Uncommitted
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Scout Report
Walking into an IMG Academy practice, you'll see plenty of future college stars. But the 6-7 wing casually draining threes from NBA range while guarding multiple positions catches your eye first.
Background
Cole Cloer made the move to IMG Academy from his hometown of Bradenton, Florida, trading local comfort for the pressure cooker of elite prep basketball. Growing up in the Sunshine State's basketball hotbed, he developed his game against quality competition year-round. The decision to join IMG's loaded roster shows serious ambition - not every kid wants to compete for minutes against top-tier talent daily. Playing alongside elite prospects like Bamba Touray and under the microscope of college coaches has accelerated his development considerably.
Playing Style
Cloer operates with the confidence of a veteran, even as a 2027 prospect. He's got that smooth, unhurried pace that good shooters possess - never rushing shots, always finding his spots. His decision-making reflects basketball IQ beyond his years, whether that's swinging the ball in half-court sets or pushing pace after defensive rebounds. Defensively, he uses his length intelligently, switching across multiple positions without getting overwhelmed by stronger players. He doesn't try to do too much, which is rare for a kid with his skill level. The way he moves without the ball and creates space shows advanced understanding of floor spacing and team concepts.
Strengths
That jumper is legitimate - deep range with consistent mechanics and quick release that translates against athletic defenders. His court vision surprises coaches who initially see him as just a shooter; he threads passes through tight windows and finds teammates in transition. The versatility to defend 2-4 positions gives coaches lineup flexibility they crave in modern basketball. Most impressive is his composure under pressure - 22 D1 offers would go to any teenager's head, but he stays focused on team success first.
Areas to Watch
Adding functional strength without losing that smooth shooting stroke will be crucial as he faces stronger, more physical college defenders. His handle is solid but needs refinement to consistently create his own shot against elite athletes. Becoming more assertive on offense - taking over games when his team needs scoring - would elevate him from role player to featured option.
Player Comparison
Think Buddy Hield at Oklahoma - similar frame, pure shooting ability, and basketball IQ that makes him more than just a spot-up threat. Like Hield, Cloer has that rare combination of size and shooting that translates immediately at the college level. Both players possess the court awareness to impact winning beyond just their scoring numbers.
Recruitment
Twenty-two D1 offers for a 2027 prospect tells the whole story - coaches see legitimate high-major talent. The heavy hitters like Kentucky, UConn, and Alabama don't offer kids this early unless they project as rotation players from day one. NC State and Florida make sense given his regional ties and playing style fit. With two more high school seasons ahead, expect this list to grow significantly. No commitment timeline has emerged, but the smart money says he'll take his time and let the process play out through his junior year.
Projection
His ceiling is a four-year starter at a major program who could develop into an NBA draft consideration with continued development. The floor is still very high - instant contributor at any high-major program who provides spacing and defensive versatility. Professional basketball isn't out of the question if he adds the strength and ball-handling to become a primary option rather than complementary piece.
Updated Apr 25, 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