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UNC Basketball Battling Wolfpack for In-State Forward

The highest-ranked 2026 North Carolina prep sounds high on the UNC basketball coaches and their NC State counterparts.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis
UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis / Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports
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In May, Caldwell Academy (N.C.) forward Cole Cloer became the first 2026 recruit to report an offer from UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis and his staff. That didn't come as much surprise, even though the 6-foot-6, 180-pounder hasn't quite reached five-star status yet.

ALSO READ: Major 2025 UNC Recruit Plans to Visit Tar Heels

Recruiters from Chapel Hill were in attendance for several of Cloer's games as a sophomore at nearby Orange High School in Hillsborough (he transferred to Caldwell in Greensboro for his junior year). And the 16-year-old, a versatile sensation who ranks No. 25 overall and No. 1 among North Carolina talents on the 247Sports 2026 Composite, also visited UNC a few times.

"Coach Davis and UNC speaks for itself," Cloer recently explained to Zagsblog's Sam Lance. "Historic program. Top program in the country, of course...But I love Coach Davis. He seems like a great guy. He's a grounded man. He's a really good guy to talk to. Coach [Jeff] Lebo, he's also been recruiting me for a long time.

"And obviously it's blue blood. It's Jordan Brand. Winning program. National championships. All that comes with it, but I really love the coaching staff."

Now, there's no doubt he wants to check out the UNC basketball facilities at least once more as a junior.

However, the same goes for another ACC program on Tobacco Road, not to mention a longtime suitor from the SEC.

"I'm definitely gonna head back up to Tennessee," Cole Cloer told Lance, "definitely going to hit up NC State and Carolina again."

Tennessee and NC State extended their offers to Cloer almost a year ago.

He's also eyeing trips to Alabama, Ohio State, and Louisville, among others on his expanding offer sheet.

More UNC Basketball News

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Matt Giles

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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