HUMBER'S GRANT NAMED OCAA MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

TORONTO - The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is proud to announce that Malik Grant of Humber Polytechnic has been named its 2024-25 Male Athlete of the Year.

The fourth-year power forward's ability to secure possessions on both ends of the basketball court was a key factor to Humber's success this past season. Playing all 18 regular season games, Grant (Brampton) averaged a team-high 16.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game and maintained an excellent assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.1.

Grant hit double digits in scoring in all but two games, with a season-best 42 coming in a 108-69 home victory over Conestoga on Jan. 22. Grant shot an impressive 17-of-23 (73.9 per cent) from the field and 5-of-7 (71.4 per cent) beyond the three-point arc against the Condors, becoming just the second Humber player since 2011 to record 40-plus points in a game.

Grant was named a Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) All-Canadian, the OCAA Player of the Year, West Division Player of the Year and West Division League First-Team All-Star at season's end. The Hawks ran the table to a West Division title with an 18-0 record.

Grant averaged 14.7 points in Humber's first three post-season games as the Hawks advanced to the OCAA gold medal game and a CCAA championship berth. But Grant was limited to just seven points against the Durham Lords on home court as the Hawks suffered their first loss of the season, 67-61, settling for a silver medal.

Although it was a disappointing finish to the OCAA season, Grant and the Hawks still had an opportunity to go out on top. In their opening game at nationals, Grant was exceptional, scoring a team-high 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting and was one rebound shy of a double-double as Humber defeated Capilano 86-81. Trailing 75-72 with less than four minutes remaining, Grant drained a tying three-pointer as Humber pulled off a comeback.

In the national semi-final against host Vanier, Grant scored a game-high 17 points while adding four rebounds and three assists in Humber's 69-63 victory. Nine of those points came in the fourth quarter, including another late triple as the Hawks pulled out another comeback. Grant was named Player of the Game.

Grant and the Hawks were awarded another opportunity against Durham in an all-OCAA national final. Grant contributed 11 points, two steals and two blocks as the Hawks turned the tables on the OCAA champions, winning the national title by a 76-70 count. Grant was named CCAA Championship MVP.

Grant is not just a dominant presence on the court but also a leader who sets the tone for the Hawks. Known for an unwavering work ethic and ability to inspire others, Grant leads by example, demonstrating resilience, discipline and an unselfish approach to the game. Grant's leadership extends beyond scoring and rebounding, fostering a team-first mentality, ensuring that every player feels valued and motivated.

Off the court, Grant is a strong advocate for fair play, believing that integrity and respect for opponents are just as important as winning. Grant's philosophy is rooted in the idea that true success comes from hard work, sportsmanship, and playing the game the right way. These are values that have made Grant a role model both within the Humber Hawks program and in the broader basketball community.

2024-25 OCAA MAJOR AWARDS

Apr. 8 - Matthew Ferreira, Athletic Administrator of the Year
Apr. 9 - Betty Calic, Coach of the Year
Apr. 10 - Payton Jones & Kale Murray, Rookies of the Year
Apr. 11 - Malik Grant & Kennedy Williscroft, Athletes of the Year

- OCAA -

ABOUT ONTARIO COLLEGES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

For over 50 years, the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association has been a dedicated leader in amateur athletics through the provision of quality varsity and recreational athletic opportunities at the collegiate level.

For additional information please contact:
Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com