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Central Florida Basketball: Tacko Fall’s return makes Knights dangerous for 2018-19

By Holden Walter-Warner

HARTFORD, CT - MARCH 11: Head coach Johnny Dawkins of the UCF Knights looks on during the first half against the Southern Methodist Mustangs during the semifinal round of the AAC Basketball Tournament at the XL Center on March 11, 2017 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
HARTFORD, CT - MARCH 11: Head coach Johnny Dawkins of the UCF Knights looks on during the first half against the Southern Methodist Mustangs during the semifinal round of the AAC Basketball Tournament at the XL Center on March 11, 2017 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Tacko Fall decided to spurn the 2018 NBA Draft for one more opportunity at collegiate glory with the Central Florida Knights.

The tall tale of Tacko Fall will continue for the 2018-19 season.

The 7-foot-6 center announced that he would return for his senior season at Central Florida on Wednesday. It’s no small feat to be bringing him back into the fold – he averaged 11.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game last year. He also swatted 1.9 blocks per game.

His season ended prematurely, though; after 16 games, Fall suffered a shoulder injury that ended his year.

In his return announcement, Fall was straightforward about the reason behind his return: “It left a feeling of unfinished business….I came here to do something big.”

There’s a good chance he can accomplish that goal in 2018-19. As a senior, he should be at the top of his game, both in terms of play and leadership. Depending on his health, he could make a run for an All-American spot; he’ll definitely be in contention for All-AAC.

It goes beyond Fall, though. The Knights return three of their top four point producers from 2017-18, including leading scorer B.J. Taylor, who averaged 15.9 points per game. All three of those returnees will be seniors, suggesting this should be the most cohesive group in recent school memory.

The team also adds Collin Smith, a center who sat out this season after transferring from George Washington.

Their 19-13 campaign in 2017-18 included wins over Nebraska and Alabama, with the latter coming on the road. They’ll be expected to improve upon that mark in 2018-19 as Johnny Dawkins enters his third season in charge.

Some are already predicting big things for UCF.

The Knights have not seen the NCAA Tournament since 2005. They’ve never won a game in the Big Dance and have never been better than a No. 14 seed to begin with.

Next: 10 mid-majors to watch in 2018-19

If Fall is going to do big things in his final season, the benchmark is known.