UCF Hoops Legend Tacko Fall Calls NBA Return 'Opportunity of a Lifetime'

Prior to UCF's time in the Big 12 Conference, the basketball program had multiple strong seasons in the American, with squads led by 7-foot center Tacko Fall, first-round draft pick Taylor Hendricks, and four-year point guard Darius Johnson.

Fall, who is perhaps the most notable UCF athlete of recent memory, is set to return to the NBA for the first time in five years, inking a training camp deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. 

The towering 7-foot-6 big man last appeared in an NBA game in the waning games of the 2021 season, making 11 appearances for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Since that time, he has played in the Australian NBL and the Chinese ​Basketball Association, while seeking a potential return to the NBA.

Following the news, Fall spoke with Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson, telling the NBA reporter that he will not "waste" this opportunity.

Now, Fall joins a team with NBA Championship aspirations, having added Jaylen Brown and LeBron James in free agency.

Fall has been a fan of Brown for some time, according to Robinson.

Back in 2022, Fall talked about Brown being disrespected around the league, which has once again become a talking point this offseason.

Fall said that Brown is a "great player," who doesn't always get the praise he deserves, but applauded the former NBA Finals MVP for his ability to shut out the outside noise.

While it remains to be seen how much run Fall will get, depth at the center position is extremely important for Philadelphia, who was dealt with Joel Embiid frequently missing time.

If Fall can make a strong showing in training camp, he can certainly compete for a spot on the main roster, with Adem Bona and former New York Knick Ariel Hukporti currently filling in behind Embiid.

The 76ers mark Fall's third Eastern Conference team he has spent time with, joining the Cavs and Boston Celtics.

Fall started his NBA career with the Celtics after going undrafted, making 26 appearances across two seasons.

While away from the league, Fall has remained effective, serving as a high-percentage offensive player and stout rim protector.

This is nothing new for Fall, who leads the NCAA in career field goal percentage to this day, making 74% of his shot attempts.

Fall is also UCF's all-time leading shot blocker, sending away 280 shots in his college career.

As a senior (2018-2019), Fall posted monster performances on the stat sheet, will earning third-team honors within the conference.

Against Southern Methodist, Fall became the only UCF player in program history to record a 20-point, 20-rebound game, scoring 23 points and hauling in 20 boards.

To this day, he is the only Knight to do so, while matching the UCF all-time record for rebounds in a game.

Fall's size and lack of mobility makes it difficult to see him carving out a significant role in Philly, but with the uncertainty surrounding Embiid and his current backups, Fall could be utilized.

Returning to the NBA on one of the title favorites is not a bad landing spot for Fall, who can work his way back onto an NBA roster with a strong showing in preseason.