College Commitment: RJ Veliz (2019 Woodburn HS)
Through the recruiting process, a number of different options emerged for RJ Veliz. The solid 6-foot-2, 180-pound guard heard from college programs at all levels, earning some scholarship offers and also a Division I walk-on opportunity close to home. All along it was about the right fit for Veliz – both on and off the floor – and on Tuesday night the Woodburn senior had found exactly that when he announced that he will be signing with St. Martin’s.
“I decided it was the right fit after I went on campus again last week after my offer,” Veliz said. “Coach (Alex) Pribble took a job at Seattle U but he talked to me how perfect of a fit he thought I was and how they are still going to be competing for GNAC championships in the future. What sealed the deal for me was talking with the Athletic Director there. He made me feel at home and a priority for them as a program and university. I felt as if it met my needs Academically, spiritually, and athletically.”
Veliz made his choice of the Saints even though the coach that made him the offer – Pribble – recently announced he would be moving on to be an assistant coach at the University of Seattle. So while Pribble won’t be coaching him in college, Veliz still loves what’s still there at St. Martin’s with the basketball program.
“I feel like I fit in perfectly especially with the guys they have already and coming in,” Veliz said. “I feel like I can contribute by being able to shoot and score, but also defend at a high level which is exactly the style they play.”
Most importantly for Veliz though was the fit off the floor – something that helped him pick the Saints over other Division II options and walking on at the University of Portland. “I liked the community atmosphere, it really felt like Home, as well as the religious aspect,” Veliz said. “Even with other D2 schools such as Point Loma and coaches still on staff at Western Oregon I felt as if I didn’t need to wait. Saint Martins fits me in every aspect!”
Veliz will be signing his national letter-of-intent at Woodburn High School on Friday afternoon. He currently ranks as the #11 player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2019 rankings.