Bonzie Colson Returns to Maccabi Tel Aviv, Eyes EuroLeague Success
American forward Bonzie Colson has returned to Maccabi Tel Aviv after a two-year stint with Fenerbahçe, expressing his excitement about rejoining the Israeli club he considers "home." Colson was greeted by a large crowd upon his arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, an experience he described as special and indicative of the unique love he receives in Tel Aviv. He aims to contribute significantly to Maccabi's aspirations of reaching the EuroLeague playoffs and Final Four, emphasizing his desire to play more minutes than he did in his previous role at Fenerbahçe.
Colson acknowledged the challenges faced by Maccabi during the previous season due to the outbreak of war, which forced the team to play home games in Belgrade without fans. Despite these difficulties, he highlighted the strong team chemistry that helped them navigate the season and ultimately win the Israeli championship. He also reflected on his time at Fenerbahçe, where he won a EuroLeague title but played a reduced role, noting the significant differences in coaching styles between Fenerbahçe's Šarūnas Jasikevičius and Maccabi's Oded Kattash.
Looking ahead, Colson believes Maccabi has the talent and depth to compete at the highest level in the EuroLeague. He stressed the importance of building chemistry early in the season and aims for a strong start, contrasting it with previous seasons where the team took time to gain momentum. Colson also commented on the growing strength of Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Israeli league, noting its positive impact on the overall basketball market, while lamenting the loss of the intense rivalry atmosphere from his previous tenure.
Colson's primary goals for the upcoming season are to reach the EuroLeague playoffs and contend for the championship, while also aiming to win all domestic titles. He intends to showcase his talent on both ends of the court, bring energy, and enjoy his role within the team. He feels confident in his ability to integrate quickly with Maccabi, knowing the system and the coaches, and is eager to contribute to a successful season.
