The professional ranks grow closer for former WSU forward D.J. Shelton. The California native has long had his sights set on the NBA, and his workout last Monday with the Sacramento Kings is another step toward that goal.

The workout was the first on a long list of NBA pre-draft auditions Shelton has planned for this spring. He said he’s been doing most of his training in Atlanta and has 15 to 20 more workouts scheduled before the draft on June 26.

“I kind of was nervous at the beginning,” Shelton said. “But as things start going I got real comfortable, start shooting real well—once I hit my first shot it kept going.”

Joining Shelton were six other former college athletes: Mike Moser (Oregon), Justin Cobbs (California), Travis Bader (Oakland), Jake Odum (Indiana State) and Kareem Jamar (Montana).

The players began with ball-handling drills to test their ability to shoot and attack the rim off of the dribble. They transitioned into one-on-one and three-on-three scenario drills before moving to off-ball activities and finishing by heaving NBA threes.

Shelton said he was pleased with the day but noted the speed and intensity of the game were challenging at first.

“I think it went well for my first workout in front of an NBA front office and the team,” Shelton said. “I think they liked me. I showed a lot of versatility in the things I did good in. I played hard, and I think they appreciated that.” 

At six-foot-10 and 250 pounds, Shelton no doubt has the body of an NBA player, which he said the Kings’ personnel admired.

 “They contacted my agent afterwards, too, and just let him know that they like my body type, my size, my athleticism, my ability to shoot it at six-10, and just how hard I played and competed there,” he said.

In his senior season, Shelton tied for the conference lead in rebounding, grabbing 10.4 boards per game in Pac-12 play. He averaged a double-double in conference play and finished his career with 14 total, of which 13 came during his final season.

After talks with his agent, who has been in contact with team representatives, Shelton said there’s a “good chance” he will be drafted in June.

“My agent has told me when he brings my name up to other teams in the league, they show a lot of strong interest in me,” he said.

Shelton said he isn’t sure where in the draft order he will be selected but is confident in his ability to make an NBA roster by the fall.

“It’s just all how I perform,” he said.

While he has completed his time as a Cougar, Shelton took the time to weigh in on the recent hiring of WSU men’s basketball head coach Ernie Kent.

“I think that’s a great hire,” Shelton said. “I think he’s gonna come in here, win some games and turn the program around. I really wish I could play, or had another year of eligibility, so I could (play under Kent).”

Shelton graduated on Saturday with a bachelor’s degree in general studies. His mother Lashanda, father Davon and younger brother Dashawn were in attendance.