Get ready for the thrilling return of college basketball! As the leaves start to turn, the court will soon be buzzing with the energy of another season. Imagine the chill in the air, the snow-covered grounds, and the electric atmosphere inside Purcell Pavilion as the Notre Dame basketball team takes center stage. With the 2025-26 season fast approaching, it's time to dive into the world of our talented players and uncover their stories.
In this series, we'll take an alphabetical journey through the Notre Dame basketball team, starting with the dynamic Cole Certa. But here's where it gets interesting... Who is Cole Certa? What can we expect from this talented shooting guard in the upcoming season? And what makes him stand out among his peers?
Let's find out!
Cole Certa: The Confident Shooting Guard
Hometown and Background:
Cole Certa, a native of Le Roy, Illinois, honed his skills at the prestigious IMG Academy. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 200 pounds, he possesses the physical attributes of a true shooting guard.
Position and Potential:
Projected as a backup shooting guard, Certa's role is crucial to the team's success. His ability to step up and contribute when needed will be a significant asset.
Sophomore Season Overview:
In his freshman year, Certa made a notable impact, especially in the final stretch. Out of 10 three-pointers made, eight came in the season's last eight games, showcasing his clutch gene. His statistics from the 2024-25 season reveal a solid performance, averaging 2.5 points, 0.2 rebounds, and 0.2 assists per game. His shooting accuracy was impressive, with a field goal percentage of 30%, a three-point percentage of 27.8%, and an outstanding free-throw percentage of 91.7%.
Looking Ahead: Building on Success
The 2025-26 season holds great promise for Cole Certa. He is expected to build upon his late-season success, where he showcased his confidence, shot-making abilities, and contribution to the team. Despite limited playing time in the first three months, Certa's performance in the home win over Pittsburgh was a turning point. He scored 12 points, including three three-pointers, in just 12 minutes, demonstrating his ability to take and make crucial shots. This trend is expected to continue, solidifying his status as a coveted recruit.
Coach's Perspective:
Head coach Micah Shrewsberry had this to say about Certa: "Cole never loses confidence. He's the most confident guy on our team. He's stronger, moving better, and shooting the ball great. He's ready to take his game to the next level."
Stay tuned as we continue our alphabetical journey through the Notre Dame basketball team, uncovering the stories and potential of each player. Don't miss out on the excitement! Follow the South Bend Tribune and NDInsider columnist Tom Noie on X (formerly Twitter) for more updates and insights. Contact Noie at tnoie@sbtinfo.com for any inquiries.
