BREAKING: Top-25 senior recruit Cole Cloer has officially committed to NC State, as confirmed by ESPN just moments ago. This significant decision marks a major win for new head coach Will Wade, who has now secured two top-25 recruits since taking the helm in March.
Cloer, hailing from North Carolina and currently playing at IMG Academy in Florida, expressed his excitement, stating, “Choosing NC State was an easy decision for me.” He has been a lifelong supporter of the program, which adds an emotional dimension to his commitment. “Now I have the opportunity to represent the city and state that shaped who I am,” he added, highlighting his desire to compete in the ACC.
The rising star, ranked as the No. 25 player in the SC Next 100 and the top player in North Carolina, also considered offers from UConn, Florida, and Alabama. However, the allure of returning home to play for the Wolfpack was ultimately irresistible. Cloer is known for his offensive versatility, capable of scoring from various positions, including 3-pointers and drives to the basket.
In his recent performance, Cloer led Team CP3 in scoring during both the Nike EYBL regular season and the prestigious Peach Jam, averaging 16.7 points over 14 games and 15.3 points across six Peach Jam games. He also contributed 4.7 rebounds per game while showcasing his shooting skills with over 34% accuracy from three-point range.
Cloer is NC State’s second recruit for the 2026 class, following the commitment of three-star center Trevon Carter-Givens last month. His signing reinforces Wade’s reputation as a talent magnet, following the earlier commitment of No. 24-ranked Matt Able from the 2025 class.
“I believe I can thrive under their leadership,” Cloer stated regarding Wade’s coaching. His confidence reflects a broader sentiment about the Wolfpack’s potential resurgence within NCAA basketball. NC State is also eyeing other prospects, including five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr., who is slated to visit the campus in November.
As NC State continues to build momentum, Cloer’s commitment signifies a critical step forward for the Wolfpack as they aim to establish themselves as a premier team nationally. Keep an eye on the Wolfpack as they prepare for a new era under Wade’s guidance.