Maccabi Tel Aviv Signs Forward Bonzi Colson for Second Stint

Maccabi Tel Aviv has officially completed the signing of forward Bonzi Colson on a two-year contract, marking his return to the club for a second tenure. The deal, finalized after two months of negotiations, was facilitated by Colson's strong desire to rejoin the yellow team. Importantly, Maccabi secured Colson on a free transfer, avoiding the 200,000 euro buyout clause in his contract with Turkish club Fenerbahce, where he played the past two seasons.

Club officials expressed satisfaction with the signing, highlighting Colson's professional skills and his familiarity with Israeli basketball, the city of Tel Aviv, and the demanding schedule of both the Israeli league and EuroLeague. Colson was among the top five three-point shooters in the EuroLeague during his previous stint. His prior experience under coach Oded Katash, who also coached him two years ago, was cited as a key factor in the smooth reunion.

Colson had left Israel two years ago amid security concerns and after playoff elimination against Monaco, with the club feeling he had not yet reached his full potential. Now, Maccabi hopes that Colson, alongside other foreign players to be signed, will help the team achieve higher standings in the upcoming EuroLeague season.

In addition to Colson, Maccabi is working to finalize contracts with several current players. Captain John DiBartolomeo is expected to extend his contract soon, reflecting mutual interest in continuing their partnership. Oshae Brissett holds a contract for the upcoming season, but the club aims to upgrade and extend it by at least another year. The futures of guards Tamir Blatt and Efe Lundberg remain uncertain; while Blatt is likely to stay, Lundberg's financial demands may lead to his departure despite professional satisfaction with his performance.