NCAA Tournament Picks 2012: How Fab Melo's Absence Will Affect East Region

Syracuse won't have its leading rebounder, sophomore center Fab Melo, for the entire NCAA Tournament because of eligibility issues, and his absence will certainly change how the East region in Boston will unfold.

Melo is only the Orange's sixth-leading scorer, but his defense and rebounding in the paint was a huge reason for their success this year.

While Syracuse will certainly defeat No. 16 seed UNC-Asheville in the second round—although it won't be a walk in the park—the deeper the Orange progress, the tougher time they will have winning without Melo.

Without Melo in the paint, an already bad rebounding Syracuse team will be even worse, and it could cost them against several teams in the East region.

Against Ohio State in a possible Elite Eight matchup, Syracuse would be destroyed by star forward Jared Sullinger in the paint at both ends of the floor.

In a possible Elite Eight matchup against the Florida State Seminoles, who ranked 52nd in rebounding, the Orange would be beaten on the boards by the tremendous front court depth of the Seminoles.

The Orange finished the season ranked 135th in rebounding, and without Melo, they will get destroyed on the boards.

Syracuse was expected by many to reach the Final Four and even win the national title this season, but without Melo, it will be quite lucky to reach the Elite Eight.

If you cannot rebound well in March Madness, don't expect to be cutting down the nets.

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