NEW YORK — With a name like Fab Melo, he ought to play in the NBA someday.
But anyone suggesting that the 7-foot Syracuse sophomore from Brazil should head to the league next year is sadly mistaken.
“The fact that he’s gone from a complete non-factor as a freshman to a guy that could help contribute to a very, very good Top 5 team is a credit to him,” ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla told SNY.tv.
The other shoe has dropped for Bernie Fine.
Syracuse on Sunday night fired Fine, the former associate head coach, after the Syracuse Post-Standard reported that a third person had come forward to accuse Fine of sexual molestation.
“At the direction of Chancellor [Nancy] Cantor, Bernie Fine’s employment with Syracuse University has been terminated, effective immediately,” read the statement.
Fine had previously been placed on administrative leave.
Arizona freshman big man Sidiki Johnson is back on campus, but won’t practice with the team as he remains on indefinite suspension.
The Bronx native had been home in New York since Nov. 18, when the Wildcats lost to Mississippi State in the 2K Sports Classic title game.
“He missed only 2 1/2 days of school last week,” Arizona coach Sean Miller told the Tucson Citizen Sunday. “That was our decision to allow him to stay home. It wasn’t his decision.
Nate Britt, the Rivals No. 5 point guard in the Class of 2013, will announce on Tuesday evening at Gonzaga High School’s “Hoops Mania” event.
The 6-foot-2, 160-pound Britt will choose from among North Carolina, Maryland, Georgetown, Villanova and Arizona, according to Gonzaga head coach Steve Turner.
“He’s down to five schools,” Turner told SNY.tv.
Britt has visited all five programs, including a Nov. 13 trip to Maryland and a mid-October visit to North Carolina.
“He’s a true point guard, a true lead guard who makes guys around him better,” Turner said. “He’s developed a way of creating for himself as well.
This Bernie Fine case just keeps getting
St. John’s isn’t exactly going into Kentucky on a roll.
The Johnnies lost to Northeastern of the CAA, 78-64, Saturday afternoon at Carnesecca Arena and have now lost three of four heading into Thursday’s SEC/Big East Challenge game at Rupp Arena.
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“Everybody knows that this is a new team and we’re still a work in process,” Johnnies forward God’sgift Achiuwa said. “We learn every day, and as Coach Lavin and Coach Dunlap emphasize, we’re going to face different opponents. What we need to do is learn every day, and become better players.” |
Following successful surgery to treat prostate cancer last month, St. John’s coach Steve Lavin continues to follow a modified schedule with regard to his coaching duties.
Lavin participated in team practices sessions this week, in addition to the Red Storm’s team Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday. He was not on the sidelines for Tuesday’s 63-48 win over St. Francis (N.Y.), however, and is not expected to be on the bench as the Red Storm takes on Northeastern on Saturday (4 p.m., ESPN3).
