INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- Fab Melo worked out for the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday, as he continues to make his NBA rounds prior to next week's draft. Besides the pressure of impressing in his workouts, Melo has also had to explain what exactly happened at Syracuse.

Melo has been answering the burning question from NBA scouts, who are curious as to what led to him being ruled academically ineligible for seven games last season, including the NCAA Tournament.

According to an article in Sports Illustrated, Melo has been telling the scouts that it was simply an academic problem, stemming from the fact that the Brazilian has only been speaking English for four years. Melo says that teams have seemed alright with his explanation, telling reporters "I think they're comfortable with it (the answers), and I'm still new to the game."

Melo said that he still expects to be drafted late in the first round - outside of the lottery. He added that he watched the tourney games in Syracuse, something that hurt to see. He was last year's Big East Defensive Player of the Year.