Fresno State Offers Titus Shelton

After having somewhat of an up-and-down junior campaign, Titus Shelton, the 6-foot-7, 245-pound combo forward from Bakersfield High School in Bakersfield, CA., is ready to take the summer by storm. After dealing with a nagging injury for most of the year, Shelton was at his best when his teammates needed him the most, which happened to be during the playoffs.

“Titus was injured at the start of the season, so that really set him back, but it also had an impact on our team,” Bakersfield High School head coach Justin Hutson said. “He scored 21 points and grabbed 14 rebounds during our semifinal game. During the championship game, Titus scored nine points and grabbed 12 rebounds. He has been a big time player for us during the playoffs.

“Last year as a sophomore, Titus averaged 13.5 points and 12.5 rebounds,” he added. “We had Robert Swift on our squad this year, so Titus saw his numbers drop to 11.5 points and 10.9 rebounds, but he was just as important to us this year. Titus was the league MVP last year, so I guess he is a little disappointed about his performance this year, but there is no doubt that he is going to have an outstanding summer.”

A number of high major programs have expressed an interest in Shelton for a variety of reasons. Not only has he been a steady performer for Bakersfield High School, but Shelton happens to have a load of potential and a great deal of upside.

“Everybody has been calling or requesting information about Titus,” Coach Hutson said. “Fresno State is the only school that has offered him a scholarship, but Utah State, Washington, Washington State, USC, Florida, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Oregon State and Louisville are the schools showing the most interest right now. Most of the schools have been out to watch him play, and others have indicated that they definitely want to see him this summer.

“Titus is really a great kid, both on and off the court,” he added. “He has a core GPA of 2.85, but his overall GPA is 3.2. There is no doubt that he is going to qualify, so that wont be a problem. Titus has a nice 15-foot jump shot; he is great on the low blocks and has developed a nice hook shot. He will be traveling with EBO this summer, so I really anticipate Titus having a big summer. Once the summer is over, I think he will be the type a player that scores 20-points and grabs 12 rebounds per game next year. He definitely has that ability.”

Shelton happens to be the son of former NBA player Lonnie Shelton.