Update on Mr. de Melo

[Upstate]

13 minutes ago - by Thomas Casale - Melo getting defensive at practice
C Fab Melo looks much improved as a sophomore. Melo struggled defensively last year but in practice he’s been aggressive and challenging every shot in the paint. The slimmer Melo also looks more comfortable on the offensive end, routinely using his 7-0, 244-pound frame to establish position in the low post against smaller defenders. Orange RapidReports

 

[Flacusian]

Well, that's a good thing.

 

[jordoo]

I really can't wait to see him in action this season.

 

[OrangeMuskyFish]

Fab's athleticism is much better than what we saw last year. Just a case of slowing the game down and letting it come out... oh yeah, and being in shape enough to stay out there in the first place... He seemed like a mile from the rim when he tossed down an oop during MM, and dare I say, it was HAKEEM-IAN (or is it WARRICK-ITE?). Also, last year he went up and got some oops that seemed like sure TOs.

With another year of development, this guy could average ten a game on oops alone. Especially given the fact that next year you are going to have guards going 6'4", 6'4", 6'4", and 6'5"... those guys will be able to see over the defense and put the ball where only the 7'1" dude can get it.

 

[DomeStranger]

Fab's only 244#? I'd have guessed him at least 275.

 

[EastCoast2]

I won't be surprised one bit to see him average 10 ppg

 

[senorpalmer]

If/when his game even somewhat catches up with his size and he puts up, say, Onuaku-like numbers (say 11-12 PPG, 7-8 RPG), that may be the last year he plays collegiate ball. At that point, the NBA will be a-callin', especially if he's demonstrating any freak-like physical skills.

 

[Upstate]

Fab's only 244#? I'd have guessed him at least 275.

he came in at 270-ish. It looks like 30 lbs that he lost. a guy that is 7ft tall should be around 240, I would say.

 

[arbitragegls]

...based on World Games where is stated most games for Brazil and was playing around 20 minutes...not fouling out...shooting and rebounding well...I believe this is the break out season for Melo we thought was going to be Frosh season

 

[shermstheman]

...based on World Games where is stated most games for Brazil and was playing around 20 minutes...not fouling out...shooting and rebounding well...I believe this is the break out season for Melo we thought was going to be Frosh season

I don't want to get too giddy but I think you may be right. He was supposed to be a one and done. He did show a nice touch and some athleticism last year. If all these reports as to his progress are true he could be a double double guy. His confidence looked shot last year- sounds like that that is improved which might help him play the way we thought he should've last year, especially with his imporoved conditioning.

 

[SouthCampusHero]

...based on World Games where is stated most games for Brazil and was playing around 20 minutes...not fouling out...shooting and rebounding well...I believe this is the break out season for Melo we thought was going to be Frosh season

Oh yeah. Totally forgot about those world games. He stayed on the court longer from what I remember but his case of hacks reared its ugly head a couple of times. Im guessing he is in even better shape now than when he played in those games.

 

[RF2044]

That's great news.

In my mind, the three biggest question marks going into the season are:

[1] Which of the bigs are going to provide a consistent low post threat?

[2] Will the guards show improved consistency?

[3] Will the team rebounding improve, helping to offset the loss of Rick Jackson on the boards?

I'm quite comfortable that the latter two questions will be answered positively. Not nearly as confident about the first question. Fab Melo taking a huge step forward [per the note above] would be an enormous step in the right direction.

 

[albanycuse]

That's great news.

In my mind, the three biggest question marks going into the season are:

[1] Which of the bigs are going to provide a consistent low post threat?

[2] Will the guards show improved consistency?

[3] Will the team rebounding improve, helping to offset the loss of Rick Jackson on the boards?

I'm quite comfortable that the latter two questions will be answered positively. Not nearly as confident about the first question. Fab Melo taking a huge step forward [per the note above] would be an enormous step in the right direction.

im with you on 2 and 3 but do we need much offense from our big man since its never been that important in jb's system. i think this team has plenty of offensive firepower.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

Too bad BMK couldn't gain 20#

 

[RF2044]

im with you on 2 and 3 but do we need much offense from our big man since its never been that important in jb's system. i think this team has plenty of offensive firepower.

I don't know how "much" is sufficient, but we need some to balance defenses out [not to mention, get some open looks on the perimeter]. Not suggesting that he needs to be a 17 / 10 guy, but if we could approach 10/10 from Fab and Keita, which I think is quite realistic, we're going to be tough to defend.

 

[albanycuse]

If we get a 10/10 i think this team loses 6 or less all season.

 

[SkanSU]

Too bad BMK couldn't gain 20#

Maybe Fab can give him the 30# he lost.

 

[orangefan13]

He can contest shots but how is his lateral quickness, and a drive to outrebound everyone on the floor.

IMO His lateral quickness and baseline recovery is what cost him the most last year.

 

[RF2044]

He can contest shots but how is his lateral quickness, and a drive to outrebound everyone on the floor.

IMO His lateral quickness and baseline recovery is what cost him the most last year.

Well, presumably lateral mobility would be one of the things that would be most POSITIVELY impacted by him being in better shape.

 

[SoBeCuse]

Hopefully he won't bite on EVERY pump fake!

 

[arbitragegls]

Melo recorded several +3 blocks in world games...give him a chance to prove he is in shape...and dont forget, he has been playing bball for less than 6 yrs

 

[EastCoast2]

If we get a 10/10 i think this team loses 6 or less all season.

yup