Former Boston Celtics big man Tacko Fall has always stood out not just for his towering presence on the court, but for the warmth and authenticity he brings to his public life.
Recently, the 30-year-old took to Instagram to share a deeply personal message, announcing the passing of his grandmother and expressing the profound grief and gratitude that comes with such a loss.
In his post, Fall opened up with raw honesty that resonated with his more than 760,000 followers.
He wrote: “It doesn’t feel real. It doesn’t feel real that you’re no longer with us. I’m so sorry I couldn’t stay by your side longer and hold you, but I believe everything happens for a reason. Now you can rest. I love you, Grandma. This hurts so much, but I’m grateful to Allah for every moment we shared together. Thank you for all the love, the memories, and everything you taught me. I hope I made you proud, I’ll always hold you dear ❤️”
The heartfelt words quickly drew responses from across the basketball community, including likes from players like Jabari Walker and Grant Williams, highlighting the respect Fall has earned throughout his career.
Fall first captured the hearts of Boston fans during his time with the Celtics after going undrafted in 2019. Standing at 7-foot-6, he brought an intimidating defensive presence and an endearing personality that made him a favorite even in limited minutes.
His college years at UCF laid a strong foundation, where he developed into a dominant force. In his senior season, he posted impressive averages of 11.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 74.8% from the field.
That March Madness run ended against a powerful Duke team led by Zion Williamson, but it showcased Fall’s potential on a bigger stage.
With the Celtics, Fall carved out a role as a fan-favorite reserve known for his shot-blocking and energy off the bench. One memorable highlight came when he recorded four blocks in a single game. He also saw action in three playoff contests before a brief stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2021-22 season.
Fall appeared in 37 NBA games across his career, averaging 2.2 points and 2.4 rebounds while shooting 67.3 percent from the floor
In recent years, Fall has continued his professional journey overseas, suiting up for teams in leagues like Australia’s NBL. Though his NBA chapter was relatively short, his impact on fans and teammates endures, rooted in his humility and work ethic.
Moments like his latest Instagram post remind everyone that behind the athlete is a person navigating life’s most challenging experiences with grace.
As Fall processes this personal loss, supporters from his Celtics days and beyond continue to send well wishes, reflecting on how his journey—from Senegal to UCF to the NBA and beyond—has been marked by resilience both on and off the court.
