Top 2026 Guard Cole Cloer Visits Arkansas Amid Intense Recruitment Battle
Bradenton's IMG Academy welcomes top athlete Cole Cloer, a 2026 4-star guard preparing for official college visits.
Top 2026 Guard Cole Cloer Visits Arkansas Amid Intense Recruitment Battle
Exciting times are ahead in the world of college basketball recruitment as Cole Cloer, a prominent 2026 four-star shooting guard from Hillsborough, North Carolina, gears up for an official visit to the University of Arkansas on the weekend of October 2. Standing tall at 6-foot-7 and weighing 190 pounds, Cloer has become a highly sought-after prospect, boasting impressive stats from his recent performances. As SI.com reports, he averaged over 15 points and five rebounds per game during the Nike EYBL Peach Jam, with a commendable shooting percentage of 49% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc.
As a player transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, for his senior year, Cloer is keen on maximizing his skills while enhancing his nutrition and overall game. His unique blend of size, athleticism, and shooting ability—a high and compact release—positions him as a versatile threat on the court. Cloer can shoot threes both on the move and off the dribble, exhibiting strong pull-up shooting capabilities. His aptitude for ball movement and ability to post smaller defenders further underline his talent as a rising star in the sport.
Notable Visits and Rankings
In addition to his upcoming visit to Arkansas, Cloer has scheduled official visits with several other schools including: North Carolina State on August 29, Florida on September 6, Kentucky on September 17, North Carolina on October 10, and Alabama on October 17. His commitment is highly anticipated, particularly as he is ranked No. 30 overall in the 2026 class, No. 14 at his position, and impressive No. 5 in the state of Florida, according to 247sports composite rankings, as highlighted in Zags Blog.
Cloer has narrowed down his college prospects to a top eight which includes Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Louisville, North Carolina, NC State, UConn, and Virginia. This selective approach indicates his seriousness about finding the right fit for his future in basketball. Cloer mentioned in an interview that he might commit after his first official visit or could wait until after Christmas. Factors influencing his decision include a focus on development and aspirations of reaching the NBA.
Focus on Development and Future Prospects
His recent summer experience with Nike EYBL’s Team CP3 has polished Cloer’s skills, as he averaged 15.5 points and 4.2 rebounds across four games at the Peach Jam. His dedication to improving his jump shot and playing effectively off it speaks volumes of his commitment to excel at the next level. Mentions of his potential as a secondary pick-and-roll threat highlight just how much talent he has.
The NCAA College Basketball Academy also plays a vital role for many young athletes in honing their skills and showcasing their talent. This event, which focuses on development through skill sessions and games, allows high school prospects an opportunity to gain visibility with Division I coaches—a critical aspect for players aiming at a collegiate basketball future. As noted by the NCAA, self-nomination for this prestigious academy is an important step for aspiring athletes looking to elevate their game.
Cloer’s journey is just beginning, and with solid commitments like that of 2026 prospect JJ Andrews, who is ranked No. 20 overall and No. 1 in Arkansas, Arkansas is shaping up to be a significant player in the recruiting landscape. The excitement around these prospects is palpable as fans and analysts alike watch developments unfold in anticipation of what Cloer’s next steps will be.