It was just about this time that Vadim Halimov hoped to be playing professional basketball in Germany or Israel.
After a stunning College career, capped by an Ontario record-shattering graduating year while playing at George Brown College, the most decorated player in Husky history has hit a roadblock.
Halimov has encountered setbacks in his life in past, but every time he worked diligently to overcome them with admirable success. And there is no doubt this latest episode will also be overcome.
But it will take patience.
The 25-year old shooting guard had an inkling something was wrong when – invited to practice with Brampton of the National Basketball League – slipped on the hardwood. He went to make his favorite move, took a spin and went down
George Brown's Male Athlete of the Year and the top College athlete in Ontario during the 2013/14 season, had trouble walking, experienced pain, swelling and saw a doctor. Then, came the bad news.
"I was told the anterior cruciate ligament in my right knee was torn and the lateral cruciate ligament also had a tear," said a dejected Halimov. "It's a common problem with athletes and I had an MRI at Scarborough General Hospital but the results were not good."
Halimov knew that if he wanted to continue playing basketball, he would need corrective surgery – and that will happen on July 8 in Toronto. Taking a year off would allow for rehabilitation and he could return with a much better and stronger knee.
Sports medicine has come a long way and, as Halimov knows, torn ligaments no longer means the end of an athlete's career. Just ask Toronto Raptor Kyle Lowry who had a similar injury during his College career and excelled in the National Basketball Association.
Former Minnesota rookie sensation Ricky Rubio, Chicago all-star Derrick Rose and Denver's Al Harrington, are among the many, who have also had ligament tears, surgery and returned to the NBA.
"No one likes surgery, but I'm optimistic and the sooner I do it the better it is for me," said Halimov, who set three Ontario Colleges Athletic Association records this past year among the numerous accolades bestowed his way in a memorable post-secondary career.
"Sure I'm very disappointed, but it's just another stepping stone and I won't give up. In fact, I want to play even more because I know I still have lots to contribute to basketball before the time comes when I will have to end my playing career."
George Brown head coach Jonathan Smith said he's offered an assistant coaching position to Halimov while he is on the mend.
Smith knows Halimov's knowledge of the sport, his enthusiastic relationship with players and his positive outlook on education and sport are a huge plus to the Huskies.
"I am very fortunate to have learned a great deal from (Smith) and when he asked me to help, I knew it would get my mind off the knee, keep me involved with basketball and not feeling sorry for myself," said Halimov. "It'll be my first shot at coaching." - DG
