3. Bonzie Colson, Forward, Notre Dame
Bonzie Colson should not be considered at this pick due to the type of talent he possesses but is in this position due to injuries.
Colson suffered two foot injuries last season for Notre Dame, which was devasting for both him and Notre Dame. If he doesn’t get hurt, Notre Dame is easily in the NCAA Tournament.
Colson can lock down the paint despite being only 6’5 and having a 7’0 wingspan. He can block, steal and rebounds at a high level.
His stat line is one of the best in the draft, averaging 19.7 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game when he was on the floor.
The ability to control the paint on the offensive side of the ball was just as impressive as him controlling the paint on the other end. He takes very smart shots hence the 50 percent from the field and he has improved in 3-point shooting as well.
Another part he does well is free throws. He shoots 80 percent from the charity stripe which is very good.
His main concern is that he can’t stay healthy. Every scout always says that availability is your best trait and that isn’t Colson’s.
His height is also a concern. He plays like a power forward, but he can only play the three in the NBA. There are some guards that are taller than him. That’s a concern.
Getting past the injuries and height, Colson should be considered as a late first, early second player. Should he fall to the Lakers at 47, that could be another steal the Lakers make.