Why Syracuse Will Fail Miserably During March Madness

Fab Melo did not put up amazing numbers in the games that he played in this season for the Syracuse Orange, but I don't think there is any doubt that they are better team with him on the floor.

It is clear that Syracuse is not the same team without him out there on the floor, and this will be exposed further more when it comes time for March Madness.

Without Melo, they lost to Notre Dame and proceeded to beat unranked Cincinnati by only seven points.

When the Orange captured their last national title on April 7th, 2003, Carmelo Anthony led the way and dominated throughout the tournament.

Although the present Syracuse team has a very talented roster, they do not have a Carmelo Anthony type player that can dominate on the offensive end game in and game out.

Many would say Fab Melo was the team's most indispensable player this year, but as we all know, as of now, he is no longer with the team.

There is no foreseeable return for Melo, so it looks as though the Orange will have to get used to playing without their 7-footer.

I wouldn't necessarily call him their first option on offense, but it is on the defensive end where Melo will be missed most.

The Orange like to play a 2-3 zone, but that zone looks a little different without Melo in the middle and is a lot less effective.

Freshman Rakeem Christmas takes the place of Melo at center, and he was exposed right off the back against the Irish.

Furthermore, in the game against the Irish, when they did try and dig themselves out of a hole. it was shut down by Notre Dame big man Jack Cooley, who would usually be matched up with defensive stopper Melo down low.

This is just the beginning of the trouble to come for Syracuse.

Opposing coaches no longer have to draw up offensive schemes to counter the long and athletic Melo inside.

Opposing players no longer think twice before taking it to the hoop or feeding their big men down low against the Orange.

Yes, Syracuse is one of the deepest teams in the nation. But you take away Melo and you take away the centerpiece of their defense, and as we all know, defense wins championships.

The team is very vulnerable right now, and I would not be surprised to see them struggle more and more as the pressure mounts.

Offensively, they rely a lot on the pick and roll that often times included Melo rolling to the basket— a tough assignment to say the least.

Even if Melo does return at some point in the season, the damage has already been done and is continuing to do so.

Syracuse's confidence is shaken and their chemistry has been disrupted. 

When March comes around, don't expect the Orange to be sitting atop the rankings.

They are not the same team, and if and when Melo does return, it will take them a while to get him back into the flow of things.

Orange fans should be praying for his academic matters to clear up as soon as possible because the longer they go without him, the more danger they are in of blowing their national championship chances down the road.