Syracuse, N.Y. -- Fab Melo, who played two seasons for Syracuse's basketball team, has died in his home country of Brazil, according to media reports.

Former Syracuse big man Fab Melo passed away in Brazil, team source confirms. Sad news. — Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) February 12, 2017

SporTV journalist confirmed Fab Melo info. He was founded died in his house. Possible a heart attack when he was sleeping. — Gabriel Andrade (@GabrielAndPaula) February 12, 2017

Melo, a 6-foot-11 center, was drafted by the Boston Celtics after his sophomore year at Syracuse.

A Brazilian news organization, globo esporte, reported that Melo was found in his bed at home by his mother. He was 26 years old.

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

Fab Melo's 10-page paper was a key piece in the NCAA's investigation of SU athletics.

Melo was the Big East's defensive player of the year in 2012, his final season with the Orange. The Celtics made him the 22nd pick of the draft that year, but his NBA career was fleeting.

"That was my guy. We always had great conversations while at school," former SU teammate Kris Joseph said from Italy on Saturday night. "Played a lot video games together 'FIFA' and of course our time in Boston and Maine. Just a great guy. Great spirit. My heart is heavy right now seeing this at 2:30 a.m."

"I didn't want to believe it," said Scoop Jardine, who played with Melo both seasons at SU. "I just want to send my condolences to his family. He was a great teammate to me. One of the funniest teammates I've ever had. It's sad. 26 years old. He didn't really even get to live his life."