[McDunkin]

By Dave Cooperman

The Syracuse basketball is season is off to a terrible start.  I would venture to say it is the least satisfying 5-0 start in the history of the sport and as of this moment, it compares to the current Texas football season.  Last year the Longhorns were in the National Championship, this year they aren’t even going bowling.  Last season the Orange were #1 in the country while this year, they look like they could be on the NIT bubble.

 

Every player has disappointed in their own way with the possible exception of Rick Jackson, but none has disappointed more than Fab Melo who after 5 games looks like a cross between Billy Celuck and Jeremy McNeil.  That would be soft and uncoordinated for those searching for the picture.

Melo came in with great hype but it is fair to wonder if the hype was solely in his 7-foot frame and not actually in his basketball skills, which have yet to be put on display.  In the most improbable twist of this early season, Melo has been passed by Baye Moussa Keita as evidenced by the fact that Keita played 26 minutes last night to Melo’s 4 minutes.  Someone at the scouting services needs to go back and do some homework.

Melo’s minutes are in a freefall and with a perfectly reasonable explanation – his numbers are ghastly.  He has played 62 minutes in 5 games and has managed 8 points and 9 rebounds.  In 15 minutes against Detroit he managed not a single board.

On the other side of things, Keita is a rebounding machine and there is no justification whatsoever at this point to even start Melo over him.  If Dashonte Riley weren’t hurt, Melo would be third on the depth chart and he would be playing the part of an oversized cone in practice.

Every season some team gets saddled with that hyped up freshman that actually ends up being a project and not the one and done superstar.  This year it is Fab Melo and he has redefined the over hyping of the incoming freshman for the worse.

[apb540Participant]

Not every single freshman that comes in is going to be a lottery pick after their freshman year.  Let’s see where Fab Melo is at in November, 2012. 

[apb540Participant]

Not every single freshman that comes in is going to be a lottery pick after their freshman year.  Let’s see where Fab Melo is at in November, 2012. 

[apb540Participant]

Not every single freshman that comes in is going to be a lottery pick after their freshman year.  Let’s see where Fab Melo is at in November, 2012. 

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

I cant remember who it was on here ..That said Syracuse will win the Title…

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

I cant remember who it was on here ..That said Syracuse will win the Title…

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

I cant remember who it was on here ..That said Syracuse will win the Title…

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

There is no magic formula for figuring out how centers will adjust to playing against people their size, or something close to their size, for the first time. In many instances, college is the first time they get real coaching and have to operate in a system. For most big guys, it is the first time the game of basketball isn’t easy. It should not be surprising when there is an extended adjustment period.

DeAndre Jordan and B.J. Mullens were very similar in hype and early performance as Fab Melo – and by the way they were still one-and-done. John Riek was raved about for a good summer camp in 2007, and he still hasn’t seen the floor at Mississippi State. J’Mison Morgan, Jeff Withey, and Jon Kreft were highly regarded and have not played much in college either. It is only shocking when it happens to YOUR team, though I do think Boeheim regrets some of the words he uttered about Melo over the summer.

 

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

There is no magic formula for figuring out how centers will adjust to playing against people their size, or something close to their size, for the first time. In many instances, college is the first time they get real coaching and have to operate in a system. For most big guys, it is the first time the game of basketball isn’t easy. It should not be surprising when there is an extended adjustment period.

DeAndre Jordan and B.J. Mullens were very similar in hype and early performance as Fab Melo – and by the way they were still one-and-done. John Riek was raved about for a good summer camp in 2007, and he still hasn’t seen the floor at Mississippi State. J’Mison Morgan, Jeff Withey, and Jon Kreft were highly regarded and have not played much in college either. It is only shocking when it happens to YOUR team, though I do think Boeheim regrets some of the words he uttered about Melo over the summer.

 

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

There is no magic formula for figuring out how centers will adjust to playing against people their size, or something close to their size, for the first time. In many instances, college is the first time they get real coaching and have to operate in a system. For most big guys, it is the first time the game of basketball isn’t easy. It should not be surprising when there is an extended adjustment period.

DeAndre Jordan and B.J. Mullens were very similar in hype and early performance as Fab Melo – and by the way they were still one-and-done. John Riek was raved about for a good summer camp in 2007, and he still hasn’t seen the floor at Mississippi State. J’Mison Morgan, Jeff Withey, and Jon Kreft were highly regarded and have not played much in college either. It is only shocking when it happens to YOUR team, though I do think Boeheim regrets some of the words he uttered about Melo over the summer.

 

[sammybuckeye13Participant]

But it’s not like that’s so ridiculous…they’re 6-0 (#7 in the country), and that’s with Fab Melo, who should’ve been their strongest defensive presence, playing like garbage, so things can only get better IMO…not like someone said Northwestern would win the title, Cuse is a top top 10 team. 

[sammybuckeye13Participant]

But it’s not like that’s so ridiculous…they’re 6-0 (#7 in the country), and that’s with Fab Melo, who should’ve been their strongest defensive presence, playing like garbage, so things can only get better IMO…not like someone said Northwestern would win the title, Cuse is a top top 10 team. 

[sammybuckeye13Participant]

But it’s not like that’s so ridiculous…they’re 6-0 (#7 in the country), and that’s with Fab Melo, who should’ve been their strongest defensive presence, playing like garbage, so things can only get better IMO…not like someone said Northwestern would win the title, Cuse is a top top 10 team. 

[McDunkin]

In Jon Krefts case it was more about the cocaine and marijuana off the court than what he could do on it. He wont be able to finally play for Florida State until later into the season, but i doubt he is even close to the player he was before the trouble he got into

[McDunkin]

In Jon Krefts case it was more about the cocaine and marijuana off the court than what he could do on it. He wont be able to finally play for Florida State until later into the season, but i doubt he is even close to the player he was before the trouble he got into

[McDunkin]

In Jon Krefts case it was more about the cocaine and marijuana off the court than what he could do on it. He wont be able to finally play for Florida State until later into the season, but i doubt he is even close to the player he was before the trouble he got into

[OhCanada-Participant]

First of all excellent post mcdunkin. I havent watched a single Syracuse game this year but I must say 6-0 is not that bad. Bohiem maybe far off withn his Melo comparisans that seemed to s2weep the basketball world off their feet, but I still will not copunt out a Bohiem coached team. These guys will creep up on you, just like they did last year.

[OhCanada-Participant]

First of all excellent post mcdunkin. I havent watched a single Syracuse game this year but I must say 6-0 is not that bad. Bohiem maybe far off withn his Melo comparisans that seemed to s2weep the basketball world off their feet, but I still will not copunt out a Bohiem coached team. These guys will creep up on you, just like they did last year.

[OhCanada-Participant]

First of all excellent post mcdunkin. I havent watched a single Syracuse game this year but I must say 6-0 is not that bad. Bohiem maybe far off withn his Melo comparisans that seemed to s2weep the basketball world off their feet, but I still will not copunt out a Bohiem coached team. These guys will creep up on you, just like they did last year.

[ultrablue123Participant]

Coming from a huge Syracuse fan, the season is looking slighty bleak so far.  They bearly beat the scrub teams that they usually crush.  I know Kris Joseph is supposed to be the next star, but he hasn’t showed it yet, although he did a lot better the last two games against reasonably better competition.  Fab Melo has been a bit disappointing so far but I’ll still give him time, it’s only 6 games in.  I do think they are overrated and it may be a challenge for them to make the NCAA tournament this year. 

We’re going to get a good picture at how good this Syracuse team really is when they play Michigan State.  Then we’ll now if they are for real or if they are completley overrated.

[ultrablue123Participant]

Coming from a huge Syracuse fan, the season is looking slighty bleak so far.  They bearly beat the scrub teams that they usually crush.  I know Kris Joseph is supposed to be the next star, but he hasn’t showed it yet, although he did a lot better the last two games against reasonably better competition.  Fab Melo has been a bit disappointing so far but I’ll still give him time, it’s only 6 games in.  I do think they are overrated and it may be a challenge for them to make the NCAA tournament this year. 

We’re going to get a good picture at how good this Syracuse team really is when they play Michigan State.  Then we’ll now if they are for real or if they are completley overrated.

[ultrablue123Participant]

Coming from a huge Syracuse fan, the season is looking slighty bleak so far.  They bearly beat the scrub teams that they usually crush.  I know Kris Joseph is supposed to be the next star, but he hasn’t showed it yet, although he did a lot better the last two games against reasonably better competition.  Fab Melo has been a bit disappointing so far but I’ll still give him time, it’s only 6 games in.  I do think they are overrated and it may be a challenge for them to make the NCAA tournament this year. 

We’re going to get a good picture at how good this Syracuse team really is when they play Michigan State.  Then we’ll now if they are for real or if they are completley overrated.

[cuseflynn10Participant]

When the Miami Heat start 10-8 people say "give them time to gel with each other."

When the Syracuse Orange start 6-0 people are saying "their players are dissapointing."

Syracuse has 2 returning starters from a Sweet Sixteen run last year and 4 key players returning (Triche/Jackson starters, Joseph/Jardine were bench.)

It’s only the beginning of the season now so more benchwarmers are getting minutes. We’re using 10 guys (Mookie Jones averages 8 minutes and James Southerland averages 11.) Other than that everyone else averages 12+. That includes 2 guys who never were starters and 4 freshmen. It makes sense that Rick Jackson is putting the team on his back as only Senior on the team. Triche is doing alright and Jardine and Joseph have helped carry the team.

As for the freshman Dion Waiters has been lights out shooting in the 14 minutes a game he gets. C.J. Fair looks like a potential star depending on how he does in the weight rooms. Baye Moussa Keita looks like he should get the starting role at Center, I will admit. As for Fab Melo he’s only averaging 1.3 and 1.8 in 12 minutes. Sure 1.3 and 1.8 aren’t great numbers, but he’s only been playing for 4 years and is still developing his IQ and stamina. When he’s in the game he does contribute though. He alters shots, kind of like Hasheem Thabeet. I guess their comparable becuase their both starting slow, but I’d hope to see both 7 footers improve and I think they both can with good coaching.

[cuseflynn10Participant]

When the Miami Heat start 10-8 people say "give them time to gel with each other."

When the Syracuse Orange start 6-0 people are saying "their players are dissapointing."

Syracuse has 2 returning starters from a Sweet Sixteen run last year and 4 key players returning (Triche/Jackson starters, Joseph/Jardine were bench.)

It’s only the beginning of the season now so more benchwarmers are getting minutes. We’re using 10 guys (Mookie Jones averages 8 minutes and James Southerland averages 11.) Other than that everyone else averages 12+. That includes 2 guys who never were starters and 4 freshmen. It makes sense that Rick Jackson is putting the team on his back as only Senior on the team. Triche is doing alright and Jardine and Joseph have helped carry the team.

As for the freshman Dion Waiters has been lights out shooting in the 14 minutes a game he gets. C.J. Fair looks like a potential star depending on how he does in the weight rooms. Baye Moussa Keita looks like he should get the starting role at Center, I will admit. As for Fab Melo he’s only averaging 1.3 and 1.8 in 12 minutes. Sure 1.3 and 1.8 aren’t great numbers, but he’s only been playing for 4 years and is still developing his IQ and stamina. When he’s in the game he does contribute though. He alters shots, kind of like Hasheem Thabeet. I guess their comparable becuase their both starting slow, but I’d hope to see both 7 footers improve and I think they both can with good coaching.

[cuseflynn10Participant]

When the Miami Heat start 10-8 people say "give them time to gel with each other."

When the Syracuse Orange start 6-0 people are saying "their players are dissapointing."

Syracuse has 2 returning starters from a Sweet Sixteen run last year and 4 key players returning (Triche/Jackson starters, Joseph/Jardine were bench.)

It’s only the beginning of the season now so more benchwarmers are getting minutes. We’re using 10 guys (Mookie Jones averages 8 minutes and James Southerland averages 11.) Other than that everyone else averages 12+. That includes 2 guys who never were starters and 4 freshmen. It makes sense that Rick Jackson is putting the team on his back as only Senior on the team. Triche is doing alright and Jardine and Joseph have helped carry the team.

As for the freshman Dion Waiters has been lights out shooting in the 14 minutes a game he gets. C.J. Fair looks like a potential star depending on how he does in the weight rooms. Baye Moussa Keita looks like he should get the starting role at Center, I will admit. As for Fab Melo he’s only averaging 1.3 and 1.8 in 12 minutes. Sure 1.3 and 1.8 aren’t great numbers, but he’s only been playing for 4 years and is still developing his IQ and stamina. When he’s in the game he does contribute though. He alters shots, kind of like Hasheem Thabeet. I guess their comparable becuase their both starting slow, but I’d hope to see both 7 footers improve and I think they both can with good coaching.

[Ghost01Participant]

Talk about a name i never thought id hear again. I remember when Duke was recruiting him to be a 7 2 post prescense and then suddenly he was gone.

[Ghost01Participant]

Talk about a name i never thought id hear again. I remember when Duke was recruiting him to be a 7 2 post prescense and then suddenly he was gone.

[Ghost01Participant]

Talk about a name i never thought id hear again. I remember when Duke was recruiting him to be a 7 2 post prescense and then suddenly he was gone.

[stanford hoops]

I said before the season to not believe the hype and that he would struggle although i did not forsee him struggling this bad. and he has looked much worst then deandre jordan and bj mullans combined!!!!.. his hands are bad. he doesnt rebound well and shocking of all even to me is that he has 3 blocks in 6 games. His scoring line has been 4,2,2,0,0,0  rebounding 3,4,0,2,0,2

[stanford hoops]

I said before the season to not believe the hype and that he would struggle although i did not forsee him struggling this bad. and he has looked much worst then deandre jordan and bj mullans combined!!!!.. his hands are bad. he doesnt rebound well and shocking of all even to me is that he has 3 blocks in 6 games. His scoring line has been 4,2,2,0,0,0  rebounding 3,4,0,2,0,2

[stanford hoops]

I said before the season to not believe the hype and that he would struggle although i did not forsee him struggling this bad. and he has looked much worst then deandre jordan and bj mullans combined!!!!.. his hands are bad. he doesnt rebound well and shocking of all even to me is that he has 3 blocks in 6 games. His scoring line has been 4,2,2,0,0,0  rebounding 3,4,0,2,0,2

[dude1955Participant]

Its about production and not potential. Ive seen him  play and I could have forseen this due to the fact that he was playing against younger competition. When will people dig deeper and not judge potential on youtube clips. I know tons of guys that play rec league ball that are "athletic"(sp). And besides most of these prospects are old. Furthermore the reclassification process is a joke. Off topic but I had to say it.

[dude1955Participant]

Its about production and not potential. Ive seen him  play and I could have forseen this due to the fact that he was playing against younger competition. When will people dig deeper and not judge potential on youtube clips. I know tons of guys that play rec league ball that are "athletic"(sp). And besides most of these prospects are old. Furthermore the reclassification process is a joke. Off topic but I had to say it.

[dude1955Participant]

Its about production and not potential. Ive seen him  play and I could have forseen this due to the fact that he was playing against younger competition. When will people dig deeper and not judge potential on youtube clips. I know tons of guys that play rec league ball that are "athletic"(sp). And besides most of these prospects are old. Furthermore the reclassification process is a joke. Off topic but I had to say it.

[JNixonParticipant]

I think he’s a developmental prospect. I will be the 1st to admit that I thought he’d be around a 10 ppg, 9 rpg, 2 bpg player before the year. I watched him during the 09 summer and thought he had a chance to be an Andrew Bynum type, but as time wore on I started thinking less and less of him. I started seeing that he’s not very smooth in the post, definitely not like Bynum, and that he is too inconsistent in his intensity. I became more reasonable and compared him to Brendan Haywood. I still think he can be a Haywood-type, but it will take time. I underestimated how hard it is for bigs to adjust to playing Big East basketball, especially when you’re raw like him. I did expect him to be a better rebounder than this though.

[JNixonParticipant]

I think he’s a developmental prospect. I will be the 1st to admit that I thought he’d be around a 10 ppg, 9 rpg, 2 bpg player before the year. I watched him during the 09 summer and thought he had a chance to be an Andrew Bynum type, but as time wore on I started thinking less and less of him. I started seeing that he’s not very smooth in the post, definitely not like Bynum, and that he is too inconsistent in his intensity. I became more reasonable and compared him to Brendan Haywood. I still think he can be a Haywood-type, but it will take time. I underestimated how hard it is for bigs to adjust to playing Big East basketball, especially when you’re raw like him. I did expect him to be a better rebounder than this though.

[JNixonParticipant]

I think he’s a developmental prospect. I will be the 1st to admit that I thought he’d be around a 10 ppg, 9 rpg, 2 bpg player before the year. I watched him during the 09 summer and thought he had a chance to be an Andrew Bynum type, but as time wore on I started thinking less and less of him. I started seeing that he’s not very smooth in the post, definitely not like Bynum, and that he is too inconsistent in his intensity. I became more reasonable and compared him to Brendan Haywood. I still think he can be a Haywood-type, but it will take time. I underestimated how hard it is for bigs to adjust to playing Big East basketball, especially when you’re raw like him. I did expect him to be a better rebounder than this though.

[Dale WorthingtonParticipant]

Did anyone see him in the McDonald’s All-American game?

He looked like he was carrying a barbell on his back.

I’m not surprised at all that’s sucking.

Poor man’s DeAndre Jordan.

[Dale WorthingtonParticipant]

Did anyone see him in the McDonald’s All-American game?

He looked like he was carrying a barbell on his back.

I’m not surprised at all that’s sucking.

Poor man’s DeAndre Jordan.

[Dale WorthingtonParticipant]

Did anyone see him in the McDonald’s All-American game?

He looked like he was carrying a barbell on his back.

I’m not surprised at all that’s sucking.

Poor man’s DeAndre Jordan.

[stanford hoops]

Whats funny is some people on here said he looked like he would come in and do work from day one after watching the McDonalds game

[stanford hoops]

Whats funny is some people on here said he looked like he would come in and do work from day one after watching the McDonalds game

[stanford hoops]

Whats funny is some people on here said he looked like he would come in and do work from day one after watching the McDonalds game

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