Fab Melo Allegedly Declares for Draft: What This Means for Nerlens Noel

According to draftexpress.com, Syracuse center, Fab Melo, has signed with agent Arn Tellem. Sources say that the deal has not been confirmed, but it is clear that the seven-foot, Brazilian center will not be returning to Syracuse next fall. Melo would be just one of four Syracuse stars not returning (Dion Waiters, Kris Joseph, and Scoop Jardine).

With Fab gone, the center position is left wide open. The Orange's top recruit, Nerlens Noel, is still deciding between Syracuse, Kentucky, and Georgetown. At 6'10'', Noel is the nation's most highly touted center, as he sits at number one according to ESPN's recruiting rankings. Since Melo is leaving, Syracuse is almost a perfect match for Noel. 

Despite the departures of some of the most talented Syracuse players, the Orange still have the likes of Rakeem Chirstmas, Baye Moussa Keita, and incoming freshman, DaJuan Coleman to keep the size and length of Syracuse's zone. Brandon Triche and Michael Carter-Williams will be manning the front court, and CJ Fair, James Southerland, and red shirt freshman Trevor Cooney are all highly talented players that will pick up where last year's team left off.

Adding Noel, to this deep lineup would put the Orange over the top and send them back to the peak of the ranking. With Noel, the Orange will perhaps be the most serious contender for the 2013 national title. 

Monday afternoon, Noel tweeted, "Did Fab Melo declare for the draft?" a question that can now be answered yes. Perhaps Noel's tweet is a hint that with Melo gone, he wants to come to Syracuse and be the star center that will lead the Orange to their second national championship. 

Noel's arrival would immediately make Orange fans forget about the stress that Melo caused due to his academic issues. After him, and Arinze Onuaku, the Orange are in dire need of a center that will help in the regular season AND the NCAA tournament as well.

Will Noel be that guy? We will find out April 11, when Noel is set to make his decision on ESPN.