ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Simon Hildebrandt
Manitoba Bisons
- Forward
- First-year
- Winnipeg, MB
- University One
Simon Hildebrandt makes history with his Rookie of the Year honour. The Winnipeg, MB product becomes the first Bisons men's basketball player in Canada West history to win the award.
Hildebrandt was a major key to the Bisons' success this season, stepping onto Canada West court like he's lived there for the past four years. The rookie showed poise right away, establishing himself as a major scoring threat and leading his Bisons to the best record in the conference (18-2). That record also made history for the Bisons as the best in the existence of the program.
Hildebrandt averaged 16.5 points per game, sharp shooting 41.2 per cent from beyond the arc. He was steely-nerved under pressure, setting a third Bisons record this season, this time for consecutive free throws.
Hildebrandt excelled in every situation, helping his team overcome deficits or closing out close games. He pushed his Bisons to erase a seven-point lead in the final minute of a game against Brandon in January.
An elite player in just his first season, Hildebrandt is showing Bisons' fans there's much to be excited about.
"We knew coming in that Simon was going to be an impact player for us. I think he's really embraced his role. He's exceeded even our loftiest expectations in terms of what he can bring on a nightly basis. The future is certainly very bright for Simon."
-Kirby Schepp, Head Coach, Manitoba Bisons
Source: https://canada-west.prezly.com/victorias-diego-maffia-named-cw-player-of-the-year