In Syracuse’s last three games, Fab Melo has shown signs of progress and hope.

“He's kind of an X factor,’’ Boeheim said of Melo. “I'm always helpful. I'm not counting on it. It's one of those – you're hoping that something can happen here.

“He's had a couple of good games,’’ Boeheim added.

“He's been better in practice. He's not quite ready. He's better than he was early in the year when he really struggled. But I think he's definitely gotten to the point where we're very hopeful that he can contribute.’’

Melo scored scored 10 points in the regular season finale against DePaul and then had 12 points on 5-for-5 shooting in the Orange’s win over St. John’s in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals.