17

Nov

3 min read

7'6" Tacko Fall signs for the Breakers

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basketball.com.au

7'6" Tacko Fall signs for the Breakers
7'6" Tacko Fall signs for the Breakers

Tacko Fall #99 of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses during Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 27, 2021 in Independence, Ohio. Photo: Jason Miller/Getty Images

Breakers hope Fall is the guy to anchor their defense

  • Tacko Fall joins New Zealand Breakers for NBL25 season
  • 7-foot-6 center replaces Freddie Gillespie in squad
  • Fall previously played 37 NBA games with Boston and Cleveland

Towering centre Tacko Fall has signed with the New Zealand Breakers for the remainder of the NBL25 season, bringing his 7-foot-6 frame to the Australian league after stints in the NBA and China.

Fall's Arrival Bolsters Breakers' Front court

The addition of Fall provides an immediate boost to New Zealand's interior presence. At 229cm tall with a massive 250cm wingspan, the Senegalese big man gives the Breakers a unique defensive anchor and lob threat on offense.

Fall's size and shot-blocking ability could prove transformative for a Breakers team looking to climb the NBL ladder.

"We're thrilled to bring Tacko on board," said Breakers head coach Mody Maor.

"His length and rim protection will allow us to be more aggressive defensively, while his size creates mismatches that we can exploit on the other end."

Fall joins the Breakers after playing for the Nanjing Monkey Kings in China's CBA. He brings NBA experience from his time with the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers between 2019-2022, where he appeared in 37 games total.

Familiar Face Returns After Preseason Stint

This signing marks a return to New Zealand for Fall, who spent time training with the Breakers during their preseason NBLxNBA tour last month. That familiarity should help ease his transition into the team's systems.

"Tacko fit in great with the group during our US trip," Maor noted. "He's already built chemistry with our core guys, so we expect him to hit the ground running."

Fall replaces Freddie Gillespie in the Breakers' roster after Gillespie departed for an opportunity in Italy earlier this week. New Zealand are 7-3 on the season, and will hope Fall's arrival will continue their push for a top-two spot.

Looking Ahead to Fall's NBL Debut

Breakers fans won't have to wait long to see their new giant in action. Fall is expected to suit up for his NBL debut when New Zealand suits up against Illawarra on November 28th at WIN Entertainment Centre.

With his combination of size, athleticism and emerging offensive skills, Fall has the potential to become one of the NBL's most impactful big men. His development will be a key storyline to watch as the Breakers aim to climb back into playoff contention in the second half of the NBL25 campaign.

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