Auburn Hills, MI -- (Sports Network) - The Detroit Pistons have signed forward Walter Sharpe, a second-round pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.

Sharpe was chosen with the 32nd overall selection of the draft. The University of Alabama-Birmingham product played in just 12 games last season and averaged 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocked shots.

"Walter is a young, athletic small forward with good size and intriguing skills," said Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars. "We look forward to seeing him grow and mature as a player in our system."

Sharpe played for Mississippi State during the 2005-06 season and averaged 9.3 points with 5.0 rebounds, then sat out a year as a transfer when he left for UAB.