Notre Dame's Bonzie Colson Named ACC Player Of The Week
Two monster performances by Notre Dame junior forward Bonzie Colson have earned him Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Week, the league announced Monday.
Colson had 27 points and 16 rebounds this past Tuesday in an 88-81 win over Wake Forest and a career-high 33 points and 13 rebounds Saturday against No. 14 Florida State.
It's the second time this season Colson has earned the league's weekly honor. He was also named player of the week Dec. 6.
The 6-foot-5 forward from New Bedford, Mass., is averaging 16.7 points and 10.8 rebounds for the Irish (19-7 overall, 8-5 in the ACC). He is the ACC’s leading rebounder, currently more than one rebound per game better than second-place Ben Lammers of Georgia Tech (9.7).
According to Notre Dame sports information, the only player under 6-5 to lead the ACC in rebounding was South Carolina's Grady Wallace (6-4, 14.4 rebounds) in 1957.
Against the nation’s second-tallest team in FSU on Saturday, Colson dominated the Seminoles. He’s also played strong defense throughout the season, frequently matching up against the opposition’s best interior player.
“That was one of the great performances in our program’s history against a big-time team on national TV. What a delivery,” Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey said of Colson’s outing against Florida State.
Despite his stature, Colson is also ranked fourth in the ACC in blocks per game (1.5). He’s also ninth in the league in free-throw shooting (81.7 percent).
This is the third ACC Player of the Week honor for the Irish. Senior guard Steve Vasturia also earned that distinction Jan. 16.
Colson will look to continue his strong play when the Irish play at Boston College on Tuesday (7 p.m./ESPNU).
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