Syracuse's Fab Melo Expected to Declare for 2012 NBA Draft

Looks like Syracuse center Fab Melo is declaring for the 2012 NBA draft, according to The Juice Online.

The Orange's defensive centerpiece this season has also hired agent Arn Tellem, another sign that he will forgo his final two seasons at Syracuse.

Draft Express tweeted on Monday:

"

Fab Melo has signed with Arn Tellem, according to multiple sources, which means he obviously isn't returning to Syracuse, as expected.

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 2, 2012"

Melo's absence in the NCAA tournament this season may have been just as influential to his rising draft stock as his play. He was a defensive post presence and shot-blocker for the Orange this season, and when he was deemed ineligible before the tournament, Syracuse took a noticeable hit.

At 7'0", 255 pounds, Melo has a good shot of landing in the first round, particularly because there are plenty of teams looking for big men this year. He averaged 7.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.9 blocks this season, but his stats didn't tell the whole story. He was a big part of Syracuse's swarming defense, and the Orange were better with him on the floor. Their only loss of the regular season came when he wasn't on the floor, against Notre Dame on Jan. 21.

There are more than a few teams that would like to get their hands on Melo, including the Miami Heat, who have been battling without a standout center for the past two seasons. His defense alone makes him a coveted player in the draft.

It's likely that Melo's stock wouldn't be any higher than it is now, even if he stayed at Syracuse. Given the need for big men and the impact he made this season for the Orange, it would be a shock if he slid in the draft. NBA scouts know what they have with him and are prepared to deal with his raw offensive skills.

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