Syracuse Reloads with Fabricio de Melo

After their disappointing early exit in the 2010 NCAA tournament the Syracuse Orange are likely to lose their star player Wesley Johnson to the NBA along with two key Seniors.  But that doesn't mean there won't be a top NBA prospect in upstate New York next year.

Enter 7 foot Brazilian born Fabricio de Melo.  A true center with a solid frame and surprisingly quick hops for a 270 pounder, Fab Melo already has NBA scouts drooling and Orange fans ready to put this year's disappointment behind them and begin dreaming about 2010/11.

In fact there will be two top prospects joining the Syracuse program next year as Dion Waiters, a 6,4 shooting guard is ranked higher than de Melo in some rankings.

But what sets de Melo apart from other bigs is his combination of strength and quickness.  He has very good lateral quickness, back peddle and quick leaping ability.  And at 7 foot, 270 pounds and muscular, he can hold his own against just about anyone.  He also has decent ball skills which will only improve under the tutelage of Jim Boehiem and his staff.

Yes, it's early to be talking about the NBA and surely he would benefit from a few years at Syracuse but my early projection lists de Melo as a lottery pick in June of 2011.