Syracuse University officials announced today that Center Fab Melo "will not take part in the NCAA Tournament due to an eligibility issue." Due to the federal student privacy laws the reason for the suspension cannot be disclosed. It has been speculated that it could be another academic issue. Melo was suspended earlier in the year for three games for academics. He came back and was named Big East Defensive Player of the Year. He averaged 7.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks for the number one seeded Orange.
According to a syracuse.com report Melo is most likely finished at Syracuse. He could enter the NBA draft and give teams considerable help on the defensive end.
So what does this mean for Syracuse in the big dance? It should not affect the Orange in the opening round and possibly the second round matchup. With Syracuse's depth they should be able to beat the opponents with less depth. Later on in the tournament it will get harder as Ohio State with Jared Sullinger are in the same region as 'Cuse. Their size could provide major defensive matchup and rebounding problems. Baye Keita and Rakeem Christmas should take a bigger role for the team.
Cheer on the Orange as they begin the Big Dance at 3:15 on Thursday against UNC-Asheville!
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