Fab Melo Sighting

        Is it possible that the nation's No. 4 team could get even better? In playing his first significant minutes in a month and a half, freshman center Fab Melo scored 6 points and chipped in with 4 rebounds, including 3 on the offensive end and 4 blocks as Syracuse moved to a perfect 17-0 on the year.

        Already one of the most efficient teams inside the arc, shooting 55% on 2-point field-goals, Melo will boost the Orange's depth in the frontcourt, but also give them another interior defender to protect the rim. Syracuse was already second in the country in blocking 18.6% of their opponents' shots, but also near the top in clamping down inside the arc on the defensive end.

        If he can stay on the court for 15-20 minutes a game (barring further injury and foul trouble), Melo should really help Syracuse reign in the Big East, but also help him become the NBA draft prospect we once expected. It'll be a few years for this raw freshman, but Jim Boeheim and his staff have done a great job through the years of developing his big men.


By President Corey Ruff - 1-15-11