Former Syracuse Center Fab Melo has been drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 22nd pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.
Melo was one of the bigger stories in the Big East this season, coming back for his sophomore season with a new frame and a new game, and won the Big East Defensive Player of the Year Award. He averaged 2.9 blocks a game, blocking 10 shots against Seton Hall.
While his play on the court was outstanding enough for the Celtics to draft him, Melo encountered struggles off the court in his sophomore season. He missed three games in the middle of the year due to an academic issue. After he was reinstated, Melo played well, which had many thinking the Orange could go all the way to the national title game. But, on the night before the Orange's first NCAA Tournament game, the NCAA declared Melo ineligible for the rest of the season, leading to Melo's decision to leave school early.
The Celtics also chose former Ohio State star Jared Sullinger with the 21st pick.
In the 2nd round, the Celtics kept their Orange theme going taking Kris Joseph with the 21st pick of the 2nd round.
Joseph, who led SU in scoring in 2011-2012 figured to learn under the tutiledge of fellow small forward Paul Pierce while in Boston.
Former SU Football star Chandler Jones tweeted out earlier Thursday night that he and Melo would be enjoying Boston.
