It was announced today that Syracuse University has declared Sophomore Center and Big East defensive player of the year, Fab Melo, as ineligible for the upcoming 2012 NCAA Tournament. This action was taken by the university and not the NCAA. According to Bob Williams, the NCAA vice president of communications, the NCAA only deals in an athlete's initial eligibility; once a player is on campus, his eligibility is the responsibility of the school.

Bracket buster news before the first tip off.

Melo was previously held out of three games this season while he resolved an academic issue. During those games, Syracuse went 2-1. Melo averaged 7.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and registered 88 blocks for the Orange, who spent a good portion of the season ranked No. 1 despite multiple off-court distractions.

Syracuse is a #1 seed in the East Region of the 2012 NCAA Tournament and will take on UNC Asheville in their first game this Thursday at 12:10pm on Tru TV.

[Via ESPN]

 

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