 Hughes graduated from Walnut Hills High School, in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1991, and afterwards, he attended Thomas More College.He was a four-year standout while at TMC, during the 1992–1996 seasons.He is the only player in the now defunct conference (AMC), to have been the Rookie of the Year, a four-time Player of the Year, a four-time Conference First Team Selection, a three-time Tournament MVP, a four-time Tournament First Team selection, and a four-time scoring leader.