Fall’s humility, self-awareness impress Celtics coach Stevens
Former UCF center had 4 rebounds, block vs. Nuggets
Celtics coach Brad Stevens praised Tacko Fall during an in-game interview Tuesday night as the Boston summer-league squad faced off against the Denver Nuggets.
“First of all, I think he’s a good basketball player, but I can’t tell you how impressed I’ve been with his humility and self-awareness,” Stevens told ESPN’s Doris Burke when asked about the 7-foot-7 former UCF center.
“Everybody is staring at him when he walks in the building. He walked in and all of the ESPN cameras are just running right to him, and he’s not even a drafted guy. He just has a tremendous way about it.”
Fall played 17 minutes for the Celtics, scoring four points on 2-of-4 shooting. He added four rebounds and a block. Stevens said he was impressed with Fall’s ability to adjust defensively.
Fall is the reigning American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year and proved he could protect the paint in college while avoiding foul trouble.
“Every time they come off the pick-androll, it feels like he’s there,” Stevens said. “You’ve seen that in the last few games.”
Fall started off slow, picking up an early foul in the first quarter, but he later blocked Vlatko Cancar’s jump shot. In the second quarter, Fall captured a loose ball underneath the basket and finished a layup.
In the third quarter, rookie forward Grant Williams took advantage of Fall’s height, tossing him a pass in the paint where it appeared only Fall could grab it. Fall turned and slam-dunked the ball.
In addition to Fall’s play on the court, Stevens said he was pleased with Fall’s attitude off it.
“He’s a really enjoyable person to talk to,” Stevens said. “I can’t say enough great things about him as a kid and I hope that he gets a chance to continue to be a kid and enjoy this process.”