The Syracuse Orange basketball community has suffered a terrible loss. At only 26-years-old former Syracuse big man Fab Melo has passed away.

The Brazilian born center reportedly went to sleep on Friday night and did not wake up Saturday morning. ESPN reports that Melo was found dead at his home in Juiz de Fora, in the state of Minas Gerais, Military Police in Brazil confirmed.

In the same article long-time Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said, "He was a really good kid, and it's not fair that he will be defined by one thing: a 10-page paper. He worked his tail off to become a really good player and was a nice kid."

Fab Melo's career at Syracuse ended in controversy when he was suspended twice for academics. However, he was drafted to the NBA by the Boston Celtics in the 2012 draft. The 26-year-old has been playing professionally in his native country of Brazil for the past few years.

The cause of death is not yet known.

More From Big Frog 104