Syracuse Orange basketball center Fabricio Melo has decided to sign with an agent and enter the 2012 NBA Draft (via Syracuse).

Melo released the following statement on Thursday:

"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. 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."

Melo averaged 7.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.9 blocks for the Orange as a Sophomore. He showed drastic improvements in his game from his Freshman season. This past season, Melo helped Syracuse earn a No. 1 seed in the 2012 NCAA Tournament before he was ruled ineligible by the NCAA for the tournament. Without Melo, the Orange lost in the Elite Eight to Ohio State.

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