He has done it again.
Vadim Halimov had heard the buzz.
But now, it's official.
Halimov, whose performance on the College basketball court this past season was nothing short of spectacular, has another award to add to his cherished collection.
Nicknamed "Vadim The Dream", Halimov is now the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association Male Athlete of the Year – a first, according to the OCAA records, for a George Brown student.
Having already accumulated a loaded treasure chest of accomplishments, including recipient of the Canadian College Player of the Year award and picked George Brown College Male Athlete of the Year, this one is just a notch different.
To put it in some perspective, the OCAA's Male Basketball Player of the Year is now the premier male athlete among all 30 colleges and universities that compete in the league.
Impressive, you bet it is for the 25-year old who has had a banner year sweeping up awards, setting OCAA record – three of them – and, earlier this month, having his No. 24 jersey retired at George Brown to celebrate his achievements.
"You bet I am surprised," said Halimov, a native of Uzbekistan and a player who learned the game of hoops in his teens – far later than most individuals. "I didn't expect anything like this – being chosen the best among every College in Ontario."
Halimov is also being considered for the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Male Athlete of the Year. Not many athletes have achieved, in one year, what Halimov has done on the hardwood – and toss in the suitcase of awards.
"It has been an incredible season for (Halimov) and we are so proud of his success," said Ed Mark, Manager of Athletics at George Brown. "While he has exhibited a great talent on the basketball court, what has also stood out is his leadership, maturity and being one of the top academic student athletes."
Halimov, now a Business Marketing student, came to George Brown last year after what he called becoming disenchanted during his four previous years at Seneca College.
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In his only year with the Huskies, Halimov had piled up 15 major awards – including a CCAA and OCAA first-team all-star, and is hoping to continue playing basketball in Europe. - DG
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