Cole Cloer, a talented rising star in the 2025 recruiting class, has become one of the most highly sought-after basketball prospects.
As a top 30 recruit nationally, the 6’7″ forward has spent the past several months taking official and unofficial visits to a variety of schools across the country.
Recently, Cloer sat down to break down his recruitment, detailing the schools he’s visited, the impressions he’s gained, and the factors that will ultimately play a role in his decision.
Early Interest and Recruitment Process
Cloer’s recruitment began to take shape early on in his high school career. Known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and versatility on the court, his recruitment quickly escalated as college coaches took notice.
He’s developed a strong reputation for his scoring, rebounding, and ability to guard multiple positions, which has made him an intriguing prospect for a number of high-major programs.
“The attention has definitely picked up over the past year. I feel blessed to have so many great schools showing interest,” Cloer shared. “It’s a big decision, and I’m just trying to take my time with it, making sure I understand what each program has to offer.”
Breaking Down His Visits
Throughout the fall and winter months, Cloer visited several top-tier programs across the country. Each trip provided unique insights into the culture and future direction of each program.
Among the schools that he’s visited are some of the premier college basketball programs in the country, including Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Auburn.
Duke: Cloer’s visit to Durham left a lasting impression. “Duke was an amazing experience. The coaches are so passionate, and the players, they’re all so focused.
I really liked how the program balances development and competition,” he said. “Coach [Jon] Scheyer is building something special. The culture there is one of hard work, and that’s what I’m looking for.”
Kentucky: A visit to Lexington was another highlight for Cloer. Kentucky’s tradition of producing NBA talent and its consistent championship contention have made it a top choice for many recruits. “The environment at Kentucky is unreal.
The fanbase is so passionate, and the competition in practice is crazy. It’s a place where you know you’ll get pushed every day,” Cloer explained. “Coach [John] Calipari has been coaching NBA guys for so long, and that’s something that really stood out to me.”
North Carolina: The Tar Heels are always in the mix for top-tier recruits, and Cloer’s visit to Chapel Hill helped him understand the program’s rich history and player development. “North Carolina is such a family-oriented program.
Coach [Hubert] Davis is a great guy, and the way they develop players is something I really admire,” Cloer said. “The history of success, the tradition, and the passion for basketball in that state — it’s something special.”
Auburn: Auburn’s up-tempo style and emerging success under Coach Bruce Pearl were also a draw for Cloer. “Auburn’s energy is contagious.
The way they play is fast, and I love how they push the ball and get after it on defense,” Cloer said. “Coach Pearl and the staff have created a winning culture there, and it’s a place where I can see myself fitting in right away.”
Factors in His Decision
Cloer’s decision will be influenced by several key factors, with development, playing time, and team culture standing at the forefront. “I want to be at a place where I can grow as a player.
I’m looking for a coaching staff that can help me reach my full potential, both on and off the court,” Cloer stated. “At the end of the day, the program that gives me the best opportunity to develop and play right away is where I’ll ultimately end up.”
He also emphasized the importance of relationships. “The coaches and the players, I want to feel comfortable with them. It’s a long journey, and I want to be at a place where I’m not just a recruit but a part of the family,” he added.
Looking Ahead
As his recruitment continues to unfold, Cloer’s decision remains up in the air. He plans to take a few more visits and then narrow down his list before making a final commitment. “I’m not rushing into anything.
I want to make the right choice for me and my family,” Cloer explained. “I’m excited for the process, and I’m thankful for all the opportunities that have come my way.”
For now, Cloer remains one of the most intriguing recruits in the 2025 class, with his recruitment likely to remain a focal point as schools across the country compete for his commitment.
