Fab Melo

May 10, 2017 - 12:00am
Since 2003, a dozen Syracuse men's basketball players have left school early for the NBA Draft.

If only Syracuse basketball players had a crystal ball that forecasted how their NBA careers would pan out, maybe – just maybe – they’d avoid the backlash that comes with a professional tenure that doesn’t unfold exactly as planned.

Especially with the recent influx of one-and-done players, athletes are constantly criticized for leaving multiple years of college eligibility on the table in exchange for money in the NBA, D-League or overseas.

February 11, 2017 - 11:14pm
Melo, the 2012 Big East Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 7.8 points and 2.9 blocks per game as a sophomore at SU.

Former Syracuse center Fab Melo died today at the age of 26, according to multiple reports. He was found at his home in Brazil. 

Melo, a 7-foot center, played two seasons for the Orange from 2010-12. As a sophomore, he appeared in 30 games for SU and averaged 7.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game. He was the Big East Defensive Player of the Year that season. 

March 19, 2015 - 11:44am
The SU head coach emphasized the cleanliness of his team and expressed displeasure with the NCAA's rulings two weeks ago.

For those who have always thought or wondered, SU men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim made it abundantly clear Thursday morning. 

He does not run Syracuse University, and his time with the program is running out. 

During a press conference at the Carrier Dome, Boeheim addressed his intention to file an appeal with the NCAA regarding his nine-game suspension, handed down March 6 following an investigation into multiple violations by the program, as well as the claim that he plans to retire in three seasons. 

March 20, 2013 - 10:37pm
One day before the No. 4 seeded Orange face No. 13 seed Montana, an anonymous source told CBSSports the men's basketball team has been under NCAA investigation for years.

An anonymous source told CBSSports.com on Wednesday that the Syracuse University men’s basketball team has been under NCAA investigation for years.

While the investigation doesn’t have to do with last year’s allegations made against former associate head coach Bernie Fine, it’s still both major and wide-ranging, the source told CBSSports.com.

 “Throw a dart at the [NCAA] Manual [and you would hit a violation by Syracuse],” the source told CBSSports.com.

March 17, 2012 - 3:23pm
Syracuse shot 66 percent in the second half on their way to a 75-59 win over Kansas State in Pittsburgh on Saturday

Three thoughts from Saturday's game:

1. Rakeem Christmas, Melo’s replacement, is improving …

March 14, 2012 - 11:54am
Syracuse will be without its starting center, but what's the best way to go about taking down the Orange?

Let me preface this by saying that it’s not easy. Simple. But not easy. The Orange is deep, talented and buck wild in transition. However, despite its bulky record, Syracuse is more prone to a loss than one would suspect. Come tournament time, a team that can do the three tasks listed below has a good chance at pulling an upset over SU like Cincinnati and Notre Dame did.

March 13, 2012 - 4:01pm
The sophomore center did not travel with the team to Pittsburgh and will sit out the entire tournament due to eligibility issues

Syracuse starting center Fab Melo will not participate in the NCAA Tournament and did not travel with his teammates to Pittsburgh for the first round, accroding to SUAthletics.com.

March 10, 2012 - 12:10am
Sophomore guard Dion Waiters scored a career-high 28 points, but it wasn't enough as Cincinnati knocked off the top-seeded Orange.

Every bounce went the Bearcats’ way on Friday night at Madison Square Garden in the semifinals of the Big East Tournament. Cincinnati started its game against top-seeded Syracuse on a tear, making 8-of-10 three-pointers, hustling for loose balls and taking the Orange out of their desired pace. Syracuse used a full-court press in the second half and some timely shooting to cut the lead, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit, losing 71-68.

March 5, 2012 - 5:28pm
Article claims that 10 Syracuse basketball players have tested positive for banned recreational substances since 2001

On Saturday afternoon the No. 2 ranked Syracuse basketball team hoisted the Big East regular season championship trophy on the court in the Carrier Dome. On Monday afternoon Yahoo! Sports published a story that claims the school has failed to comply with its internal drug policy and has played ineligible players.

March 3, 2012 - 8:57pm
Syracuse University seniors Scoop Jardine and Kris Joseph end Carrier Dome careers with a win over Louisville on Senior Day.

For the last time in their esteemed Syracuse careers, Kris Joseph and Scoop Jardine donned their home white uniforms in front of a loud Carrier Dome crowd. The result was a pretty one for the SU faithful. Behind a strong defensive effort that limited Louisville to 34 percent shooting from the floor, the Orange beat the Cardinals, 58-49.