BREAKING: Top-25 senior recruit Cole Cloer has officially committed to NC State, marking a significant win for new head coach Will Wade. This development comes just days after Cloer made his announcement to ESPN, solidifying Wade’s position in the competitive recruiting landscape.
Cloer, a 6-foot-7 small forward from North Carolina, is regarded as the No. 25 player in the SC Next 100 and the top prospect from his home state. His commitment is pivotal for the Wolfpack, as it gives Wade his second top-25 recruit since taking over the program in March.
“Choosing NC State was an easy decision for me,” Cloer told ESPN. “It’s the program I have supported since I was a kid.” His loyalty to the Wolfpack outweighed offers from other major programs, including UConn, Florida, and Alabama.
Cloer expressed excitement about representing his city and state while competing in the ACC. “I’m excited to be part of the Red Reckoning that Coach Wade is building and to play in a system that highlights my strengths,” he added.
With an impressive offensive skill set, Cloer brings versatility to the Wolfpack. He has showcased his scoring ability through various styles, whether it’s hitting spot-up 3-pointers or driving to the basket. Last season, he led Team CP3 in both the Nike EYBL regular season and Peach Jam, averaging 16.7 points over 14 games and 15.3 points during six games at Peach Jam.
His stats reflect not just scoring prowess; Cloer also averaged 4.7 rebounds while shooting over 34% from beyond the arc on more than six attempts per game. His quick decision-making and footwork make him a formidable player on the court.
NC State fans have reason to be optimistic, as Cloer is the second recruit in the 2026 class for the Wolfpack, following the commitment of three-star center Trevon Carter-Givens last month. Wade’s recruiting strategy has already led to landing another top-25 recruit, Matt Able, who committed in April.
“Coach Wade is a proven winner with an elite staff, and I believe I can thrive under their leadership,” Cloer stated. “I’m ready to bring my confidence, work ethic, and swagger to a program I truly believe is on its way to becoming one of the premier teams in the nation.”
Looking ahead, NC State is also in a strong position for five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr., who is scheduled to visit the Wolfpack campus in November. As the excitement builds around Cloer’s commitment, this recruitment period is shaping up to be a transformative moment for NC State basketball.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Wolfpack as they continue to build their roster under Coach Wade’s leadership.
