Former NBA big man and Syracuse standout Fab Melo has died, reports say. He was 26 years old.
Syracuse coach Jim Boehim confirmed Melo’s passing with ESPN.
"We don't know the cause yet," Boeheim said. "It's so hard right now, so hard to believe. It's a sad, sad day."
Melo was reportedly in Brazil at the time of his death. Though it's not clear how he died, reports indicate he was found in bed at his mother's home.
Melo was named Big East defensive player of the year in 2012, but was ruled ineligible for the NCAA Tournament due to academic violations. He was drafted in the first round by the Boston Celtics in the 2012 NBA Draft. He was eventually traded to the Memphis Grizzlies and later signed by the Dallas Mavericks, spending most of his time in the D-League.
He played in six NBA games in his career.
Melo has played professionally in Brazil, his home country, since the 2014-15 season.
More on this as it develops.
Sad day for Cuse. My brother Fab Melo passed away. I still can't believe the news. My condolences goes out to his family. Such a great guy
— CJ Fair (@cjfair) February 12, 2017
Alex Hider is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @alexhider.
