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Notre Dame Basketball: What Should Bonzie Colson Do?

By Noah Strackbein

Feb 26, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Bonzie Colson (35) reacts to the student section in the second half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at the Purcell Pavilion. Notre Dame won 64-60. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Bonzie Colson (35) reacts to the student section in the second half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at the Purcell Pavilion. Notre Dame won 64-60. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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One of Notre Dame basketball’s best players, Bonzie Colson, still has a year of eligibility left. But should he head to the NBA Draft a season early?

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After finishing one of the best seasons in Notre Dame basketball history, Bonzie Colson established himself as a household name in college basketball. As a 6’5 forward, there are questions as to where he’d fit in the pros, but still, some NBA general managers would take a chance on Colson.

Who many people call the next Charles Barkley, Colson can play from the outside or in the paint. Averaging 17.8 points and 10.1 rebounds during his junior season, Colson proved to be just as valuable as a scorer as he is a board grabber. Whether he plays small forward or power forward in the NBA, he’ll be able to contribute anywhere on the court.

Colson could be valuable as a point forward at the next level. His ball handling skills along with his size would fair nicely compared to a player like Draymond Green. Teams are going to notice his talent and unique size. When they do, he could find himself being a mid-first round pick in this year’s draft.

Then, there’s the choice to stay back another season. Notre Dame will have their best two players returning next year if Colson decides to stay. With Rex Pflueger, T.J. Gibbs and Matt Ryan, along with Matt Farrell, set to be back in 2017-2018, the Fighting Irish are already looking to be one of the best teams in the ACC.

Colson is the backbone of Notre Dame. If he returns next season, he’s going to be an early favorite for the Naismith Award, and the Irish should be one of the top teams in the conference heading into the season.

There’s plenty to think about. Colson’s future is bright no matter what he chooses but in different ways. In the NBA, Colson could be very successful. He has the drive and the work ethic to be a star at any level. But if he comes back to school, he could leave South Bend NCAA Champion.

He also needs to think of draft stock next season. One more year of college ball and Colson could be an early first-rounder in the 2018 NBA Draft. Another double-double season and NBA scouts could put his future into a single position which would boost his NBA potential.

Realistically, he should get graded for this year’s draft and play it from there. He isn’t going to receive a grade worthy of first-round recognition, which will send him back to Notre Dame for another season.

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Once he puts up impressive numbers again, he’ll be considered a much better candidate for the first-round. Fans, coaches, and teammates would love to have Colson back. No one will be upset if he decides to leave, but we all know that one more year could make this Irish superstar a draft favorite in 2018.