It’s hard to argue with the recent results at Clemson and Brad Brownell has done a fantastic job shaping this program in recent years. The Tigers are only a few years removed from their first Elite Eight trip in nearly half a century. Clemson was back in the Big Dance for a third year in a row this past season after winning 24 games and finishing in 4th place in the ACC, though advancing in the NCAA Tournament is always the real goal.
Last year’s success was built on a very balanced team of scorers and contributors, though the Tigers are replacing a ton of that talent. Nick Davison, RJ Godfrey, and Jestin Porter are gone after putting up at least 9 points a game each last season while Dillon Hunter also saw his eligibility run out. Among those notable returners, Carter Welling will eventually be back to take up space in the paint after recovering from his torn ACL while Ace Buckner transitions into an even more important role leading the backcourt.
Some of the answers to fill those holes are among the returning players on this roster, but Clemson also added a few notable names in the offseason. The freshman class includes 4-star guard Harris Reynolds, a shooter that the Tigers are excited to see grow into a major role. The transfer class is four deep and includes talented forwards Dylan Faulkner from Samford and David Fuchs from San Francisco, both of whom averaged double-figures last season. Liutauras Lelevicius adds size as well but we’re considering one other player as our most important transfer addition.
A 6-5 guard from central Illinois, Cole Certa arrives at Clemson after spending his first two collegiate seasons over at Notre Dame. He was a bench piece with a minor role as a freshman before really standing out this past season. He started half of the games for the Fighting Irish, putting up 12.8 points per game while leading the ACC in free throw percentage, also making nearly 37% of his 3-point attempts.
Seeing what worked for Clemson last season, you’re not expecting Certa to come to town and put up 15 points a game, but he’s exactly the type of pure shooter that the Tigers need. They return Buckner in a leadership role heading into his junior year but really needed another experienced name carrying this backcourt. Clemson was a middle of the pack team when it came to shooting last season and adding a weapon of Certa’s caliber will certainly increase those figures.
You could certainly argue that adding those forwards is more important, especially with Welling rehabbing that injury and the Tigers losing plenty of talent from last year. However, Certa really took a big step forward in establishing himself with that sophomore season and another year in the ACC could see him take that next step. With Welling out of the lineup, Clemson needs star power and Certa can absolutely provide that from the jump.
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