Punahou's Velasquez signs with Western Washington

Punahou standout Nick Velasquez signed a letter of intent to play for Western Washington University. Evan Asato | SL

Punahou basketball standout Nick Velasquez signed a national letter of intent to play at Western Washington University Wednesday at a ceremony held at the Pacific Revival Center.

"It feels good knowing that you have a place to go and you just feel like you're ready to take on that next challenge." said Velasquez of signing his letter of intent today.

The 6-foot-2 Velasquez was named the ILH Division I Player of the Year, averaging 13.8 points per game during the regular season while hitting nearly 82 percent of his free throws attempts.

"They are a really high D2 school for basketball." said Velasquez when asked about Western Washington. "They are also the number two public business school in the nation and I plan on going into marketing."

The Vikings have Hawaii programs BYU-Hawaii and Chaminade on their schedule every other year, and Velasquez is excited for the opportunity to play back at home during his college career.

"I hope to see all of my family and friends there, all of the people who have been supporting me these past few years at Punahou." said Velasquez.

Western Washington competes in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference in Mens Basketball and finished with a 31-3 record last season. The Vikings reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division II tournament in 2013, where they fell to eventual champion Drury, 107-97.