ORLANDO – Former UCF men's basketball star Tacko Fall made his National Basketball Association debut Sunday evening, playing in the Boston Celtics' 2019-20 preseason opener against the Charlotte Hornets.
Fall, who went undrafted, played in the Las Vegas NBA Summer League with the Celtics and then began preseason training camp in Boston.
It took until 9:14 remaining in the fourth quarter for Fall to enter the game, but when he did take the court, he walked out to a chorus of cheers and a standing ovation from the Boston fans. He has become a fan favorite before even making the regular season roster.
Just 21 seconds later, Fall made his impact felt on the court. Tremont Waters' layup fell off the rim and Fall was there to finish with a tip dunk for his first points as a Celtic.
He also made a jump hook in the lane and went 1-of-2 on his only trip to the free throw line. Fall played eight minutes, going 2-for-3 from the floor for five points, while grabbing three rebounds and blocking two shots in his debut.
Fall will continue preseason action on Friday when the Celtics bring him back to his second home for a matchup with the Orlando Magic. The game is set for 7 p.m. at the Amway Center.
?? A warm welcome for Tacko Fall in Boston... followed up by a slam & swat! @celtics | #NBAPreseason pic.twitter.com/NKVjkFLRDJ
— NBA (@NBA) October 7, 2019