Colson, who played with Maccabi between 2022 and 2024, was part of Oded Katash’s team that won two Israeli league championships and a State Cup.
Bonzie Colson is back in yellow-and-blue as the forward returned to Maccabi Tel Aviv after playing two seasons with Fenerbahce, where he was part of the EuroLeague-winning team in 2025.
Colson, who played with Maccabi between 2022 and 2024, was part of Oded Katash’s team that won two Israeli league championships and a State Cup, and twice came within mere minutes of advancing to the Final Four.
The 30-year-old, 6-foot-5 Colson grew up in the northeastern United States, played four years at the University of Notre Dame and arrived in Europe in 2019. After spells in France and Turkey, he signed with Maccabi in the summer of 2022 and became a significant part of Katash’s new machine, which returned to competing at the highest level in Europe.
In the summer of 2024, Colson moved to Fenerbahce and helped the team win the EuroLeague, two championships, two cups and the Turkish Super Cup. But now Colson is back in Israel with one goal in mind: to take Maccabi Tel Aviv to the top of Europe.
Maccabi Tel Aviv: Love at first sight
It was love at first sight for Colson and Maccabi, and now it’s time for that love story to continue into its next chapter as No. 50 arrived in Israel and was greeted by hundreds of the yellow-and-blue faithful as he looks to now use the experience gained to take the club to the next level.
“It’s a blessing to be back and it’s a great feeling,” Colson began. “Maccabi fans are some of the best in Europe and it’s just great when you come back. You get so much love and support, it’s definitely special. You don’t see that every day, so I’m happy to be back. It feels good, and I’m ready just to go out there. It’s great hearing their drums and it gets me going. I want to go play and just play with my guys. It’s an amazing feeling and I’m happy to be back here.”
Colson knows a few of the players on the squad from his first time with the team, including captain John DiBartolomeo.
“John and I have talked about this process and I’ve talked to Armando Bacot as well. You know, just trying to get a feel of everything. I’ve talked to Oded as well and it’s handling those friendships, getting to know people. A lot of the work is going to be on the court, but then there is also developing the relationships with the entire team.”
It’s clear that Colson, a EuroLeague champion, is going to be relied upon to really help the team reach the pinnacle of Europe.
“That’s the goal. After playing with Fener, you understand the legacy that’s been built here at Maccabi and you understand the goals and expectations. So, our goal is definitely the Final Four, but obviously, it’s going to be ups and downs within the season. We’ve got to develop the chemistry and we’ve got some new guys plus we have some returning players. We’re just sticking with it and just trying to get better every day. Get 1% better every day and stay together, that way we can accomplish any of our goals.”
“I think we have the roster to do it, to win the EuroLeague, and I think we have to play with a little bit of a chip on our shoulder. But we definitely have the roster, the fans and everything you need to get to the next level. So, we’re excited about it.”
Why Colson decided to come back to Israel
Colson also spoke about why he decided to come back to Israel.
“Maccabi is a special place. Tel Aviv is a special place. I think you don’t really understand the love and the enjoyment of being in Tel Aviv unless you’ve been here. So, it was a no-brainer. Obviously, it took me some time and it wasn’t an easy decision with everything. But I’m happy to be back and I’m ready to get to work and get some wins, to continue building a legendary Maccabi legacy here.”
The forward, who can play both the 3 and the 4, is very happy to be able to join forces once again with Katash.
“I’m excited. That’s my guy. He helped build me as a player, especially overseas. I understand him, he understands me and as soon as I signed, I texted him. I’m excited just to work with him again. Just to play out there and to learn and develop with the team and to try to build on what we have here at Maccabi. It’s amazing. The fans here are incredible.”
Colson was overwhelmed with the reception and knows that he needs to repay them by going hard after the goal of helping the club win their first European championship since 2014.
“It’s hard to put into words how it makes you feel, but it’s definitely heartwarming. It’s a special moment here. I think just for myself, I think for all the players out here, you don’t get that love everywhere.
“Me and John DiBartolomeo and the guys always talk about our chances, who has a better chance and things like that. It’s good to be back here and in my mind envisioning how it’s going to be with the fans and everything. There are some teams that want to be out here, but this is Maccabi.”
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