Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- Former Syracuse University center Fab Melo was selected No. 22 overall by the Boston Celtics in Thursday night's NBA draft. Melo will be joined by former forward Kris Joseph, who was selected in the second round at No. 51.
Melo, who spent SU's NCAA Tournament appearance off the court due to academic issues, will now wear the same jersey that was worn by NBA legends Larry Bird and Bill Russell.
Most scouts weren't deterred by the 7-foot sophomore's off-the-court issues.
The Brazilian born Melo was the Big East Conference's Defensive Player of the Year. He amassed 84 blocks his sophomore season with the Orange and scored 7.8 points per game.
Boston -- who lost in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals to eventual champions, Miami -- is in need of size and depth down low. Defensive stalwart Kendrick Perkins was traded to Oklahoma City in 2011, while future Hall-of-Fame forward Kevin Garnett is a free agent. Melo will be tasked with manning the C's frontcourt.
As for Montreal native Kris Joseph, he was named to the Wooden Award Preseason Top 50 list and started every game last season.
Joseph's earned 1st team all-Big East honors this past year, after leading the Orange with 13.5 points per game, while averaging 4.7 rebounds a contest.
It marks the first time since 1986 that Syracuse had three players drafted into the NBA in the same year.
