New Bedford's Bonzie Colson II gives back by holding skills academy at GNB Voc-Tech

On his way to becoming a pro basketball player, Bonzie Colson fondly remembers attending local youth camps and the impact they had on building his foundation and love for the sport.

Colson wants to share that same experience with area youth so he will be holding his first annual Bonzie Colson II Skills Academy next week at GNB Voc-Tech.

“Going to camps was big for me,” said the 26-year-old Colson. “After-school and summer camps and playing against kids from different schools, I’ve always gone through camps as a young child.

“Once I became pro and made a good amount of money, I wanted to give back to the community and do it in the city that raised me and still supports me.”

The Academy, which is for both boys and girls, features two sessions: June 20-22 and June 23-25. Each session is split into two age groups with 8-12 year olds going from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 13-18 years olds going from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.  The Academy costs $150 per participant. All participants will receive clinic gear and have prize opportunities.

“I wanted to give back and teach the youth what I’ve learned and what it takes,” said Colson, who is running the Academy with the help from several family members, including his cousin, A.J. Tavares. “We'll work on the techniques and fundamentals and how to become a complete player.”

Colson said that while the focus is on teaching basketball skills, the Academy goes above and beyond that.

“It's not all about putting the ball in the rim,” he said. “It will be about life lessons and values. How to eat right, be a good person, and be a complete basketball player. Everybody can play the game, but what makes you different?

“I’m a very unique style player. I’m going to share about my journey and what it’s like.”

Colson, a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year at St. Andrews School in Barrington, went on to have an impressive career at Notre Dame, where he finished with more than 1,600 points, 900 rebounds and 3,100 minutes. He was a part of a school-record 103 wins in four years and helped the Fighting Irish to back-to-back Elite Eight appearances.

Coming back from a foot injury, Colson went undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft but was later signed by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He played for the Cavs’ NBA G League affiliate, the Canton Charge in the fall of 2018. In January of 2019, Colson signed a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, splitting his time between the G League affiliate, Wisconsin Herd, and the Bucks.

Colson made his NBA debut on Feb. 25, 2019, playing three minutes against the Bulls. His first NBA start came against the Atlanta Hawks the following month as he scored 15 points and grabbed 16 minutes in 41 minutes.

After being released by the Bucks in July of 2019, Colson went overseas to play and he’s been playing there ever since.

He recently wrapped up a season with the Pınar Karşıyaka of the Turkish Super League in which he averaged 15 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists.

“It’s been great for me so far,” Colson said. “I’ve climbed the ladder each year. I’ve enjoyed learning about different cultures.

“Growing up, you don’t think about European basketball. You just think about the NBA. Coming over here, it was a culture shock and people in Europe can actually hoop. There’s a lot of great talent. I’m definitely living the dream.”

Colson still aspires to make a return to the NBA.

“My goal and dream is to play back in the NBA, but there’s a certain path to get back there. It’s not easy,” he said. “I’m still living the dream. I’m doing what I love every day. It’s not a job. I love seeing the results of my hard work and I love winning.”

To register for the Bonzie Colson II Skills Academy, visit www.colsonscan.com. Registration ends the night before the first day of each session.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Bonzie Colson II to hold basketball Academy at GNB Voc-Tech