Boston Celtics center Tacko Fall is one of the most intriguing prospects from this year's crop of rookies, and he wasn't even drafted.
Obviously, much of the hype comes from the fact that Fall is 7-foot-6. A picture of him jogging next to Celtics point guard Carsen Edwards this Summer League made Fall look so gigantic that many thought it was photoshopped. To add more to the hype, Fall is dunking with the tips of his feet still touching the ground.
Former NBA star Chris Bosh claims that all the hype surrounding Fall is beneficial for African countries — particularly Senegal where Fall was born and raised.
“This past year, that’s when the hype machine really started for him,” Bosh told Danielle Paquette of The Washington Post. “He’s obviously a tall gentleman. But it’s bigger than that, than just the sport. He’s a voice for Senegal. For these boys who want to be just like him.”
Fall isn't the only African representative in the NBA. In fact, there are currently 13 players in the NBA that are of African descent. Joel Embiid, Victor Oladipo and Pascal Siakam are all African players that pull large audiences whenever they take the court.
It's great for the NBA and the entire continent of Africa that Fall is getting plenty of recognition. It raises the international appeal for the game and gives young players in Africa another role model to look up to. Hopefully, Fall has a long career and continues the tradition of dominant African centers like Dikembe Mutombo and Hakeem Olajuwon.
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