Syracuse's Fab Melo out of NCAA Tournament: 4 Other Teams That Can Benefit

With the shocking news about Fab Melo today, I think it will severely deter Syracuse’s run at a Final Four.

Prior to Melo being ruled ineligible, Syracuse had everything going for it. It was a No. 1 seed, had one of the best teams in Jim Boeheim’s tenure and had history on its side with the last two times the Orange went to the Final Four it was in New Orleans.

Now, Melo’s presence in the middle will dearly be missed.

His dominance down low on offense is a match-up problem for most teams. That’s not where they will miss him most though.

Syracuse will miss Melo’s defensive edge and his ability on the boards.

Kansas State

I think if Kansas State can get by its first match-up against Southern Miss, it can advance to the Sweet 16 past Syracuse.

Kansas State is a great rebounding team and will be a huge threat to Syracuse.

The Wildcats play with a toughness brought down from their head coach Frank Martin. They weren’t going to be an easy out anyways, but without Melo, Kansas State will come out with even more intensity to crash the boards.

Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt is on fire right now. I think its toughest game will be against its first match-up with Harvard. If the Commodores get by Harvard they will be Sweet 16 bound.

If Syracuse is still standing after the opening weekend, Vanderbilt will most likely take Syracuse out.

Festus Ezeli will have a field day without Melo in Syracuse’s line-up, and mix that with Vanderbilt’s terrific three-point shooting, Syracuse most likely will be sent home.

Harvard

Harvard is more than capable of putting together a run like its conference counter part Cornell did a few years ago.

Harvard’s team is dangerous from long range, and have the inside depth to rival anyone. If it can pull the upset on Vanderbilt, they can make it to the Sweet 16 and possibly farther.

Harvard’s campus isn’t far from the arena in Boston where the potential game against Syracuse will be played. It will have a home crowd behind them, and that has shown this season to be a great advantage.

Harvard has the players that shoot good enough that can thrive against Syracuse’s zone, and the personnel to over match Syracuse down low without Melo.

Wisconsin

I don’t know what to think about Wisconsin sometimes. They’re too streaky and don’t have that guy to lead them in games late.

If Wisconsin can make it to the round of 16 and plays Syracuse, it can advance.