Center Michael Hughes, the most accurate shooter in Duquesne basketball history, has signed a contract to play professionally for BC GGMT Vienna of the Austrian Basketball Superliga. He joins former teammate Baylee Steele, who plays for PGE Spojnia Stargard in the Polish EBL, as the second ex-Duquesne player in the past three years to sign a professional contract.
Hughes, who transferred to Duquesne following his freshman season at Akron, shot 56.2% from field for his career, breaking the school record of 56.1% set in 1994 by Derrick Alston.
Hughes (6-foot-8, 240 pounds) started 72 games in three years at Duquesne and scored in double digits 47 times. He is fourth on Duquesne’s all-time blocked shots list with 177, and he finished his career with 863 points, including 35 in 20 games at Akron.
“Signing my first pro contract is a major milestone in my career, and even more of a blessing after all I’ve been through to get to this point over the past year,” Hughes said. “I couldn’t be more thankful for this opportunity and can’t wait to make my supporters proud.”
BC GGMT Vienna head coach Aramis Naglic said in a news release, “Michael is a player with enormous athleticism who will make our game faster and more attractive. I am sure that Michael will develop enormously here with us.”
