Fab Melo makes SI's NBA draft stock list - STOCK UP - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician

Fab Melo makes SI's NBA draft stock list - STOCK UP

Largely undeveloped entering the season, Melo has transformed into a defensive star for top-ranked Syracuse. He ranks among Big East leaders in blocks (2.9) and defensive rating (91.3), and has increased his scoring of late, netting double figures in wins over Seton Hall, DePaul and Providence. After a maddeningly inconsistent freshman campaign, he's finally shown signs of becoming the impact performer he was touted to be in high school.

The most telling sign of Melo's maturation is his playing time. The 7-foot Brazilian averaged 9.9 minutes last year, playing 20 just twice in 33 appearances. This season, he's played 20 minutes in 13 of 17 games, and -- though raw -- has wowed scouts with his commitment to conditioning.

"He just couldn't play extended minutes last year," a scout said. "He seemed to get tired and I don't think Jimmy [Boeheim] trusted him in the game. Now, he's lost a significant amount of weight and is much more active and blocking shots. It tells us something about him. He was willing to work and it's really helped him."

4 months ago crouton 6 comments 0 recs |

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Fab is in a bunch of other mock drafts.

Next year could be pretty serious if we lose two people early, especially since we lose Scoop and Kris to graduation as well.

by adselver15 on Jan 19, 2012 9:57 PM EST reply actions

I think melo stays for sure

Despite a few off court mishaps, he appears to like it here, and more importantly he still appears to have a lot of learning to do.

with another off season to work on his offense and cut down his foul rate he could become a dominant center and move from a likely second round to a top 10 lottery pick, and given his general lack of time playing basketball that might appeal to him.

by Pubsky on Jan 20, 2012 10:07 AM EST up reply actions

If Fab peaks late in the season

Like he did last season, he could work himself into late lottery position for this upcoming draft. Athletic bigs who can block/alter shots are always at a premium, even if they’re raw on offense. Plus, like the article mentioned, Fab has proven that he’s a worker. He’s going to be a project for sure, but a team will me more willing to take a risk on a guy who’s already proven that he’s willing to put in the time and effort to get better.

That being said, I agree that he seems to truly enjoy being a college player. And, even if he might be a lottery pick this draft, he could mold himself into a dominant player and be a top 5 pick in the next draft. So, much like Dion, leaving wouldn’t be the worst thing Fab could do. But it’s not a situation where his stock has nowhere to go but down.

"If I ain't gonna be part of the greatest, I gotta be the greatest myself." Busta Rhymes

by FeloniousPhunk on Jan 20, 2012 12:05 PM EST reply actions

I think out of all the players on this team

nobody hustles harder than Feb and nobody has more fun. I love watching him on the court because he’s constantly active on D, blocking shots, trying to draw charges, and diving after loose balls. Even when a call doesn’t go his way, he’s still smiling. I hope he sticks around another year regardless of what happens with this team. You can tell he enjoys playing at Syracuse and the fans love watching him.

by crouton on Jan 20, 2012 2:08 PM EST up reply actions

NBA is notorious for overvaluing big men

But I think Melo would really set himself onto a course of NBA flop if he leaves. He has minimal offensive game and blocking shots in the NBA is a lot harder than mid-major college teams. He’s never going to be Dwight Howard, but I’d hate for him to become Big Country Reeves. Personally, I think both he and Dion would hurt their long-term prospects by leaving. However, I’d say there is a good chance both are gone. Money is just too hard to pass up. Melo won’t be as big a loss with D Coleman coming in and Keita, Christmas Fair, Southerland and Grant in the mix on the front line.

by orangetundra on Jan 20, 2012 8:59 PM EST reply actions

Actually

I’ve always read/heard the opposite, that rebounding and shot blocking are the skills that best translate from college to the pros.

But I can’t disagree too much. I think Fab has a lot more to gain by staying another season. In college, he can still get some burn while still developing. In the NBA, he’d likely be buried on the bench. Dion, though, could suit up for the Knicks tomorrow and be perfectly fine.

"If I ain't gonna be part of the greatest, I gotta be the greatest myself." Busta Rhymes

by FeloniousPhunk on Jan 21, 2012 12:07 AM EST up reply actions