Syracuse center Fab Melo practiced with his team Wednesday in the Melo Center. The SU big man worked on shooting drills with Lazarus Sims before other players arrived for practice, then participated in the Orange men's usual workout.

It is unclear when or if Melo might be able to re-join his team for games. He missed SU's last two games at Notre Dame and Cincinnati because of academic issues. Sources said today that it could "be a while" before those academic issues are resolved.

Melo seemed spirited and loose during Wednesday's practice. He has generally been a buoyant presence this season, joking with teammates and coaches during practice sessions.

Melo was unavailable to answer questions on Wednesday. Because of student privacy issues surrounding his academic status, SU officials have not publicly commented, beyond saying that there was no new information about Melo's playing status.

Melo, a 7-foot sophomore, had started every game this season for Syracuse, which is 21-1 overall and 8-1 in the Big East. Melo is averaging 7.2 points and 5.7 rebounds along with a team-leading 60 blocked shots.

Also on Wednesday, Jamesville-DeWitt center Dajuan Coleman, who has committed to play for the Orange next season, showed up to watch SU practice. He said his Red Rams did not practice on Wednesday, which allowed him to get to the Melo Center to take in the action. His high school coach, Bob McKenney, watched the Orange practice, too.

Previous coverage

» Syracuse isn't quite itself without Fab Melo in the middle [Sporting News]

» Poliquin: SU got a peek at life without Fab Melo ... and it wasn't much to look at

» What they're saying about Fab Melo's absence

» Fab Melo to miss Syracuse's next two games: Notre Dame and Cincinnati

» Fab Melo photo gallery