Clemson men's basketball added a key piece to its future backcourt Sunday, as Cole Certa signed with the program, according to multiple sources.
Certa, a 6-foot-5, 201-pound shooting guard transferring from Notre Dame, is coming off a breakout sophomore season in which he developed into one of the ACC’s more dynamic perimeter scorers. He played in all 31 games with 16 starts, averaging 12.8 points per game and ended the year with double-digit scoring efforts in his final nine contests.
Certa eclipsed 30 points three times this season, including a career-high 34 in a double-overtime loss to Virginia. He followed that with 37 points against Georgia Tech on Feb. 14 and added 32 points, including 12 in overtime, in a 96-90 win over NC State on Feb. 28.
The Le Roy, Illinois native represents a proven scoring option for head coach Brad Brownell who can stretch defenses. He shot better than 36 percent from three-point range and showed the ability to create his own shot, particularly during his late-season surge against conference opponents.
Roster-wise, Certa slots into a developing backcourt that includes sophomore Zac Foster, who is working his way back from an ACL injury, redshirt sophomore Ace Buckner, and incoming freshman Harris Reynolds. Certa projects as a natural fit at shooting guard, while Reynolds offers versatility to play either the two or slide to the wing.
Point guard remains a key question heading into the offseason. Clemson is expected to pursue a veteran option through the portal, though Brownell could also explore internal solutions, potentially using Foster at the position with Buckner serving as a secondary ball-handler.
Regardless of how the point guard situation unfolds, Certa provides the Tigers with an experienced scorer who has already proven he can produce at a high level in the ACC — and one capable of elevating the offensive ceiling heading into next season.
