Hamilton grew up playing football for the Pasadena Trojans Pop Warner program but stopped in eighth grade when he thought it was getting too physical and he had a growth spurt.

As a junior, Hamilton averaged 24.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game and was named Pasadena Star-News All-Area Player of the Year.

[2] In his senior season, he averaged 24.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, repeating as Pasadena Star-News All-Area Player of the Year.

[6] As a junior, Hamilton averaged 17.9 points and 6 rebounds per game, earning Second Team All-Mountain West honors.

[15] On September 7, 2023, Hamilton signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers,[16] but was waived eleven days later.

[20] Hamilton's older brother, Blake, played college basketball for Buffalo before embarking on a professional career.