Titus proves to be titanic threat on the court

If there was such a thing as a Shelton tree, it would definitely grow in the agricultural lush lands of the San Joaquin Valley. Because from the flat land nestled between the Sierra Nevada and Coastal Mountain Range originates a family proven to produce ripe and seasoned athletes like Cal Poly men’s basketball senior forward Titus Shelton.

The fruit of Lonnie and Cathy Shelton’s labor are sons that impress those that watch them play on Saturday or Sunday; on wood floors or turf.

From L.J., who plays offensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers, to Timothy who plays forward for the San Diego State men’s basketball team, talent is without a doubt in the genes.

Lonnie himself played in the NBA for 10 years, winning an NBA championship with the Seattle Super Sonics in 1979.

A father with that kind of background can put an extensive amount of pressure on a child, but not in Titus’ case.

“My father never pressured me to play a sport, he wasn’t around much when I was kid,” he explained. “But when I grew up and he was around more, he told me that I didn’t have to play a sport.”

“LJ, because he was older was compared to my father a lot and I think that winged him away from playing basketball. I think not having my father around was better for me because it allowed me to do things my own way.”

Thus far Shelton’s approach has translated into 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. Last year alone he racked up 31 career blocks which placed him second in career blocks at Cal Poly with 82. He was named Big West Conference Defensive Player of the Year after his sophomore year when he accumulated 38 blocks in 27 games; and he is only improving.

In the offseason, Shelton went through an extensive workout routine with his brother in which he lost nearly 20 pounds. The loss became a gain, helping Shelton to became a greater threat to his opponents.

“Losing the weight has definitely made me quicker and I’ve played more minutes than I have in the past,” Shelton said.

Although some have called Shelton the total package like junior guard Charles Anderson, you wouldn’t know that by talking to the 6-foot-7 humble “valley kid” who opted for Cal Poly over other schools like Fresno State, because “the team here felt like family. There are always a great group of guys here.” Here he reconnected with Anderson who he played with for two years at Bakersfield High School.

“No one could guard him, as big as he is now, he was just as big in high school,” Anderson said. “Obviously he’s grown as a basketball player. He’s a lot better now, and more patient.”

Shelton would later leave Bakersfield after his coach was discharged for reasons Shelton disapproved.

“I tried to do it the right way by moving to Fresno, but the media stuff; people saying things that have to do with politics. It was hard; I didn’t get to play my senior year.”

It was not all negative, though; the controversial move from Bakersfield High School to the private San Joaquin Memorial High School in Fresno, created new friendships and a new home for him.

“Whenever I play against Fresno, or I play in Bakersfield I feel at home. It’s like having two hometowns.”

Shelton would later graduate from Clovis West High School in Fresno.

So when Cal Poly played back to back games with Fresno State and Cal State Bakersfield, losing both in a tightly contested fashion, Shelton took the losses to heart.

“That was tough losing to them because I always want to give them a good show and beat them,” he said, especially since many of the players from those schools were people he had played with at one point in his life.

But other than his fierce competitiveness, a trait that is brought up as much as his athletic ability is his humility.

“He’s one of the nicest guys you will ever meet,” said Anderson. “He tries to help out the younger guys who are going to take his spot when he leaves.”

“Titus has the biggest heart. What he has, he gives you,” Cal Poly head coach Bromley agreed.

That generosity can be seen on the court, because while he gets double teamed often, Shelton relies on his team to put points on the board.

“Titus’ biggest area that he needs to continue to grow in is. when he gets demanding: ‘I want the ball in my hands,’ he kind of construes that as being selfish,” Bromley said. “He is such the giver, almost unselfish to a fault.”

He has definitely made an impression on freshman forward David Hanson from Minnesota who considers Shelton a gentle giant.

“I really look to him because he leads by example. He brings energy everyday to practice. He works his tail off. I see that and try to do the same,” Hanson said.

One day Shelton plans on playing overseas in Europe, but until then Bromley said that Shelton has shown an interest in another sport.

“He’s contemplating going out for the football team in the spring. I think he’ll be a terrific tight end.” A fifth year of eligibility can certainly grant him that opportunity.

If that is the case, Alex G. Spanos stadium may be another venue where Shelton; at least with his work ethic.

Because regardless of how many seats are filled at Mott Gym, his coaches, teammates and fans clearly say he always plays as if the place is packed.

“People don’t know how much seeing their faces, hearing them in crowd helps out their team,” Bromley said. “We love their support. Them being here makes us that much better whether they know it or not.”

From roughing up his brother Timothy playing basketball as a child, Shelton has matured into a much appreciated leader.

“Cal Poly has had many great athletes,” Bromley said. “(Titus) is one of the greatest athletes to have ever played a sport at Cal Poly. We’re very fortunate to have him.”