Chad Ford on Fab

[John]

We're not ready to declare that Syracuse Fab Melo (Top 100 Rank: 40) is going to be a star in the NBA. Far from it. As a sophomore, he's averaging 7 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 3 bpg in 23 mpg. He's still got a long ways to go. But he's getting better -- a lot better. A combination of experience and better conditioning seem to be the culprit. When you look at his size and shot blocking ability -- you've got to believe he's got a great shot of landing somewhere in the late first round and sticking in the NBA. The league is desperate for back-up centers that can just defend and block shots. There's a reason GMs keep paying the DeSagana Diop's and Darko Milicic's of the world.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

The league is desperate for back-up centers that can just defend and block shots.

That isn't Melo's ceiling at all.

 

[jekelish]

If Melo ever develops a decent low post game, he will start for a team in the NBA. He's more skilled than people seem to think, he's just raw. He's got very good court vision for a 7 footer and can knock down 12-15 footers.

 

[cytolliver]

the longer it takes for these scouts to understand fab melo and his game. the better chance he stays another year

 

[Knicks411]

That isn't Melo's ceiling at all.

I don't think he was saying it is his ceiling. But that would probably be his role next year if he came out.

 

[jekelish]

I can't wait to see the graphic when he gets drafted...

STRENGTHS:

Size
Shot blocking
Solid court vision

WEAKNESSES:

Free throws
Really hates people who want to legally switch lanes

 

[HouseOfCuse]

That isn't Melo's ceiling at all.

i think he is probably saying that even if he doesn't develope and reach his ceiling he can still at least be a good shot blocking back up center. sounded like Ford was saying that it's his floor not ceiling

 

[orangehomer]

i feel like i am missing something, how old is fab?

 

[jekelish]

i feel like i am missing something, how old is fab?

He's 43, which is a real problem for his potential.

 

[SkanSU]

I believe that Fab is 21 right now

 

[DoctorBombay]

Roy Hibbert was a big stiff at GTown & now starts for the NBA Pacers.
I could see Fab on that kind of trajectory- not just as some back-up journeyman.

 

[mark79]

If Melo ever develops a decent low post game, he will start for a team in the NBA. He's more skilled than people seem to think, he's just raw. He's got very good court vision for a 7 footer and can knock down 12-15 footers.

Agree Jekelish. If Rony Seikaly can start in the NBA with his skill set, Fab can also. Fab has at least that upside if he continues to work hard.

 

[jekelish]

Roy Hibbert was a big stiff at GTown & now starts for the NBA Pacers.
I could see Fab on that kind of trajectory- not just as some back-up journeyman.

Hibbert was also 7-3 and one hell of a passer.

 

[upperdeck]

you really think Fab has a better skill set than Rony Seikaly?

 

[rrlbees]

Roy Hibbert was a big stiff at GTown & now starts for the NBA Pacers.
I could see Fab on that kind of trajectory- not just as some back-up journeyman.

Great sig pic.

 

[mark79]

you really think Fab has a better skill set than Rony Seikaly?

Right now, no of course not. My comment was:

"Fab has at least that upside if he continues to work hard"

And yes, I certainly do believe that Fab can get to Rony's skill set if he continues to work hard. What does he not possess
that Rony had? He has all the tools, he just needs time to refine them.

 

[PeteCalvin]

Great sig pic.

I agree. That is friggin awesome. I know a couple of die hard Dallas fans that should have that framed on their walls.