Maccabi Star Colson Criticizes Hapoel Tel Aviv Fans After Derby

Maccabi Tel Aviv player Bonzie Colson has expressed disappointment with the atmosphere surrounding the recent Tel Aviv derby, suggesting that Hapoel Tel Aviv's fans have become less engaged. "Our fans are still great, but their fans have kind of disappeared," Colson stated in an interview with SKWEEK, noting a significant difference in energy compared to previous years. He described past derbies as "a war on the court," but felt the recent matchup lacked the same intensity, attributing it to a perceived lack of fan interaction with their team.

Colson also candidly discussed Maccabi Tel Aviv's difficult start to the EuroLeague season, acknowledging the team's struggles on both ends of the court. "It feels like everything is not right right now, on both ends of the court," he admitted, emphasizing the need for the team to stay united and work through their slump. He highlighted issues with turnovers, easy transition points for opponents, and a general lack of scoring and intensity, stressing that the team has "a lot of room to improve."

Despite the team's current form, Colson remains optimistic about their potential to reach the Final Four, a goal he reiterated from the past. He believes the current roster is capable of achieving this, provided the team builds chemistry and stays together. "Nothing has changed. It's early, we will get out of this period," he asserted.

Colson also touched upon his decision to re-sign with Maccabi Tel Aviv over the summer, despite interest from Olympiacos and Hapoel Tel Aviv. He cited familiarity, past successes, the coaching staff, and the city as reasons for his return. While acknowledging conversations with Olympiacos, he ultimately weighed the pros and cons and chose to stay in Tel Aviv. He also reflected on his personal growth, noting increased experience and a better understanding of European basketball since his initial arrival in the EuroLeague in 2022.