Velvious was a graduate of Cherokee Vocational High School in 1992, Shoals Community College in 1994 and Middle Tennessee State University in 1997. During high school he lettered 4 years in basketball, 3 years in football and 2 years in track. During his senior season he averaged 24 points and 10 rebounds per contest and was selected All-Area, All-County and was named the 1A-3A Times Daily Player of the Year. Additionally as a member of the Indians track team he set the state record in the long jump. After high school he received a scholarship to Shoals Community College where he led the Stallions in scoring, averaging 21 points per game. During his sophomore season he was named to the All A.J.C.C. team and played in the conference All-Star game. Following Junior College he was awarded a scholarship to MTSU. His junior season with the Blue 
Raiders of Middle Tennessee was highlighted by an overtime win over a national ranked Vanderbilt squad in which he led the team in scoring 14 points. Velvious senior season withe MTSU was plagued by injuries hampering his playing time.