On Wednesday afternoon Brampton, ON’s Melvin Ejim  announced via his personal twitter account that he has officially signed his first pro deal since recently graduating from Iowa State. Ejim a product of CIA Bounce averaged 17.8 points per game and 8.7 rebounds per game for Fred Hoiberg’s Cyclones in 2013-14 and in the process picked up a Big 12 Player Of The Year Award.

Ejim in Italy with the Canadian Men’s National Team will join Vitrus Roma who finished sixth place in the Italian league last season. They last won the Italian league in 1983 and followed it up with an Euro League championship in 1984.  Melvin will join seven American’s on the roster and aims to bring his winning pedigree to Rome this fall.

Other prominent players that have suited up for the Roma based club in the past are Brandon Jennings (1 season: ’08–’09), Anthony Parker (1 season: ’02–’03) and also fellow Canadian Leo Rautins (1 season: ’85–’86).

During his stellar senior season Ejim also set a Big 12 record for most points in a game with 48 versus TCU in February.

On the team website General Manager Nicola Alberani had this to offer on hiring Ejim:

“Melvin is a player of great substance and energy, able to play at least two roles. And he is excited to come to Rome and made a financial sacrifice in order to accept our proposal. I think it fits him well with the type of young players, hungry and athletic we are trying to form in our mosaic.”

Also Head coach Luca Dalmonte added: “Ejim is a player of great energy from both point of views defensive and offensive, and dangerous with good perimeter hazard. He holds the position of wing. Can be used as a small forward or power forward. It’s a rookie first-hand experience in Europe but account for him to be motivated to bring us quality.”

The Italy-Serie A regular season runs from October through May. Melvin now has the opportunity to make some money in a perfect situation developing his skills with a prominent club in Europe. Although overseas Ejim with lots of support on this side of the world will work hard then bring it back home to Canada! Congrats Melvin Ejim!