Zaid Caps Off Unbelievable Season
Usama Zaid of the VIU Mariners has been named the PACWEST Athlete of the Year across all sports
The PACWEST is proud to announce Usama Zaid of the VIU Mariners as the men’s Athlete of the Year across all sports.
The California native was simply dominating each time he stepped on the floor regardless of how important the game was. During the regular season he finished second in CCAA scoring, averaging 28.4 points per game and led the Mariners with 9.1 rebounds each game.
In the playoffs, Zaid took his game to the next level. In six post season contests, he averaged 34.3 points a game and 9.3 rebounds. In the PACWEST gold medal game against Capilano he scored 24 points and seven rebounds. However it was the CCAA bronze medal game when Zaid showed his true skill scoring a championship high 55 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
With his terrific season winding down, the accolades started rolling in. He was named the PACWEST men’s basketball Player of the Year, the PACWEST Championship tournament MVP, a CCAA First Team All-Star, a CCAA All-Canadian and the CCAA Player of the Year. Over the course of the regular season he was named the PACWEST Athlete of the Week four times.
Zaid becomes the third straight Mariner and fifth in six years to win the Athlete of the Year honour. A list of the winners is below.
2016-2017 – Usama Zaid (MBB)
2015-2016 – Josh Ross (MBB)
2014-2015 – Victor Blasco (MSC) & Justin King (MBB)
2012-2013 – Brandon Jones (MBB)
2011-2012 – Jared Stephens (MVB)
Congratulations Usama Zaid!