Bonzie Colson's NBA Dream On Hold For Notre Dame Dreams
It was an easy decision for Notre Dame forward Bonzie Colson to return for his final year in South Bend.
The 6-foot-6, 225-pounder of course explored the possibility of leaving early and going pro, but there wasn’t a doubt in his mind what he would do no matter what feedback came back from NBA teams. That's because he had goals to accomplish still in South Bend.
“I wanted to come back for my fourth year regardless of what happened,” Colson explained recently. “That’s something I discussed with Coach Mike Brey and my family. Knowing that I wanted to come back and get my degree.
“That’s why I came here and that’s always been a dream of mine — to get a degree, especially from Notre Dame. Ownership of that, and knowing I have a lot to do on improvements in my game as well to maybe get to the next level.”
Expectations will be high for Colson, who was named AP third-team All-American, given his ACC Player of the Year caliber performance last season averaging 17.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. What Colson can do for an encore will be a major storyline for the Irish this season.
“He’s in unbelievable shape, 226, it’s all lean muscle, he’s in the best shape of his life,” Brey said of Colson. “I don’t want him out-thinking himself. We’ve got to know when to get him post touches, when to stretch him out. When he plays his 30-plus minutes, the warrior stuff just takes over and he just makes plays.
“For him, he’s got to take those open 15-18 footers instead of turning them down. We feel really good about his face-up jump shot. Even his three-point shot now is becoming part of the arsenal. My biggest thing is we want to keep him rested and keep him fresh and turn him loose as a warrior three nights a week. Usually the results are pretty good.”
Colson stayed steady all year last season scoring 13-plus points in 30 of 36 games and recording double-doubles in 19. His goal is to improve on that consistency.
“Just trying to me more consistent and efficient,” Colson said of his game. “Try to lead by example. Posting up, shooting it and defending better. I’m definitely trying to be a better defender guarding more positions, talking more, [taking] some charges here and there. Just sharpening my game as best I can.”
Despite the losses of Steve Vasturia and V.J. Beachem, Colson is confident in the Irish heading into the 2017-2018 campaign.
“We have a lot of guys who are ready to buy in the process,” Colson stated, “We always lose guys each year, but everybody is ready to make that next step. A lot of guys are hungry and motivated to play. I think that’s something that is great for us in practices, our competitiveness, everyone is battling and pushing and shoving. I think that’s something that makes our team different…
“We have the tools to get back there. We have the leadership and the best coaches in America. I think with that being said, we can make a lot of noise in college basketball.”
The NBA dream is still alive for Colson, but just on hold for one more year. Having the chance to improve his game before making that step played a part in the decision to return.
“You can think about it, but at the end of the day you have to put the work in and work hard,” Colson said. “Everyone wants to be in that position and everyone is working as hard. You kind of have to figure out what makes you special, what makes you different from everyone else.
“Everyone who picks up a basketball, their dream is to make it to the NBA. You have to find what makes you special and continue to work hard and play with an edge and a chip on your shoulder.”
In so many ways, Colson already has the professional touch in the college game.
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