ZAGS Wednesday: Spotlight on Rasir Bolton

  |  
Dec 8, 2021
Gonzaga Bulldogs
Rasir Bolton. Gonzaga Bulldogs.

Rasir Bolton is the focus this week. This young man has shined through some earlier obstacles and become a team leader. Bolton is finally at home with the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

Rasir Bolton has been an incredible presence with the Gonzaga Bulldogs. A bonafide scorer, from beyond the arc and especially from the free-throw line. Let’s find out more about the Gonzaga guard, Rasir Bolton.

Where Bolton’s from

Bolton was born on September 27, 1999, in Petersburg, VA. Rasir attended high school at the Massanutten Military Academy in Woodstock, VA. While at Massanutten, he led his school to a No. 1 prep school ranking and an Academy record of 32 wins. As a senior, he led them to the National Prep School Tournament Elite Eight.

Bolton first attended college at Penn State. He was second of all Nittany Lions with an average of 11.6 points. A lights-out shooter, Bolton hit on 36.1 percent from three, and 87.6 percent from the free-throw line.

One would think he’d be a future cornerstone of the Nittany Lions program. Unfortunately, head coach Pat Chambers told him that he had a “noose” around his neck. The following summer Rasir transferred to Iowa State. After an internal investigation of the incident, Chambers resigned.

Bolton at Iowa State

(2019-2020) – As a starter for the Cyclones, he averaged 14.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals. He was third in the Big 12 Conference, connecting on 84.8 percent from the free-throw line.

(2020-2021) – Due to an ankle injury, Bolton played in only 21 games. He averaged 15.5 points and 3.9 assists.

Earlier this year, Bolton chose to attend Gonzaga over Arkansas, Wake Forest, and Missouri with his free transfer.

Gonzaga Bulldogs leader

Rasir Bolton has been no less than electrifying while on the court at the Kennel, Las Vegas, and even the Battle in Seattle. Although the Zags lost two games, it wasn’t from a lack of trying. With his teammates Drew Timme, Andrew Nembhard, Chet Holmgren, Julian Strawther, and their strong bench, Gonzaga can match up against any team in the country.

In the Gonzaga Bulldogs’ first big game of the season, Bolton nailed a 50-foot buzzer-beater at the end of the first half against then fifth-ranked Texas.

He led his team, scoring 17 points against the Tarleton Texans. Having an experienced teammate like Rasir Bolton on the team will help Gonzaga shake off last week’s loss to Alabama. Losses during the regular season are rare for the Bulldogs, but it’s something they must learn from. It’s better to drop a game against a good team in December than it is in March.

Next week, check us out for our ZAGS Wednesday when we spotlight Chet Holmgren. Stay safe and healthy, Zags fans.

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