Bonzie Colson Excited to Keep Playing
“Ask them,” stated Notre Dame head Mike Brey. “It’s on them. It’s not me getting them it’s them getting them now. It’s up to our senior class.”
That was the response Brey had on Sunday night when the Irish found out they would be in the NIT and if his squad would be motivated heading into Tuesday night’s game against Hampton at Purcell Pavilion.
Senior Bonzie Colson said the right things on Sunday, but it will still be a wait and see approach to see what team shows up at 9:00 p.m.
“It was a little disappointing to not be in the tournament,” Colson explained. “We still have an opportunity to play. We talked about it as a team, and everyone wants to play. It’s another chance to put our jersey on to play for the University and family. Hopefully, we’ll go out and cut the nets at MSG.”
Brey has been at this fork in the road before and made sure his guys knew about each path.
“I had a team that was devastated they didn’t get in, and they lost to Holy Cross here,” stated Brey. “They weren’t interested, and it was a tough end to a season. I know when they came back for reunions, they said they wished they handled it better.
“I used Ryan Ayers team as an example that lost seven in a row and got all the way back to New York and lost in the semifinals but made the most of the NIT. I’m hoping this group will be a little more like Ayers group.”
For Colson, the chance to continue to play basketball is a motivating factor as he missed nearly two months of action this season.
“For the seniors, to play again with the unit we have is good,” Colson said. “I think that’s one of the main reasons we want to play. It’s a great opportunity to play the game we love.”
On the year, Colson is averaging 20.2 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, including being named to the 2018 ACC All-Tournament Second Team after averaging 16.3 points. 7.3 rebound and 2.0 blocks per game last week in Brooklyn.
The 6-foot-5 senior is also starting to feel more like himself, which could lead to a run in the NIT for Notre Dame.
“I think playing those 30-35 minutes has helped me get in shape,” said Colson. “I feel good out there. I’m not in too much pain, and the foot is healed. I’m still maintaining my rehab and treatment after the games along with going to our chiropractor.”