Last season, Fab Melo took on a complementary role and often found himself on the bench due to foul trouble.

But in his second year as a starter, the 7-foot center has cut his foul rate significantly and is blocking shots with more regularity.

Syracuse ranks 11th in points allowed per percentage and Melo’s defensive presence at the rim is allowing his teammates to gamble and force turnovers. Syracuse leads the country in steal percentage and ranks second in percentage of turnovers forced.

Melo ranks 9th in the nation in block percentage and sits 44th in offensive rebound percentage.