 games, averaging 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting 75.0% from the field.[12][13][14] His emergence as a rim protector helped UCF improve defensively, and he earned AAC Rookie of the Week honors twice. As a sophomore in 2016–17, Fall broke out with increased playing time, averaging 10.9 points, a team-high 9.5 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game across 36 appearances. He led the AAC in blocks and was named conference Defensive Player of the Year, contributing to UCF's run to the NIT Final Four. A highlight was his career-high 31 points on 11-of-12 shooting, along with 10 rebounds, in an 80–73 overtime victory against Miami (Ohio) on December 18.[13][15] Fall's junior year in 2017–18 was limited to 16 games due to a knee injury, but he still averaged 11.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. He earned AAC Player of the Week recognition once during the season.[13][16] In his senior season of 2018–19, Fall anchored UCF's frontcourt, averaging 11.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game in 33 outings while shooting 74.8% from the field. He received All-AAC Third Team honors and another AAC Player of the Week award. Fall's defensive presence was pivotal in UCF securing its first NCAA Tournament win since 2004, a 67–58 second-round victory over VCU, and he set program records with 280 career blocks and a 74.0% career field-goal percentage, the latter ranking second in NCAA Division I history.[13][17][18] Following his senior year, Fall declared for the 2019 NBA Draft as an undrafted senior, participating in the NBA Draft Combine in May where he showcased his unique physical tools. He conducted pre-draft workouts with multiple teams, including the Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, and Sacramento Kings, before going undrafted and signing as a free agent.[19][20][21]

Professional career

Boston Celtics and Maine Red Claws (2019–2021)

After going undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft, Tacko Fall signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Boston Celtics on June 21, 2019.[22] This non-guaranteed deal allowed him to participate in the team's summer league and training camp, where his extraordinary height of 7 feet 6 inches and athletic dunks quickly captured fans' attention, turning him into an instant sensation during the Las Vegas Summer League. Fall's performances, including multiple highlight-reel dunks, led to chants of "Tacko! Tacko!" from crowds and widespread social media buzz, establishing him as a fan favorite despite his raw skills.[4] On October 13, 2019, the Celtics converted Fall's contract to a two-way deal, enabling him to split time between the NBA roster and the G League's Maine Red Claws.[23] He made his NBA regular-season debut on October 26, 2019, against the New York Knicks, entering late in a blowout win and recording two points on a dunk in just 33 seconds of play.[24] During the 2019–20 season, Fall appeared in seven NBA games for Boston, averaging 3.3 points and 2.1 rebounds in limited minutes off the bench, often as a novelty matchup option due to his size.[2] Fall spent the majority of the 2019–20 season developing with the Maine Red Claws, playing in 29 G League games and posting averages of 12.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.0 blocks per game, earning him a spot on the All-Defensive Team.[25] His shot-blocking prowess, leveraging his 7-foot-9 wingspan, solidified his role as a rim protector, though he continued to work on mobility and offensive polish. The Celtics re-signed Fall to another two-way contract on November 23, 2020, extending his stay in the organization for the 2020–21 season.[26] He appeared in 19 NBA games that year, averaging 2.5 points and 2.7 rebounds, with memorable moments including a playoff debut in the bubble where his defensive presence contributed to brief rotations.[2] Fall's popularity persisted, with fans embracing his underdog story and on-court energy. However, on August 2, 2021, the Celtics declined to extend him a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent and ending his tenure with the team.

Cleveland Cavaliers and Charge (2021–2022)

On August 31, 2021, Tacko Fall signed a one-year, non-guaranteed contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.[27] On October 16, 2021, the Cavaliers converted his contract to a two-way deal, allowing him to split time between the NBA roster and the G League affiliate Cleveland Charge.[28] During the 2021–22 NBA season, Fall appeared in 11 games for the Cavaliers, averaging 1.1 points and 2.1 rebounds in 5.4 minutes per game.[2] His playing time was restricted by the team's deep frontcourt rotation, which included starters Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley along with reserves like Lauri Markkanen and Jarrett Culver.[29] Fall spent the majority of the season with the Cleveland Charge, where he provided significant contributions in the paint. In 26 games, he averaged 15.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, and a league-leading 2.7 blocks per game in 26.7 minutes.[30] He recorded multiple double-doubles, including a standout performance of 26 points and 16 rebounds against the Westchester Knicks on March 4, 2022.[31] Over the Charge's final four games, Fall averaged 17.8 points on 76.2% shooting and 13.3 rebounds, showcasing his rebounding dominance and rim protection that anchored the team's defense despite their 6–26 record.[32] The Cavaliers waived Fall from his two-way contract on January 9, 2022, to accommodate guard Brandon Goodwin.[33] He remained with the Charge through the end of the G League season, continuing to impact games with his shot-blocking prowess and rebounding, which helped mitigate the team's defensive vulnerabilities in the interior.[30]

Xinjiang Flying Tigers (2022–2023)

In August 2022, Tacko Fall signed a one-year contract with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), marking his first professional stint overseas after going unsigned in the NBA.[34] This move followed his G League experience, which had honed his skills for a more prominent role in a league emphasizing physical play.[35] Over the 2022–23 CBA season, Fall played in 33 regular-season games for Xinjiang, averaging 25.7 minutes per game while posting 13.8 points, 10.1 rebounds (including 4.0 offensive), and a league-leading 3.3 blocks per contest.[36] His efficiency stood out, shooting 73.1% from the field on 7.9 attempts per game, and he notched multiple double-doubles, such as 18 points and 12 rebounds in a single outing.[37] These contributions highlighted his interior dominance, with standout blocks and dunks that became viral highlights, drawing widespread attention to his performances.[38] Fall adapted to the CBA's demanding style, which featured greater physicality and relentless defensive pressure than he encountered in the NBA or G League, requiring him to adjust to aggressive close-out defense rather than the more spaced drop coverage of North American basketball.[39] Despite Xinjiang finishing 17th in the standings and missing the playoffs, Fall's rebounding and shot-blocking provided key interior presence for the team.[40] Upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2022–23 season, Fall departed the Xinjiang Flying Tigers.[41]

Nanjing Monkey Kings (2023–2024)

In August 2023, Tacko Fall signed a one-year contract with the Nanjing Monkey Kings of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) ahead of the 2023–24 season, building on his prior experience with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers.[42][41] Fall played in all 44 regular-season games for Nanjing, serving as a key rotational center with averages of 8.8 points, 6.1 rebounds (including 2.1 offensive), and 1.4 blocks in 13.1 minutes per game.[43] His field goal efficiency stood at an impressive 75.2%, primarily from dunks and close-range finishes, while he ranked among the team's top rebounders and led the Monkey Kings in blocks with 62 total for the season.[43][44] Fall's presence bolstered Nanjing's interior defense and rebounding efforts, providing rim protection and second-chance opportunities despite his limited minutes, which were often constrained by a league-low free-throw percentage of 45.8%.[43] The Monkey Kings finished the regular season with a 23–29 record, securing a mid-table position in the CBA standings and missing the playoffs.[43] Fall faced challenges adapting to a more balanced role compared to his higher-usage stint in Xinjiang, including occasional foul trouble (1.7 per game) that impacted his playing time, but he remained a consistent contributor without major injuries.[43] Fall's contract with Nanjing concluded at the end of the 2023–24 season in the summer of 2024.[37]

New Zealand Breakers (2024–2025)

In late November 2024, Tacko Fall signed a short-term contract with the New Zealand Breakers of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) for the remainder of the 2024–25 season, following the team's release of import forward Freddie Gillespie. The deal was subsequently extended through the end of the 2025–26 season, providing the 7-foot-6 center with stability after his stint in China's CBA.[45] Fall, who had been rehabilitating a quadriceps injury in New Zealand since October, made his NBL debut on November 29, 2024, against the Illawarra Hawks, where he recorded three blocks in his first three minutes on the court.[46] Over 18 games with the Breakers, Fall averaged 11.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game in 17.7 minutes of play, proving particularly effective in protecting the paint with his shot-blocking presence and rebounding ability.[47] He adapted to the NBL's up-tempo style, which emphasized faster transitions compared to the more deliberate pace of the CBA, contributing to key wins despite the team's overall struggles.[48] The Breakers finished the regular season with a 10–19 record, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year.[49] Fall's time in New Zealand also included positive cultural experiences, as he trained and integrated into the local basketball community while recovering from injury, appreciating the welcoming environment and fan support during home games in Auckland.[50] In July 2025, following the conclusion of the 2024–25 season, the Breakers and Fall mutually parted ways, with the club opting not to retain him for the final year of his contract to pursue other import options and roster adjustments.[51][52] This allowed Fall to seek new opportunities abroad.[53]

Later international stints (2025)

Following his stint with the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL, Tacko Fall returned to the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) by signing with the Nanjing Monkey Kings on March 2, 2025, for the remainder of their 2024–25 season.[54] This move leveraged his prior familiarity with the league from the 2023–24 season, providing a short-term opportunity as a veteran center to bolster Nanjing's frontcourt depth amid injury challenges and playoff aspirations.[54] In 12 games (regular season and playoffs) with Nanjing, Fall averaged 11.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 14.0 minutes per game, contributing primarily as a rim protector and efficient scorer near the basket despite limited playing time due to the late-season entry.[55] His role emphasized defensive presence and rebounding, helping stabilize the team's interior defense during a competitive push that led to a playoff appearance, where Nanjing advanced but were eliminated in the first round.[55] On August 27, 2025, Fall signed a contract with the Ningbo Rockets for the 2025–26 CBA season, marking another return to China where his height and experience positioned him as a key big man for a rebuilding squad seeking international talent.[3] As of November 19, 2025, with the CBA season underway since late October, Fall remains active with Ningbo, focusing on integrating into the rotation and providing shot-blocking and rebounding support as the team aims for improved performance in the Eastern Conference.[3] This stint underscores his pursuit of consistent playing opportunities in a familiar league, with potential for expanded contributions as the season progresses.[6]

Player profile and records

Physical attributes and records

Tacko Fall stands at an official height of 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m), which made him the tallest active player in the NBA during his tenure with the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers from 2019 to 2022.[56][57] At the 2019 NBA Draft Combine, Fall set multiple all-time records that underscored his extraordinary physical dimensions, including a barefoot height of 7 feet 5.25 inches, a height with shoes of 7 feet 7 inches, a standing reach of 10 feet 2.5 inches, and a wingspan of 8 feet 2.25 inches—the longest ever recorded at the event.[58][59] These measurements highlighted his potential as a rim protector but also drew attention from scouts evaluating his fit in the modern NBA. Fall weighed 311 pounds (141 kg) during his NBA career, a frame that contributed to challenges in agility and endurance, as his size limited his lateral quickness and stamina in fast-paced games according to scouting analyses.[56][2][60] Additional measurements included a hand length of 10.5 inches—the longest at the 2019 combine—and a shoe size of 22, which influenced scouting reports by emphasizing his ability to contest shots at unprecedented heights while noting the custom footwear needs for his build.[58][61] These traits positioned him as a unique developmental prospect, with scouts praising his reach for defensive impact despite mobility concerns. Fall's physical attributes translated to notable efficiency in limited NBA playing time, such as recording a career-high four blocks in just one minute during a 2021 game for the Celtics, demonstrating his shot-altering presence.

Playing style

Tacko Fall primarily functions as a rim-protecting center, utilizing his exceptional length to dominate interior defense. His elite shot-blocking prowess, derived from a 7-foot-6 height and 8-foot-2 wingspan, enables him to contest shots effectively with verticality rather than excessive leaping, often altering opponents' attempts without fouling.[62][63] However, Fall's limited lateral quickness restricts his ability to guard perimeter players or navigate pick-and-roll situations, making him susceptible to drives and switches in modern schemes.[64][62] On offense, Fall excels as a lob finisher and putback specialist, leveraging his positioning to convert alley-oops and second-chance opportunities with powerful dunks near the rim, where he shoots over 70% in professional play.[64][25] He possesses adequate post moves, including a functional hook shot, and demonstrates good hands for catching passes in traffic.[64] Yet, his offensive limitations are evident in poor free-throw shooting, averaging around 50% across NBA, G League, and international stints, which hampers his reliability in close contests.[2][25] Additionally, he struggles to handle pick-and-roll ball screens due to sluggish footwork, often forcing teams to limit his role to straightforward interior plays.[63] Fall entered college as a raw athlete with untapped potential, but showed steady improvement through his UCF tenure, refining his footwork and defensive awareness to become a more fluid player by his senior year.[64] In transitioning to professional basketball, he evolved into a dedicated defensive specialist, enhancing his conditioning, balance, and pick-and-roll coverage under Celtics and G League coaching, which earned him a spot on the 2019-20 G League All-Defensive Team after allowing just 0.691 points per possession defended.[65] This progression has included subtle gains in passing vision from the post, allowing him to find cutters occasionally with his soft hands.[64][66] Fall embodies the archetype of a Manute Bol-like center—a towering, lanky rim protector whose value lies in deterrence rather than all-around versatility—though with slightly better agility than his predecessor.[62] His adaptability shines across leagues, from the NBA's pace to the physicality of China's CBA and Australia's NBL, where he consistently anchors defenses in limited minutes as a change-of-pace big.[63] Coaches have emphasized the need for ongoing conditioning work to combat stamina issues tied to his massive frame, recommending tempo-based strength exercises for joint stability and endurance to extend his effective playing time beyond 15-20 minutes.[67][64] Further skill development in post handling and shooting could broaden his utility, but his core identity remains that of an interior disruptor.[65][64]

Career statistics

NBA

Tacko Fall's NBA career spanned three seasons with the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers, during which he appeared in a limited role primarily as a backup center. His opportunities were constrained by his status as an undrafted free agent and the depth at the center position on both teams.[2]

Regular Season Statistics

Fall's regular season performances are summarized below, showing per-game averages and season totals for key categories including games played (GP), minutes per game (MPG), points (PTS), rebounds (TRB), assists (AST), blocks (BLK), and field goal percentage (FG%). Data reflects his contributions in spot minutes off the bench.[68]

2019–20 Season (Boston Celtics)

CategoryGPMPGPTSTRBASTBLKFG%
Per Game74.73.32.10.10.678.6
Totals73323151478.6
In his rookie season, Fall made his NBA debut on October 25, 2019, and showed efficiency in limited action, particularly in scoring and rebounding relative to his minutes.[2][68]

2020–21 Season (Boston Celtics)

CategoryGPMPGPTSTRBASTBLKFG%
Per Game197.22.52.70.21.172.4
Totals19137475232172.4
Fall's second season saw increased playing time during the NBA bubble and regular season, where he provided rim protection and rebounding support, highlighted by multiple games with multiple blocks.[2][68]

2021–22 Season (Cleveland Cavaliers)

CategoryGPMPGPTSTRBASTBLKFG%
Per Game115.41.12.10.20.541.7
Totals115912232641.7
With the Cavaliers, Fall's role remained marginal, focusing on defensive contributions in brief appearances amid a crowded frontcourt.[2][68]

Playoff Appearances

Fall had limited playoff exposure with the Boston Celtics. In the 2020 playoffs, he appeared in two games during the first round against the Miami Heat, averaging 1.5 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.0 blocks in 1.5 minutes per game, with totals of 3 points, 1 rebound, and 0 blocks. In the 2021 playoffs, he played one game in the first round against the Brooklyn Nets, recording 0 points, 1 rebound, and 0 blocks in 1.0 minute. He did not appear in any playoff games with the Cavaliers.[2]

Career Totals and Averages

Across 37 regular season games, Fall accumulated 82 points, 90 rebounds, 6 assists, and 30 blocks in 228 total minutes, averaging 2.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 0.2 assists, and 0.8 blocks per game at 67.3% field goal shooting. Including three playoff games (3 points, 2 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 blocks in 4 minutes), his overall NBA totals stand at 40 games played. Fall's minutes were consistently low, averaging 6.2 per game in the regular season, reflecting his developmental role. Notably, his blocking efficiency scaled to 4.7 blocks per 36 minutes in the regular season, underscoring his shot-altering presence despite limited opportunities.[2][68]

G League

Tacko Fall began his professional career in the NBA G League with the Maine Red Claws during the 2019–20 season, on assignment from the Boston Celtics.[69] In 29 regular-season games, he averaged 12.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game while shooting 70.4% from the field.[25] The Red Claws did not qualify for the playoffs that year.[70] Fall returned to the G League with the Cleveland Charge in the 2021–22 season, again on assignment from an NBA affiliate.[69] Over 26 regular-season games, he posted per-game averages of 14.8 points, 10.7 rebounds (including 4.1 offensive), and 2.7 blocks, achieving a double-double in scoring and rebounding while leading the league in total blocks with 70.[25] In the playoffs, Fall appeared in one game for the Charge, recording 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks in 26 minutes.[25] Across his G League career spanning 55 regular-season games with Maine and Cleveland, Fall accumulated 759 points, 594 rebounds, and 161 blocks, averaging 13.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game to highlight his dominance in rebounding and shot-blocking.[71]
SeasonTeamGPMINPTSREBASTBLKFG%FT%
2019–20Maine Red Claws2923.312.911.20.83.0.704.384
2021–22Cleveland Charge2626.514.810.70.62.7.756.531
Career5524.813.810.80.72.9.728.468
PlayoffsTeamGPMINPTSREBASTBLKFG%FT%
2021–22Cleveland Charge126.012.010.01.03.0.714.333

College

Tacko Fall played college basketball for the University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) from 2015 to 2019, appearing in 115 games and averaging 10.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 74.0% from the field over his career.[13] His statistical progression showcased steady growth in scoring and rebounding, though limited by a junior-season foot injury that restricted him to 16 games in 2017–18.[13] The following table summarizes Fall's per-game statistics across his four seasons at UCF:
SeasonGamesMinutesPointsReboundsBlocksFG%FT%
2015–163017.67.45.92.3.750.558
2016–173626.310.99.52.6.715.462
2017–181621.911.37.31.9.767.460
2018–193324.911.17.62.6.748.362
[13] Fall's career totals at UCF include 1,160 points, 887 rebounds, and 280 blocks in 2,649 minutes of play.[13] In AAC conference play and rankings, he led the league in blocks per game during his freshman (2.3), sophomore (2.8), and senior (2.6) seasons, while ranking second in rebounds per game (9.5) as a sophomore.[13][72][73] Advanced defensive metrics further underscore Fall's rim protection, with his block percentage peaking at 12.8% as a freshman and ranging from 9.6% to 11.5% across his seasons.[13]

International

Tacko Fall's international professional career has primarily taken place in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and the Australian National Basketball League (NBL), where he has enjoyed more consistent playing time than during his NBA stint, allowing him to showcase his rebounding and shot-blocking prowess. Brief stints in other leagues, such as Germany's Basketball Bundesliga with ratiopharm Ulm (2022) and Puerto Rico's BSN with Piratas de Quebradillas (2023–24), saw limited or no recorded statistical contributions due to short durations.[74] In these leagues, Fall has averaged double-digit points in several seasons while leading his teams in blocks, highlighting his role as a dominant interior presence.[17]

CBA Statistics

Fall debuted in the CBA with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers during the 2022–23 season, starting 33 games and providing rim protection for a playoff-contending team.[36] He followed this with a full season alongside the Nanjing Monkey Kings in 2023–24, appearing in 44 regular-season games.[43] In March 2025, Fall rejoined Nanjing for the remainder of the 2024–25 CBA season, contributing in 12 games before departing.[75] On August 29, 2025, he signed with the Ningbo Rockets for the 2025–26 season, which is ongoing as of November 2025; early games show continued emphasis on rebounding and blocks, though comprehensive averages are pending.[3]
SeasonTeamGPMINPTSREBASTBLK
2022–23Xinjiang Flying Tigers3325.713.810.10.83.3
2023–24Nanjing Monkey Kings4413.18.86.10.41.4
2024–25Nanjing Monkey Kings1214.011.06.70.31.4
2025–26Ningbo RocketsOngoing-----
In CBA play, Fall's efficiency stands out, with field goal percentages often exceeding 70% on high-volume interior attempts, particularly during his Xinjiang tenure where he ranked among league leaders in blocks per game. His rebounding totals have consistently hovered around 6–10 per game, underscoring his impact on the glass despite varying minutes.[37]

NBL Statistics

Fall joined the New Zealand Breakers for the 2024–25 NBL season, playing 18 games before returning to the CBA.[75] In this role, he started several contests and provided defensive anchors, averaging 1.6 blocks per game while contributing offensively in the paint.[47]
SeasonTeamGPMINPTSREBASTBLK
2024–25New Zealand Breakers1817.711.46.60.51.6
Across his international career to date, Fall has logged over 100 games with elevated usage rates compared to his limited NBA minutes, amassing totals that emphasize his strengths in rebounding (averaging around 7.5 per game overall) and blocks (over 2.0 per game in starting roles).[74] This overseas production has allowed him to establish himself as a starting center in competitive leagues.[17]

Personal life

Family and religion

Tacko Fall was born on December 10, 1995, in Dakar, Senegal, to parents Marianne Sene and an unnamed father, both of whom possess average statures for their region—his father approximately 6 feet tall and his mother 5 feet 8 inches. Despite his parents' heights, Fall's extraordinary stature draws from genetic factors in his extended family, notably an uncle who stands at 6 feet 8 inches. He has a younger brother, Fallou, who has shown interest in basketball while living in the United States, as well as a half-sister who is not particularly tall.[76][77][78] Fall is a devout Muslim, having been raised in Senegal, a nation where over 95 percent of the population adheres to Islam. His faith profoundly shapes his personal and professional life, influencing decisions such as selecting jersey number 99 to honor the 99 names of Allah, which he views as a way to carry his spiritual convictions onto the court.[79][80] At age 16, Fall immigrated to the United States from Senegal, a decision bolstered by his family's encouragement to pursue basketball as a pathway to education and opportunity, despite the challenges of separation. His mother, remaining in Senegal, consented to the move after American recruiters assured her of a high school scholarship and college prospects, prioritizing academics alongside the sport; meanwhile, his father, who had relocated to Ohio as a cab driver, helped ease the transition. Fall had been assisting in caring for his younger brother in Dakar before departing, and the emotional support from his family proved essential in navigating the unfamiliar pursuit of basketball abroad.[9][76]

Education and interests

Fall graduated from Liberty Christian Preparatory School in Tavares, Florida, with a 4.0 grade-point average (GPA), excelling in advanced mathematics and science courses while honing his basketball talents.[24][81][8] At the University of Central Florida (UCF), Fall pursued a major in computer science, aspiring to become an engineer for tech companies like Siemens or Microsoft, and successfully balanced his demanding athletic commitments with academic requirements as a student-athlete.[82][1][18] Outside of basketball, Fall has ventured into authorship, co-writing the 2022 children's book Tacko Fall: To New Heights with his agent Justin Haynes, which details his inspirational path from Senegal to the NBA and aims to motivate young readers.[83] His philanthropic interests include supporting basketball access in Senegal through initiatives like the NBA's Basketball Without Borders program, where he has mentored youth and delivered aid to communities during visits home. In August 2025, he lent his support to the rebuilding of Masjid Khadija in Texas, helping raise over $112,000 toward a $390,000 goal.[84][85][86] Fall is a dedicated anime enthusiast, with a particular affinity for Dragon Ball Z, which he has cited as a favorite series reflecting themes of perseverance that resonate with his own life.[87][88] In September 2025, Fall participated in firefighter training with the Chicago Fire Department as part of an event with the African American Firefighters & Paramedics League, expressing interest in pursuing a career in firefighting.[89][90] To build his personal brand, Fall launched an online merchandise store in 2020, enabling direct sales of apparel and fan items inspired by his unique story and on-court persona.[91][92]

References

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  2. Tacko Fall Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
  3. Rockets tab Tacko Fall - Asia-Basket.com
  4. Center of attention: Where Tacko Fall stands in basketball - ESPN
  5. Fall commits to Breakers - NBL
  6. Tacko Fall signs in China - HoopsHype
  7. The rise of 7-6 (and growing) Tacko Fall - Yahoo Sports
  8. Tacko Fall - Mastering the Rebound - University of Central Florida
  9. Tacko Fall's journey from Senegal to the NBA - CBS News
  10. 7-foot-6 center Tacko Fall commits to UCF - WESH
  11. There's more to UCF's Tacko Fall than his 7-foot-6 frame - ESPN
  12. NCAA clears 7-6 freshman Tacko Fall to play for Central Florida
  13. Tacko Fall College Stats | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com
  14. UCF's Tacko Fall named AAC Rookie of the Week - Argus Leader
  15. Tacko Time - UCF Athletics
  16. UCF's Fall, Memphis' Nickelberry Earn Weekly Awards
  17. Tacko Fall Player Profile, Cleveland Cavaliers - RealGM
  18. Tacko Fall - Men's Basketball 2018-19 - UCF Athletics
  19. Tacko Fall Invited to NBA Draft Combine - UCF Athletics
  20. Former UCF center Tacko Fall works out for Magic ahead of NBA Draft
  21. 2019 Draft Workouts: Tacko Fall | Indiana Pacers - NBA
  22. Celtics make Tacko Fall signing official - ESPN
  23. Celtics convert center Tacko Fall's contract to two-way | NBA.com
  24. Celtics' Tacko Fall makes debut as Knicks fans cheer him on - ESPN
  25. Tacko Fall G-League Stats - Basketball-Reference.com
  26. Tacko Fall Returns To Celtics On Two-Way Deal - Hoops Rumors
  27. Former Boston Celtics center Tacko Fall joins Cleveland Cavaliers ...
  28. Cavaliers Convert the Contracts of Tacko Fall and RJ Nembhard into ...
  29. Over and Above | Cleveland Cavaliers - NBA
  30. Tacko Fall Earns NBA G League Honors - Charge Basketball
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  32. Tacko Fall, Cleveland Cavaliers, C - Fantasy Basketball News, Stats
  33. Cleveland Cavaliers waive Tacko Fall, sign Brandon Goodwin to a ...
  34. Xinjiang signs center Tacko Fall for new CBA season - Xinhua
  35. https://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/10046562-ex-celtics-cavs-c-tacko-fall-agrees-to-1-year-contract-with-xinjiang-flying-tigers
  36. 2022-23 Stats - Xinjiang Flying Tigers - Basketball-Reference.com
  37. Tacko Fall, Basketball Player, Stats, Height, Age | Proballers
  38. Tacko Fall is playing like Shaq in the Chinese League ... - SB Nation
  39. Tacko Fall reflects on physical challenges and growth in China
  40. Chinese Basketball Association - 2022-23 Standings and Stats
  41. Tacko Fall To Sign With Another Team In China - Hoops Rumors
  42. NBA Rumors: Former Celtic Tacko Fall Lands Contract with China's ...
  43. 2023-24 Stats - Nanjing Monkey Kings | Basketball-Reference.com
  44. 2023-2024 Nanjing Tongxi Monkey King Stats - RealGM
  45. Tacko Fall signed until end of NBL26 season - BNZ Breakers
  46. Breakers say they need to learn how to use ex-NBA giant - ESPN
  47. 2024-25 Stats - New Zealand Breakers - Basketball-Reference.com
  48. "One of a kind" Fall's encouraging NBL debut
  49. New Zealand Breakers sold, staff axed in major NBL overhaul - ESPN
  50. Tacko Fall Heading To New Zealand To Train With BNZ Breakers
  51. Breakers part ways with tallest player in NBL history - 1News
  52. https://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=426673
  53. NZ Breakers release import Tacko Fall - NZ Sports Wire
  54. Former Celtics player Tacko Fall signed with Chinese … - HoopsHype
  55. 2024-25 Stats - Nanjing Monkey Kings | Basketball-Reference.com
  56. Tacko Fall | Center | NBA.com
  57. Ranking the Tallest Players in NBA History - NBC Boston
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  59. NBA Draft Combine measurements: What to make of Tacko Fall's ...
  60. Why Is Tacko Fall Not in the NBA? 7'6 - Essentially Sports
  61. Tacko Fall Has Big Shoes to Fill in NBA With a Size 22 Sneaker
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  63. Tacko Fall Scouting Report & Draft Profile - HoopsHype
  64. Tacko Fall - NBADraft.net
  65. How Tacko Fall turned his defense from a question mark to a ...
  66. [Highlight] Tacko Fall Grabs 3 Rebounds in 20 Seconds, Crowd Hyped
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  70. https://www.basketball-reference.com/gleague/years/2020.html
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  72. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/conferences/aac/men/2017-leaders.html
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  74. Tacko Fall International Stats | Basketball-Reference.com
  75. Tacko Fall International Splits - RealGM
  76. Tacko Fall's Parents: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know - Heavy Sports
  77. NBA players who were way taller than their parents
  78. NBA star Tacko Fall discusses his 'Faith on the Court' in talk at Kimmel
  79. UCF's Tacko Fall: Trump has wrong approach with Muslims
  80. Tacko Fall, the 7'6 March Madness hero on UCF, explained
  81. There's more to UCF's Tacko Fall than his 7-foot-6 frame - ABC News
  82. Ex-Boston big man Tacko Fall co-authors new children's book
  83. Tacko Fall vows to help kids in the Basketball Without Borders ...
  84. For Boston Celtics Tacko Fall, basketball helps answer his call to ...
  85. 'A voice for Senegal' - Leesburg Daily Commercial
  86. NBA players who are the biggest anime fans including Daniel ...
  87. Tacko Fall and Co. Take Merch Directly to Fans With Online ...
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