While at Wheaton College, Mel was selected as a three-time All-American basketball player.

[1] He was also selected as the Most Outstanding Player of the 1957 NCAA Men's Division II basketball tournament, as Wheaton College won the inaugural NCAA Division II tournament.

[2] Mel finished his career at Wheaton College, averaging 22.7 points and 15.8 rebounds per game.

On August 15, 1963, Mel signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Bullets.

Mel made his ABA debut on October 13, 1967, for the Oakland Oaks.