TORONTO - The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA)
proudly recognizes George Brown College men's basketball
student-athlete Vadim Halimov as its 2013-14 OCAA
male athlete of the year.
Named the OCAA men's basketball player of the year, Halimov
(Uzbekistan) won the OCAA East and overall scoring championship in
record fashion, scoring 624 points to shatter the previous
conference single season scoring record of 582 set by Marv
Snowden of George Brown in 1973-74.
Halimov's average of 31.2 points per game was the most by an OCAA
player since Snowden averaged 34.2 his record setting season.
Halimov was successful on 162 free throws, setting another new OCAA
single season standard previously held by Perry
Doukas of Centennial College. Doukas scored on 156 free
throws in 1974-75.
Halimov's career total of 1,903 points is the new OCAA standard,
breaking the previous mark of 1,833 set by Anthony
Batchelor of Durham College between 2004-05 and 2008-09.
It wasn't all about scoring for the fifth-year forward as he was
second in the OCAA with 211 rebounds and seventh among players with
40 steals.
Halimov was also named an OCAA East Division first-team
all-star. George Brown finished in second place in the OCAA East
Division with a 15-5 record, earning a trip to the OCAA
championship tournament.
Following his record-breaking regular season, Halimov scored 30
points and grabbed 16 rebounds in a tough 99-89 OCAA quarter-final
loss in overtime to eventual provincial champion Sheridan. George
Brown eventually bowed out in the OCAA bronze medal semi-finals,
with Halimov averaging 27.3 points and 12.3 rebounds in three
post-season games.
"With so many great athletes in this great province, it is an
honour for Vadim to win such an award," said George Brown men's
basketball head coach Jonathan Smith. "He is an
amazing young man that stands for all that is good about
student-athletes - pride, dedication and drive both on and off the
court."
Nationally, Halimov was named the Canadian Collegiate Athletic
Association (CCAA) men's basketball player of the year as well as
an all-Canadian. Scholastically, he received SIRC-CCAA academic
all-Canadian and OCAA all-academic awards based on his achievements
in George Brown's business administration - marketing program.
"Vadim has excelled in every way possible this year," praises
George Brown manager of athletics Ed Mark. "He had
broken several records and established himself as one of the best
players in the history of the OCAA. I am most impressed in how he
handled the pressure this year in academics, leading the team, and
in all the media exposure."
"He is truly a class act and very proud in having him being a part
of George Brown."
Overall in his five seasons in the OCAA, Halimov is a three-time
OCAA first-team all-star; a one-time OCAA second-team all-star; and
a member of the all-rookie team (2008-09). Halimov is the first
student-athlete from George Brown to be awarded OCAA athlete of the
year.
Halimov will formally be presented his OCAA athlete of the year
award later this month. Kelly Nyhof of Humber
College was named OCAA female athlete of the year on Tuesday. A
complete list of OCAA all-academics will be released Thursday.
- OCAA -
ABOUT ONTARIO COLLEGES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is a recognized
leader in intercollegiate athletics in the province, dedicated to
student athlete and sport development. The OCAA has 29 members
sponsoring 11 sports.
For additional information please contact:
Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
Fax: 416-426-7308
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com