Fab Melo struggled academically during his sophomore year because he was still learning the English language after moving to the United States from Brazil, the former Syracuse center and NBA prospect told the Associated Press Tuesday.

The NCAA suspended the Big East Defensive Player of the Year twice during the 2011-12 season for academic reasons, the second of which came during the NCAA tournament. The Orange suffered in the low post without Melo, and fell to Ohio State in the Elite Eight. Now, the 7-foot, 255-pound center is trying to impress NBA teams, and could be a mid- to late-first round draft pick on June 28.

Melo worked out for the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday, where he spoke to reporters.

“It was academic,” Melo said, according to the AP. “They ask, I explain (what) happened – that I came from another country four years ago and didn’t even speak English.”

The center put academics and college in the past on April 5, when he declared for the NBA Draft. Melo averaged 7.8 points and 5.8 rebounds in 30 games for Syracuse, and led the Big East in blocks per game with 2.9.

Melo had a turbulent two seasons with the Orange. He became a dominant inside presence only after suffering a subpar freshman year where his lack of fitness precluded him from staying on the court. He lost 30 pounds heading into the sophomore season and looked like a completely different player.

In fewer than 10 days, an NBA team will be hoping he can continue that type of production in the pro ranks.

cjiseman@syr.edu

Published on June 19, 2012 at 7:06 pm

Contact Chris: cjiseman@syr.edu | @chris_iseman