Dayton Mickens’ basketball career officially extended early this week when he signed a scholarship offer from Shelton State.

“I got the offer at the last minute. when I heard, I was surprised because it was a full ride,” Mickens said of the the opportunity. “I think (the Shelton State coaches) were looking for good people. Since they gave me a full ride, I guess that means I’m one of the good people they were looking for.”

“I think he’s got a big upside,” Shelton State head coach Barry Mohun said of the 6-foot-8-inch Sunshine center. “He’s aggressive and he runs the runs the floor well. Getting a little stronger and bigger will be a big help to his game. The way he can run the floor and change shots and rebound, he can help in a lot of ways.”

At Shelton, Mickens will be reunited with former teammate and 2008 Bucaneer signee Justin Wagner.

“It made me more comfortable,” Mickens said of his familiarity with Wagner. “Plus, I got to try out with the team and got to know a lot of the guys up there.”

For Mohun, Wagner’s success at Shelton made it easier to put stock in Mickens’ abilities.

“The people and the coaches that are around (Sunshine players) really sets them up to be successful,” Mohun said.

“That’s one of your goals as a high school coach,” Sunshine head coach Walter Jones said. “You feel like you’re getting something accomplished when you give a kid an opportunity.”

Mickens said he is looking to develop his abilities during his Shelton State tenure in view of potentially moving on to a four-year college.

“I’m one of those players that has a dream and my dream is to play basketball at college and in the upper levels,” Mickens said. “I’m going to try hard to achieve my dreams.”

“He’s a great kid from a great family,” Jones said. “He has endless potential. I’m looking for great things from him.”