Cole Cloer, the 6-foot-7 standout from North Carolina, is making one of the biggest decisions of his young basketball career.<\/p>\n
The IMG Academy transfer has narrowed his college choices to eight elite programs, but according to recruiting insider Mark Zanetto, recent success won\u2019t be the deciding factor.<\/p>\n
What Cole Cloer Is Really Looking For in His College Decision<\/p>\n
Zanetto\u2019s analysis shows that Cloer\u2019s move to IMG Academy tells the real story. \u201cHe made the move to IMG Academy, which tells you Cloer wants structure, skill development, [and] accountability. And it starts to feel like Curly\u2019s approach is exactly what he\u2019s looking for,\u201d Zanetto noted in his recent podcast.<\/p>\n
The numbers support Cloer\u2019s talent. At Caldwell Academy last season, he averaged 18.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.<\/p>\n
Cloer\u2019s decision to transfer to IMG Academy for his senior year speaks volumes about his priorities. As one analyst said<\/a>, \u201cI was trying to figure out what could prepare me the best for my freshman year of college. Whenever I step on campus, I want to make an impact.\u201d<\/p>\n IMG Academy\u2019s reputation for growth and preparation for the next step fits very well with what Cloer is looking for.<\/p>\n While Florida can lean on their recent national championship success, Zanetto believes this \u201crecency bias\u201d won\u2019t be the determining factor. \u201cFlorida probably is the only one that can kind of say, Hey man, did you see what we did last year? The recency bias. So maybe there\u2019s some validity to that,\u201d he acknowledged.<\/p>\n MORE: 2026 Prospect Cole Cloer Reveals How Dan Hurley\u2019s No-Nonsense Approach at UConn Made a Lasting Impression<\/a><\/p>\n The main difference between the finalists seems to be which programs focus on sustainable growth versus those with just a recent wave of success. According to Zanetto<\/a>, UConn makes a strong case.<\/p>\n \u201cAll eight schools have a real pitch, but UConn\u2019s pitch is simple. We win, we develop, and we get guys paid. Do you want to be a part of something special?\u201d<\/p>\n Dan Hurley\u2019s track record of developing NBA talent supports this approach. In his seven seasons at UConn, Hurley has sent nine players to the NBA, including recent lottery picks Stephon Castle and Donovan Clingan.<\/p>\n Cloer has official visits scheduled to Florida, Alabama, and UConn. His recruitment timeline remains open, and he has stated he could commit after his first official visit.<\/p>\n Top 25 ranked Cole Cloer caught fire in front of UConn\u2019s Dan Hurley and dropped 29 points in the first half tonight \ud83e\udd2f\ud83d\udd25@slam_university<\/a> @colecloerr<\/a> @NikeEYB<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/4Bl7fokfXT<\/a><\/p>\n