Colson, Farrell Featured In The Big Lead's Top 50 List
Even with the losses of V.J. Beachem and Steve Vasturia, expectations remain the same in South Bend this year thanks in large part to the return of seniors Bonzie Colson and Matt Farrell.
Colson, a forward who averaged 17.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game last season, is a potential Preseason ACC Player of the Year candidate and All-American. Farrell is considered one of the rising point guards in the ACC and the nation after averaging 14.1 points and 5.4 assists in his first season as a starter.
The senior duo will be counted on to continue last year’s efforts and carry the Irish to a potential ACC championship. Both players are being recognized in the preseason as top players heading into their final season in South Bend by the national media. The latest comes from The Big Lead, affiliated with USA Today, who placed Colson and Farrell in the website’s top 50 players heading into the upcoming season. Full List Here
To determine the order of the rankings, the site examines the player’s NBA value, individual talent and how important the player is to the program’s success for the given year. Each is worth one-third toward the overall ranking.
Colson came in the highest of the two players ranking at No. 7 overall. Here’s what Jason McIntyre, author of the list, offered on the rising senior forward:
“Unveiled a 3-pointer last year (made 26 while shooting 43 percent) and was one of the best players in the ACC (17.8 ppg, 10.1 rpg).”
Farrell was not far behind ranking inside the top 20 at No. 18.
“Might be the most underrated point guard in the country,” McIntyre wrote. “Averaged 14.1 ppg and 5.4 apg, but it was his 42 percent on 3-pointers that helped him blow up.”
Notre Dame will also face several players and teams with multiple players featured on the list. Here is a quick breakdown of the teams the Irish will face with players on the list this season.
Duke (4)
The Blue Devils have four players, including two in the top 11. Senior guard Grayson Allen checks in at No. 6 overall with incoming freshman point guard Trevon Duval not far behind at No. 11. Two more freshmen round out the list for Duke — power forward Wendell Carter and guard Gary Trent. Carter made the list at No. 21 while Trent comes in at No. 36.
Michigan State (3)
Michigan State features the highest ranked player the Irish will face this season, according to The Big Lead. Rising sophomore forward Miles Bridges opted to return to East Lansing over the NBA and is one of the favorites to potentially win National Player of the Year. The Big Lead ranked Bridges as the No. 2 player overall heading into the season. Two fellow Spartans joined Bridges — sophomore center Nick Ward and incoming freshman big man Jaren Jackson. Ward came in at No. 22 while Jackson made the cut at No. 28.
Miami (2)
ACC opponent Miami will feature one of the nation’s top backcourts this season with sophomore Bruce Bowen and freshman Lonnie Walker. Both players made the top 20 with Bowen ranking No. 13 and Walker No. 19.
North Carolina, Georgia Tech, Indiana (1)
Notre Dame will face a trio of programs with one player featured on the list. North Carolina point guard Joel Berry returns after leading the Tar Heels to a national championship. He ranks No. 25 on the list. Big man Ben Lammers returns for Georgia Tech and is No. 49 on the list. The Crossroads Classic matchup with Indiana will feature three players on the list with Colson and Farrell and Indiana senior guard Robert Johnson, who made the list at No. 45.
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