Fab Melo To Enter NBA Draft

Fab Melo will be leaving Syracuse next year to enter the NBA draft.

Melo, a 7-foot sophomore from Brazil, averaged 7.8 points and 5.8 rebounds a game for the Orange. He was also led the Big East in blocks with 88 and was named the Big East’s defensive player of the year.

Melo said:

”Being able to play professional basketball has been my dream since I first starting playing this game and now I have the opportunity to accomplish that dream… Coach (Jim) Boeheim and the rest of the Syracuse staff have helped me develop as a player and as a man, and I will always be appreciative for what they’ve done for me.”

The Associated Press reports that Melo was ineligible for the NCAA tournament this year due to an academic issue. The Brazilian star also missed three games this season for eligibility issues.

Melo said:

“After meeting with my mother, my family and Coach Boeheim, I have decided to enter my name in to the 2012 NBA Draft. Being able to play professional basketball has been my dream since I first starting playing this game and now I have the opportunity to accomplish that dream.”

Fab Melo averaged 2.9 blocks per game last year and helped the Syracuse Orange to a 34.3 finish.

Do you think Fab Melo is making the right choice by entering the NBA draft?