Maccabi Tel Aviv Star Bonzie Colson Reflects on Career and Rivalries

Bonzie Colson, a key offseason acquisition for Maccabi Tel Aviv, recently shared insights into his basketball journey and experiences in an interview with Euro Insider. Colson recounted his initial move to Europe in 2019 after being cut from the NBA, admitting that his primary goal was always the NBA and that European basketball was largely unknown to him. His first European stint in Turkey with Darüşşafaka was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, prompting a hasty return to the United States. However, he ultimately remained in Europe, expressing contentment with his career path.

Colson admitted he was initially reluctant to join Strasbourg, preferring to stay in the EuroCup or move to the EuroLeague. Despite the lower salary and the team playing in the Champions League, he saw it as an opportunity to "kill it" and assert dominance during the uncertain economic climate of the pandemic. He considers his "real" European career to have begun with his arrival at Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2022, where he focused on establishing himself as a EuroLeague player.

Reflecting on the intense rivalry with Hapoel Tel Aviv, Colson described the derby as the "craziest atmosphere" he has played in, surpassing even games against Red Star Belgrade and Partizan. He detailed fan behavior, including objects thrown at opposing benches and the setting ablaze of a net above the Hapoel section during a game. He also addressed comments made by former player Amare Stoudemire, stating his strong dislike for Hapoel and noting that while he respects Hapoel owner Ofer Yanai, he heard Yanai began as a Maccabi fan.

Colson praised Maccabi coach Oded Katash for his calm demeanor, contrasting it with the more intense style of Sarunas Jasikevicius during his time at Fenerbahçe. He also discussed Maccabi's increased budget and efforts to enhance their home games, suggesting it's a response to Hapoel's success. He acknowledged that Tel Aviv can be perceived as an unsafe place for families due to past incidents, requiring a "special" player willing to take a risk to play there.