"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," Melo said in a statement released by the school.
The 7'0", 255-pounder out of Brazil averaged about eight points and six rebounds per game this season. He was unable to play in the tournament due to academic issues.
In other news, after three UNC Tar Heels declared for the NBA Draft (Harrison Barnes, John Henson, Kendall Marshall, including Tyler Zeller who graduated), James Michael McAdoo had to decide if he wanted to go as well.
After a wait, the freshman power forward announced that he will stay for his sophomore season with the Tar Heels.
"I love being at Carolina and really enjoy competing with and being around my teammates and am excited about what we can do together next season," McAdoo said in a statement. "Every young basketball player wants to have as much information about his future and understand what others in the game think about him.
"It's been interesting to learn the information that Coach (Roy) Williams has gathered, but I am ready to continue as a Tar Heel. I'm enjoying my time in Chapel Hill and am excited about the future for my team and me."McAdoo averaged about six points and four rebounds last season.
