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Scout Report
When you see a player, even in the middle school circuit, with a frame already pushing 6-7 and the fluidity of a guard, you take notice. That’s the initial pull with Cole Cloer, a wing out of IMG Academy who has already solidified himself as a high-major prospect despite being years away from college eligibility. His blend of size and skill isn't just intriguing; it's a foundation that projects serious versatility on the court.
Background
Cloer hails from Bradenton, Florida, and is developing his game in a high-pressure environment at IMG Academy. Being part of such a prestigious program means he's getting high-level coaching and consistently competing against top-tier talent every day in practice and games. His journey has been shaped by this demanding structure, pushing him to refine his skills and basketball IQ at an accelerated pace. Playing alongside other highly-ranked prospects like Bamba Touray and Darius Acuff Jr. has provided invaluable experience, forcing him to adapt and find his role within a loaded roster, which can often be more beneficial for long-term development than being the sole focal point.
Playing Style
Cloer operates with a measured confidence that belies his relative youth, preferring to let the game come to him rather than forcing the issue. He’s not a frenetic player; his pace is deliberate, allowing him to process defensive reads and make smart decisions. Offensively, he’s a potent perimeter threat, possessing a smooth, high release on his jump shot that makes it difficult for defenders to contest, especially given his length. He understands how to use screens effectively, whether curling tightly for a catch-and-shoot opportunity or fading to the corner for space. While he can create his own shot, he’s adept at playing within the flow of the offense, finding open seams and capitalizing on defensive breakdowns. On the defensive end, his length is a significant asset; he can contest shots on the perimeter and recover to disrupt passing lanes. He shows a willingness to guard multiple positions, switching onto smaller guards or battling bigger forwards in spurts, though his primary defensive value comes from his length and awareness on the wing.
Strengths
The most compelling aspect of Cloer’s game is his shooting stroke. It’s clean, repeatable, and effective from beyond the arc, making him an immediate floor-spacer. His size at 6-7 with a true wing skillset is a rare combination for his age group, allowing him to shoot over most defenders and giving him positional versatility. He possesses a strong feel for the game, demonstrating good spatial awareness and making intelligent cuts off-ball. His ability to hit tough shots under pressure and stretch the defense pulls opposing bigs out of the paint, opening up driving lanes for teammates, which coaches always appreciate.
Areas to Watch
To truly unlock his next level, Cloer needs to continue developing his ball-handling against pressure and improve his burst off the dribble to create more separation consistently. Adding strength to finish through contact in the lane will make him a more dynamic scorer inside the arc. Enhancing his playmaking for others, particularly in pick-and-roll situations, would further diversify his offensive arsenal and elevate his impact as a primary initiator.
Player Comparison
There are shades of a young Mikal Bridges in Cole Cloer's game. Both players possess significant length for a wing, a smooth shooting stroke, and a high basketball IQ that allows them to make intelligent reads on both ends. Like Bridges, Cloer projects as a versatile perimeter player who can impact the game without dominating the ball, excelling in a valuable three-and-D role with room to expand his offensive game as he matures.
Recruitment
Cole Cloer’s recruitment is already heating up with 22 Division I offers, including bluebloods like UConn, Kentucky, and Alabama, alongside strong programs such as NC State, Florida, and Indiana. It’s a testament to his early development and perceived potential. While it's very early in his process, expect top-tier programs to continue to prioritize him heavily. Given his age and the caliber of offers, a commitment is likely still a couple of years away, allowing him to take visits and assess which program best fits his long-term development goals. Programs that emphasize player development and offer a clear path to playing time as a versatile wing will be strong contenders.
Stat Highlight
During a notable performance, Cloer demonstrated his scoring prowess by dropping 31 points in a game. This individual outburst underscored his capability as a primary offensive threat and his ability to carry the scoring load when needed, showcasing his diverse range of offensive skills.
Projection
Cloer projects as a high-major starter in college, likely filling a valuable three-and-D wing role initially with potential to expand into a secondary playmaker. His size and shooting ability give him a high floor. The ceiling is a consistent professional player, particularly if he refines his ball-handling and becomes a more consistent threat attacking off the bounce. He has the tools to be a critical piece for a contending college program.
Updated Aug 30, 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