ARLINGTON, Texas - Standout center for UT Arlington basketball in 2017-18, Johnny Hamilton inked his first professional contract with the NBA's Detroit Pistons on Tuesday.

Posting to his Twitter account to announce the news, Hamilton said "What a day to be alive, Thanks to the almighty, my family and coaches for having my back and helping me grow into the man I am today. I couldn't do it without you all. Thanks to the Detroit Pistons for granting my first opportunity to be a professional athlete."

While the one-year, partially guaranteed deal doesn't mean that Hamilton will be suiting up in the Pistons jersey in the upcoming season, it continues his growth with the organization in training camp. The Pistons have the option of having Hamilton joining the G-League's Grand Rapids Drive when the season starts. 

Hamilton scored 11.1 points per game for UTA in 2017-18 after transferring from Virginia Tech. He picked up 8.1 rebounds per game and a team-high 2.3 blocks. In the Las Vegas Summer League, he didn't make a start, but picked up minutes that earned him the nod from Bleacher Report as one of the best center's on the roster.