UCF Alum Tacko Fall Signs Exhibit-10 Deal With 76ers

Tacko Fall's NBA return is underway after signing an Exhibit-10 deal with the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, competing for a roster spot when training camp begins.

Fall, a UCF alum, has spent three seasons out of the NBA after parting with the Cleveland Charge -- the Cleveland Cavaliers G League Affiliate -- in 2022. He's journeyed around the NBL and CBA, making an impact with his towering size.

The NBA brought him back for the Celebrity Game during the All-Star break in February. He made history with a 20-point, 21-rebound double-double, the first 20-20 game.

It was an outing worthy of receiving the MVP award, but that honor went to actor, model and musician Rome Flynn, who scored 17 points.

Philadelphia's center rotation is thin behind Joel Embiid. The 7-foot-1 superstar has dealt with lingering injuries that have affected his availability over the past several seasons.

Adem Bona and Ariel Hukporti are the second- and third-stringers to Embiid. Both are entering their second seasons and aren't experienced backups.

It has become a major weakness for a star-studded team including LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and Embiid.

Fall doesn't have that experience either, but the 76ers are exhausting all their options to strengthen the center depth before the season starts on Oct. 20.

The 7-foot-6 center caught the nation's eye during his time at UCF due to his size and dominance. Fall averaged 10.1 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in his four years with the Knights. 

Coach Johnny Dawkins and Fall made the NCAA Tournament in 2019, and Fall was a dominant force in the two games UCF played.

Fall scored 13 points, grabbed 18 rebounds and blocked two shots in his team's 73-58 victory over Virginia Commonwealth. The sheer size posed issues for VCU. Double or triple-teams had little effect as his wingspan allowed him to catch passes while towering over smaller defenders. 

In the Knights' 77-76 loss against Duke, he recorded 13 points, six rebounds and three blocks. The heartbreaking loss ended Fall's tenure with UCF, and he declared for the 2019 NBA Draft.

Fall went undrafted and signed a contract with the Boston Celtics. Transitioning to the NBA was difficult, as he averaged 6.2 minutes per game in his three years in the league.

Having made stops at overseas professional leagues, Fall could be ready for an NBA comeback with one of the most stacked teams in the Eastern Conference.