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Scout Report
When you see a 6-foot-7 wing moving with this kind of fluidity and touch in the class of 2027, you have to take notice. It's rare to find such an advanced skill set combined with ideal physical tools so early in a player's development cycle, making him one of the more intriguing prospects in the country, regardless of class.
Background
Cole Cloer hails from Bradenton, Florida, and has quickly established himself within the demanding environment of IMG Academy. Growing up in a basketball-rich state, he absorbed the game early, developing a keen sense for spacing and timing. His decision to attend IMG Academy placed him in a pressure cooker, consistently practicing and competing alongside some of the nation's most highly touted prospects, including future D1 talent like Darius Acuff Jr., and fellow young stars such as Bamba Touray and Dylan Betts. This daily immersion in high-level basketball has undoubtedly accelerated his learning curve, pushing him to refine his game against top-tier competition every single day.
Playing Style
Cloer operates primarily as a modern wing, equally comfortable spotting up from deep or attacking closeouts with long, deceptive strides. He possesses a smooth, high release on his jumper, which makes it difficult for defenders to contest effectively. While he's a capable scorer, his game isn't solely focused on putting points on the board; he demonstrates a good understanding of spacing and often makes the extra pass, showing a feel for the game that belies his age. Defensively, his length and agility allow him to guard multiple positions on the perimeter, and he often disrupts passing lanes, using his frame to challenge shots without fouling. He runs the floor hard in transition, consistently filling lanes and putting pressure on the rim or setting up easy opportunities for teammates. His tempo is controlled, never rushed, indicating a player who processes the game at a high level, even amidst chaos.
Strengths
Cole's shooting stroke is a significant asset; he can knock down shots from beyond the arc with consistency, both off the catch and occasionally off the dribble. His offensive versatility is apparent in his ability to space the floor, but also to put the ball on the deck and finish around the rim with either hand. On the defensive end, his 6-foot-7 frame and impressive wingspan allow him to contest shots effectively, disrupt passing lanes, and stay in front of smaller guards. He brings a strong positional rebounder's mentality, often crashing the glass on both ends to create extra possessions, showcasing his activity without needing to be the primary scorer.
Areas to Watch
To reach his full potential, Cole will need to continue adding strength to his frame. This physical development will allow him to absorb contact better on drives, finish through traffic more consistently, and become an even more formidable presence on the defensive glass. Developing a tighter handle under pressure, especially when initiating offense against aggressive defenders, is another area that would further unlock his playmaking capabilities. Refining his decision-making speed against double teams or traps will also be crucial as he faces more sophisticated defensive schemes at higher levels of competition.
Player Comparison
Cole Cloer shares some stylistic similarities with a younger Harrison Barnes when he was coming up. Both players possess that ideal wing size, an advanced perimeter jump shot for their age, and a mature, fundamental approach to the game. They aren't flashy, but they're incredibly effective, capable of scoring efficiently, playing solid defense, and contributing in multiple ways without dominating the ball. The comparison centers on their composed demeanor and versatile offensive toolkit rather than an exact athletic mirror.
Recruitment
The interest in Cole Cloer is already robust, with a staggering 22 Division 1 offers coming in so early for a 2027 prospect. Programs like UConn, Kentucky, Alabama, and Arkansas are among the blue-chip schools making their pitch, signaling how highly he's valued nationally. Given his current trajectory and the resources at IMG Academy, his recruitment will only intensify over the next few years, likely culminating in a high-major commitment. We anticipate this will be a marathon, not a sprint, with many more top programs joining the chase before he makes a decision closer to his senior year.
Projection
Cole Cloer projects as a high-major starter, possibly an immediate contributor given his blend of size and skill. His ability to shoot the ball and guard multiple positions makes him an incredibly valuable asset in today's game. If he continues to develop his frame and refines his ball-handling against pressure, he has a legitimate professional trajectory as a versatile, two-way wing who can space the floor and defend. He possesses the tools to be a significant contributor at the highest levels of college basketball and beyond.
Updated May 31, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Journey
IMG Academy
PREP SCHOOL
Career Highlights
NC State 4⭐️ SF signee Cole Cloer is set to enroll early with the Wolfpack for the spring semester as he recovers from an injury
SIGNED! Welcome to the Pack, Cole Cloer
Top-25 Cole Cloer commits to NC State
Offers
22
NC State
Florida
UConn
Alabama
ArkansasOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.
Social Activity
2026 Top-30 overall recruit Cole Cloer is taking an official visit to Florida this weekend, he tells @Rivals. https://t.co/PSnzJsHhEf https://t.co/BVk24Nn1F8
Cole Cloer of IMG Academy, a Top-30 prospect in the Class of 2026 — is taking an official visit to Florida this weekend per @TiptonEdits! 🐊 https://t.co/CvpUgaMnRC
Four-star SF @colecloerr is visiting @dhurley15 and @UConnMBB this weekend. Big visit for the Huskies.
2026 Top-30 recruit Cole Cloer has moved up his official visit to Alabama and is now visiting this week, he tells @Rivals. The 6-7 small forward will arrive in Tuscaloosa tomorrow night. https://t.co/S4VOlBcUf6 https://t.co/CZj38UckYf