ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – Tacko Fall had a breakout sophomore season and finished the campaign as one of 10 finalists for the 2017 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award. On Friday, he picked up where he left off, earning a spot on the prestigious award's 2018 watch list.
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced its 20 watch list members for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award on Friday. In its fourth year, the annual honor recognizes the top centers in men's college basketball. A national committee comprised of top college basketball personnel determined the watch list of 20 candidates.
Fall was the 2017 American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year and a Lefty Driesell Defensive All-American after averaging 9.5 rebounds per game and blocking a UCF single-season record 94 shots as a sophomore.
He shot 71.5 percent from the field, scoring in double figures 19 times and was second in The American with 12 double-doubles. Earlier this week, Fall was named Preseason American Athletic Conference Second Team All-Conference.
Of last year's final 10 honorees, only four return for the 2017-18 season. Fall is joined by Wisconsin's Ethan Happ, UCLA's Thomas Welsh and Saint Mary's Jock Landale.
By mid-February, the watch list of 20 players will be narrowed down to just 10. In March, five will be presented to Mr. Abdul-Jabbar and the Hall of Fame's selection committee. The winner of the 2018 award will be presented at the ESPN College Basketball Awards Show presented by Wendy's on Apri. 6, 2018.
Previous winners include Przemek Karnowski (Gonzaga, 2017), Jakob Poeltl (Utah, 2016), and Frank Kaminski (Wisconsin, 2015).
TIPOFF LUNCHEON
The 2017-18 UCF Tipoff Luncheon will take place Nov. 3, 2017 at CFE Arena. Those in attendance will hear from Coach Dawkins, Coach "ABE" and featured speaker Jay Bilas. For tickets and more information contact the Golden Knights Club at (407) 823-2086 or email kwilson@athletics.ucf.edu.
SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2017-18 campaign are on sale now. Fans looking to purchase tickets can call (407) 823-1000 or visit UCFKnights.com to secure them today. For men's basketball tickets CLICK HERE.
GET THE APP
Never miss any UCF Knights news from your favorite team by downloading the free UCF Knights app right to your iOS or Android phone! The app provides personalized information for men's and women's teams, scores, schedules, loyalty programs and even breaking news.