Fab Melo returns for Syracuse

SYRACUSE — Fab is back.

After missing three games for undisclosed reasons, Syracuse sophomore center Fab Melo is set to return for the No. 2 Orange’s game at St. John’s on Saturday.

The Orange announced Melo’s return in a release. Citing university policy and federal student privacy laws, the team was not able to provide any further details about Melo’s absence.

It has been reported, however, that Melo, a 7-foot center, was working through some academic issues.

Melo is the Orange’s top rebounder, averaging 5.7 a game, and shot-blocker (3.0). He started the first 20 games, but hasn’t played since he had 10 points and 10 rebounds in 29 minutes of a 71-63 win over Pittsburgh on Jan. 16.

The Orange (22-1 overall, 9-1 Big East) lost the following game, a 67-58 decision at Notre Dame, before bouncing back to win the next two. But his absence has made a huge difference in the middle, especially on the backboards.

The Orange were outrebounded 38-25 at Notre Dame, and were beaten up on the boards in last Saturday’s home game with West Virginia, losing the battle 40-21.

Melo had continued practicing with the team. In his absence, freshman Rakeem Christmas started at center and sophomore C.J. Fair moved into the starting spot at forward.