NC State class of 2026 signee enters portal before playing for the Pack
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Cole Cloer, an NC State signee, entered transfer portal after Will Wade's departure.
- Cloer joined the team early, rehabbed injury; did not play in games.
- Coach Justin Gainey plans meetings with eligible players to discuss their plans.
One of N.C. State’s highest men’s basketball recruits is hitting the portal in an attempt to evaluate options.
Freshman Cole Cloer announced last week he intends to enter the transfer portal following the abrupt departure of former head coach Will Wade.
“Thank you to the city of Raleigh and the entire N.C. State community for welcoming me with open arms,” Cloer said in his announcement. “I love North Carolina and Wolfpack Nation! N.C. State will remain in consideration as I evaluate my best options for this next season.”
Cloer, a four-star recruit, committed to the Wolfpack and Wade in October during a local NIL event. He selected N.C. State over North Carolina, Connecticut, Alabama and Florida.
“This is a dream come true,” Cloer said in October. “This is something you always fantasize about as a kid; playing for your hometown, playing against the Dukes, playing against the Carolinas, playing in the ACC.”
He was also recruited by Tennessee, where new N.C. State head coach Justin Gainey spent the past five seasons. Cloer attended Gainey’s introductory press conference last week, where Gainey spoke directly to the players regarding his vision for their future. The coach planned to meet with every player with remaining eligibility to discuss their plans.
“As the next days come, I’ll be able to spend more time with our current guys,” Gainey said on Wednesday in a separate interview portion. “The conversations have been really surface level, just checking in and gauging the temperature. We’ll have more extensive meetings this week.”
Cloer spent the spring semester with the Wolfpack, joining the team early and undergoing rehabilitation from a prior injury. It was an opportunity for Cloer to see the inner workings of a college basketball team before officially starting his career. He joined the Pack in January and participated as a full member. He sat on the bench, attended meetings and traveled with the team. Cloer was present during the regular season and postseason.
The freshman was the second player from the Class of 2026 to commit to N.C. Sate after Trevon Carter-Givens committed in September. Carter-Givens has not announced any changes for his future.
Cloer began his high school career at Orange County High School in Hillsborough before transferring to Caldwell Academy in Greensboro, where he averaged 18.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.
Ahead of his senior season, Cloer transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Recent alumni from the school include Zach Edey (Purdue/Memphis Grizzlies), Armando Bacot (North Carolina/Basketbol Süper Ligi in Turkey), Keyonte George (Baylor/Utah Jazz) and Mark Williams (Duke/Phoenix Suns).
Cloer had ties to several local programs prior to his commitment. His father, Scott, attended East Carolina and grew up an N.C State fan. His mother, Kristal, attended UNC for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
He is the youngest of four children. One older brother, Garrett, has a close relationship with Bryse Wilson, brother to former N.C. State linebacker Payton Wilson. Payton Wilson is also friends with his other brother Graham Cloer.
