Interest in the standout Cole Cloer from Orange High School in North Carolina has been growing since last summer, with the UNC basketball program taking notice of the 6-foot-7, 180-pound forward. Cloer, a highly sought-after talent, recently visited the Tar Heels during their football team’s victory over Minnesota in mid-September. He also received an offer from rival NC State around the same time. However, the most recent development on Tuesday afternoon saw Cloer officially being targeted by the esteemed UNC basketball coaching staff, making him the program’s first reported prospect for the 2026 recruitment cycle.
Recognized for his explosive athleticism and sharpshooting abilities, Cloer has recently risen eight spots to claim the No. 25 position on the 247Sports 2026 Composite. His outstanding performance has also placed him on the verge of achieving a coveted five-star rating. The announcement of the offer from Hubert Davis and his team was made by Cloer himself via a post on social media, marking a significant milestone in the young athlete’s burgeoning career.
Renowned national recruiting insider Jamie Shaw provided a succinct assessment of Cloer, acknowledging his commanding presence on the court. Shaw highlighted Cloer’s confidence as a scorer, particularly excelling when making decisive plays within one or two dribbles. The young prospect’s exceptional athleticism and proficiency in knocking down perimeter shots have firmly established him as a standout talent in the 2026 class.
Cloer’s selection as the initial recipient of a Tar Heel offer for the 2026 recruitment cycle marks a pivotal moment for both the player and the UNC basketball program. While he may be the first prospect for the upcoming class, it is worth noting that the university has already extended offers to four highly-rated four-star prospects from the 2025 class earlier this week, bringing their total offers to 13 for rising high school seniors.
It’s an exciting time for UNC basketball, with the addition of Cloer adding to the momentum of their recruiting efforts. The program’s dedicated fan base can expect more thrilling developments in the coming weeks as the coaching staff continues to actively pursue top talents to bolster the team’s ranks.
As the landscape of college basketball recruiting continues to evolve, the emergence of prospects like Cole Cloer reaffirms the enduring appeal and allure of the sport. As such, it comes as no surprise that the UNC basketball community eagerly awaits further updates and announcements regarding the recruitment of promising talents like Cloer.
For the latest news and updates on UNC basketball recruiting, stay tuned to All Tar Heels on Sports Illustrated for comprehensive coverage and insightful analysis.