MIAMI (AP) — It's a hectic time for Justin Hamilton.
The 7-footer just graduated from LSU with a sociology degree. He's getting married later this summer. And he's going to spend the next couple weeks trying to impress the Miami Heat.
Hamilton is one of the hopefuls in camp with the Heat starting last weekend, as the team puts together a roster to compete later this month at the NBA summer league in Las Vegas. Miami's summer roster will play five games July 15-21.
“It's great to be chosen by the world champions,” said Hamilton, who was the 45th pick in this year's NBA draft. “It's a great organization and when I went down there and worked out for them I really enjoyed it. And so I'm just really excited and happy to be a part of it. It's going to be a lot of fun.”
At least three players from the Miami roster that won the NBA title — Dexter Pittman, Norris Cole and Terrel Harris — are expected to be on the team that plays for the Heat in Las Vegas, as well.
Being a second-round pick would suggest that Hamilton is a significant long shot to join LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the rest of the Heat for their championship defense next season.
Hamilton grew up in a highly athletic, highly competitive household. His father, Larry Hamilton, played for BYU's 1984 national championship football team. His mother, Tami Hamilton, was a two-time all-conference volleyball player at BYU and set an NCAA record for assists in a season.
And as Hamilton grew, his game grew quickly with him. His breakout summer came just before his senior year of high school, helping him earn a chance to play at Iowa State. After two years, he transferred to LSU.
Hamilton was a second-team All-SEC player this past season at LSU, after averaging 12.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. He shot 49 percent from the floor, 78 percent from the line and has shown good touch when he steps away from the basket.
Photo: Justin Hamilton
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