Melo Out, Syracuse Fans…

Syracuse Sophomore Fab Melo has decided to leave Syracuse to pursue his dream to play in the NBA. Melo, who averaged 7.8 points and 5.8 rebounds for the Orangemen and was named the conference’s defensive player of the year, had a breakout season before being held out twice because of eligibility issues.

While Melo’s exit was not a surprise, it brings up the question: Did Fab Melo ever really care about playing basketball for Syracuse or was it just a quick stop on his way to the NBA? I hate it when promising athletes decide to give up on school to pursue the fame and fortune of the NBA before they’re ready…..athletically or academically. If you’re too dumb to pass your classes or too lazy (skipping classes), what makes you think you’re ready for the NBA?

It’s definitely becoming more acceptable to leave school early for the NBA. Kentucky coach John Calipari basically promises players that they will only need to play college basketball for one year before they can head to the NBA. Guess it worked for him this year.

For most college basketball players, making it to the NBA is their ultimate dream. So the opportunities for money and fame in the NBA is alluring, especially for high-profile freshmen. Think back to your freshman year of college, would you have traded 3 more years of school for a few million dollars? Who wouldn’t? It’s too tempting!

Fans, including me, want to see their star players stick around for several seasons rather than serve as a “one and done” player. I would prefer a player to stay for a few seasons and improve their game and potentially bring home a national championship. It’s tough to make it to the NBA, it’s even harder to be successful and stay in the NBA. I feel like too many top college athletes are unprepared for that level and ultimately fail.

I am a big proponent of the NBA creating a rule that players must be at least two years out of high school before entering the draft. However, as long as the money exists, and as long as the NBA isn’t keeping players from entering the draft, high profile basketball players will flock to the NBA.

Syracuse is not only losing Scoop Jardine and Kris Joseph after this year but now Fab Melo and sophomore Dion Waiters will also be leaving early.

That’s three starters and the Big East Sixth Man of the Year.

While it sucks that Syracuse is losing a big man (in Melo) who could have excelled with the program with at least another year of experience, I say good riddance!

Had Fab actually cared and went to his classes and played his heart out and lead the Orange deep into the NCAA Tournament, I may feel different.

Plus, this opens the door for another Center to fill the gap for Syracuse. Now calling Nerlens Noel, we have a spot for you! …..and you only have to stay a year!

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