Just like everything that has to do with basketball, whether it be college or professional, rumors are always swirling around. And yesterday there were a few floating around the Syracuse campus that center Fab Melo would declare for the NBA draft.
And today, there’s proof.
Syracuse.com reported that Fab released a statement earlier today stating that he has decided to forgo his junior season:
“After meeting with my mother, my family and coach Boeheim, I have decided to enter my name into 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. Coach Boeheim, coach Hopkins 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. I wish Syracuse University, the basketball program and the Syracuse fans nothing but the best.”
As a still very raw sophomore center, Melo was named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year after averaging 7.8 points and 5.8 rebounds for Syracuse, while blocking 88 shots to lead the Big East in blocks per game. He was a major factor for ‘Cuse for the entire season and helped lead them to a 34-3 record, but was ultimately missed in the NCAA tournament after he was deemed ineligible to play due to academic issues. He was reinstated once this year already because of struggles with his school work.
Fab is still new to the game of basketball, which has been noticeable since high school and during his two seasons with Syracuse, but most mock drafts have him rated as a late first-round pick to and early second-round pick. If he can land on the right team in the NBA that has the right coaching staff to help develop his moves in the post, he has a chance at becoming a Kendrick Perkins-type player.
