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Irish in the NBA: Bonzie Colson Sets Career Highs in Bucks Loss

By Ben Belden

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 25: Wayne Selden #14 of the Chicago Bulls drives between D.J. Wilson #5 and Bonzie Colson #50 of the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center on February 25, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bucks defeated the Bulls 117-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 25: Wayne Selden #14 of the Chicago Bulls drives between D.J. Wilson #5 and Bonzie Colson #50 of the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center on February 25, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bucks defeated the Bulls 117-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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For Bonzie Colson, the road to the NBA has been a difficult one, but the former Irish star showcased his skills Sunday for the Milwaukee Bucks.

A day that was supposed to be lucky for the Irish was a day that was rather unlucky for former Notre Dame standout Bonzie Colson. That day, March 17th, didn’t go as planned for Colson in the Irish.

The Irish were coming off a difficult season marred by injuries to Colson and fellow Irish standout Matt Farrell. The Irish just missed the NCAA tournament, but a silver lining remained: An opportunity to host games in the NIT.

Colson made his return at the end of the regular season and looked close to full health. Unfortunately, his fortunes turned on St. Patrick’s Day afternoon.

In the second half, the Irish struggled to make shots against an athletic Penn State team, disaster struck for Colson. Limping on the same foot he had broken earlier in the season, Colson made his way for the Irish locker room. He would return later with an ice bag on his foot, but was determined to play the final minutes of the game as Penn State’s lead had put the game out of reach.

In short, Colson is no quitter. He was going to go out on his terms, broken foot or not.

In the months that were to come, Colson would bounce around the NBA G League, first getting a shot with the Canton Charge (Cleveland Cavaliers) and then signing a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks and their G-League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd.

On Sunday, Colson got his first real chance to showcase his skills.

With the Bucks resting stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Eric Bledsoe, Colson found himself in the starting lineup. Offensively, Colson had his struggles, shooting 5-for-18 from the field and logging 15 points. More importantly, though, Colson showed his worth on the glass, grabbing 16 rebounds.

In the end, his efforts weren’t enough, as the Bucks dropped the game to the Hawks in overtime, 136-135.

For Colson, there still is a long way to go when it comes to achieving true NBA success, but his performance on Sunday shows an important characteristic: The will to compete.

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Colson will undoubtedly continue to develop his skills. If he keeps his will to compete, he might just find himself in an NBA rotation before long.

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