PITTSBURGH - Center Michael Hughes, who finished his Duquesne career in March as the most accurate shooter in school history, has signed to play professionally for BC GGMT Vienna of the Austrian Basketball Superliga.

Hughes, who transferred to Duquesne following his freshman season at Akron, started 72 games and scored in double digits 47 times in his three-year Duquesne career.

The 6-8, 240-pound Kansas City, Mo. native shot .562 from the field as a Duke, breaking the school record of .561 set by 1994 NBA second round draft pick Derrick Alston (1991-94). Hughes, who led the Atlantic 10 Conference blocks in conference games only in two of his three seasons on the Bluff, finished fourth on DU's all-time blocked shots list with 177. His 2.3 blocks per game average was the third-best in school history.

"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," said Hughes. "I couldn't be more thankful for this opportunity and can't wait to make my supporters proud!"

Hughes, who played for Duquesne teams that went a combined 49-31, finished his career with 863 career points, including 35 in 20 games at Akron.

Said BC GGMT Vienna head coach Aramis Naglic roughly translated per 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."

Hughes joins Baylee Steele, who plays for PGE Spojnia Stargard in the Polish EBL, as the second former Duke to sign a professional contract in the past three years.