According to New York Times contributor Adam Zagoria, former Syracuse star and NBA first-round pick Fab Melo was found dead in Brazil.
Former Syracuse big man Fab Melo passed away in Brazil, team source confirms. Sad news.
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) February 12, 2017
Brazilian reporter Gabriel Andrade appeared to confirm the news, reporting that the cause of death may have been a heart-attack.
SporTV journalist confirmed Fab Melo info. He was founded died in his house. Possible a heart attack when he was sleeping.
— Gabriel Andrade (@GabrielAndPaula) February 12, 2017
After moving to the U.S. from Brazil, Melo was named a high school All-American before committing to Syracuse. Melo was a standout with the Orange thanks to his defensive prowess, as the 7-foot center was named the Big East Defensive Playoff of the Year back in the 2011-12 season. Melo then declared for the NBA Draft after academic issues, and he was later taken by the Boston Celtics in the first round.
Melo only played one season in the NBA before going over seas. He was last playing professional ball in his home-country of Brazil last year.
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