Storm sign second Supercat in signing coup

BELLARINE Storm, in a major signing coup, has snared its second member of last year’s Geelong United Supercats roster as preparations for 2024 heat up.

The Storm announced last week American import and sharpshooting guard Nick Velazquez will call the Bellarine Storm home in 2024, inking a year-long deal as part of Luke Beauglehall’s roster.

Velasquez is the second Supercat to be signed to Bellarine in recent weeks with former teammate Liam McInerney also committing to the Storm next year.

“My expectation is to compete every night and ultimately win a championship,” Velasquez said.

“I feel like we added some great pieces to the puzzle and I’m excited to be on board.

“Big thank you to the Storm staff for trusting me and bringing me to the club”.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, the 190cm guard played for Union College, Jackson, and then Tennessee, before heading to Armenia in 2022-23 before joining the Supercats.

 

 

Velasquez was a go-to option for former coach Grant Wallace at Geelong United, posting double-figure points nine times throughout the 2023 NBL1 season and frequently getting the starting nod throughout the campaign.

Among the performances was a memorable season-high score of 23 points against North West Tasmania, showing his proficiency as both as a distributor of the ball and a dangerous outside option.

Velasquez also shot a consistent 38 per cent from downtown in 2023.

“Having another NBL1 quality player is great for our club and our association as we push to be a contender in 2024,” Bellarine Storm general manager Aaron Lothian said.

“The Bellarine Storm are excited by what Nick will bring to the side both on and off court in the coming season as we get to work on the 2024 Big V season.”

The Storm are expected to make more player signing announcements in the coming weeks.