De’Anthony Melton leaving USC to turn pro
De’Anthony Melton has not played for USC this season after his eligibility was called into question as part of the FBI’s widespread investigation into college basketball recruiting, and the sophomore guard has decided to call it quits.
On Wednesday, Melton announced that he is withdrawing from USC to focus on preparing for a pro basketball career.
I would like to announce pic.twitter.com/H2EDvQyZfg
— DeanthonyMelton (@DeAnthonyMelton) February 21, 2018
Melton was suspended for the entire 2017-2018 season in January after USC officials determined a close family friend of his, Dave Elliott, received an improper benefit when he accepted a plane ticket and possibly payment for a hotel room at a basketball event in Las Vegas. USC athletic director Lynn Swann said the Trojans would have risked having to eventually forfeit wins if Melton had played.
An FBI investigation into college basketball recruiting claims to have uncovered mass corruption across several programs. Louisville is one of the schools involved, though the Cardinals were handed massive sanctions on Tuesday as part of a separate scandal.
USC is 19-9 on the season and currently second place in the Pac-12.
