| Nick Colella |
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Colella had a dream season in 2011-12. Having spent the first two years of his career at the NCAA Div. III Penn State-Behrend campus (Erie, Pa.) before joining the NCAA Div. I Penn State team through the open walk-on tryout process in 2010, the left-hander worked his way into a significant role starting six-straight Big Ten games and playing 16 minutes or more in 13 conference contests. A strong and hard-working player with an effective long-range jumper, Coach Patrick Chambers defined his offensive role as "seeking threes" in 2011-12 as he filled the role of an effective perimeter shooter for the Lions. Colella spent his first month at the University Park campus as a practice player with the Lady Lions.
"Nick may be our best pure shooter. He is always in the gym working on his craft. I know he is ready to contribute in anyway he's asked."
- Patrick Chambers
2011-12 - JUNIOR
Colella had a break-out season as the walk-on earned a scholarship for the spring semester and saw significant playing time during the Big Ten season, including six-straight starts...Played in 26 games on the year, 17 vs. Big Ten teams, and averaged 2.7 points and 14.9 minutes per game while scoring in 14 games on the year...Saw his playing time significantly increase in January as his toughness and effort in practice and outside shot earned him playing time...Averaged 20.8 minutes per game in conference play, making 16 threes and posting 4.0 ppg in Big Ten action...Made his first career start at Michigan State (2/8), scoring nine points on 3-of-7 from three in a career-high 37 minutes, and started the next five games...Posted two double-digit scoring outings, hitting a career-best 3-of-5 from three for 11 points at Indiana (1/22) and hitting a pair of threes for 10 points at Iowa (Feb. 4)... Had nine points on 4-of-4 at the foul line and a three in a win over Iowa (2/16)...Hit a three in eight-straight Big Ten games...Played 16 minutes or more in 13 Big Ten games and more than 20 minutes in nine...Twice pulled down a career-best four rebounds - at Wisconsin (2/19) and vs. Northwestern (2/25)...Played in his first career game in the season-opener vs. Hartford (11/12), scoring three points.
2010-11 - REDSHIRT
Colella made a nice impact on the program in his first season as a walk-on after transferring from a Penn State branch campus...was a strong presence on the scout team as well as off the floor as he took a redshirt season to learn and improve an already strong frame in the weight room.
2008-09 & 2009-10 • FRESHMAN & SOPHOMORE - PENN STATE-BEHREND
A two-year player at the Penn State Behrend campus...a solid ball handler and physical defender...an Academic All-Conference selection...played in 16 games off the bench as a sophomore averaging 9.8 points and 4.4 rebounds a game and draining 11 3-pointers as the Lions went 21-8...played in 22 games as a freshman averaging 6.7 ppg as Behrend posted an 18-10 record.
HIGH SCHOOL
The 2008 New Castle High graduate averaged 13.1 points a game as senior as he bucketed a team-best 26 treys for the Red Hurricane...was a three-year starter and team captain...recorded 905 career points...Also lettered in football and baseball...was an All-Parkway Conference pick in baseball after posting a .610 batting average...Nearly hit for the cylce in a game posting two homeruns, a triple and two doubles...was runner-up for Lawrence County Athlete of the Year.
PERSONAL
The son of Dave and Linda Colella...born Nov. 10, 1989...full name is Nicholas Anthony Colella..has two older brothers, David Jr., and Michael...plans to continue to pursue a major in physical education.
