Syracuse Basketball: 'Cuse Add Another Melo

Syracuse received good news this week as top basketball recruit Fabricio De Melo has decided to go Orange in two years.

Melo is ranked the No. 2 center and No. 5 overall prospect in the class of 2010 on Scout.com and Rivals.com.

It's been a rarity over the past couple years that Syracuse ever pick up a seven footer who cannot shoot threes or run the floor that well, but the Orange will rely on his defense and soft hands to make an impact.

Melo made his decision right before heading back to his home country of Brazil to visit family. Though he is originally from Brazil, he came to Florida to play high school basketball and will have a rude awakening when he spends his first winter in New York.

Melo is looking forward to playing in front of thousands at the Carrier Dome and cannot wait to hit the court.

While the 7-foot, 280-pound big man may be a one and done NBA prospect, Syracuse will have a great roster for that season which could lead them to the National Championship, much like former freshman Carmelo Anthony did in 2003.

Syracuse has already received commitments from Brandon Triche, Dashonte Riley, and James Southerland this year and Dion Waiters, CJ Fair, and Baye Moussa Kieta the year after. Fabricio De Melo is not only the perfect pick up, but also the most talented one too.

Another positive is that Syracuse lured him away from other Big East schools in Connecticut and Louisville, as they often found themselves surrounded by bigs with Hasheem Thabeet, Roy Hibbert and others often beating up on the small line up of Jim Boeheim teams.

While the results won’t be seen until 2010, the excitement has begun building as the ‘Cuse have a future that is filled with young, talented men.