Things continue to heat up for Alabama basketball in the Transfer Portal. Nate Oats and the Crimson Tide picked up their third commitment of the week late Thursday night.
After adding SEC-experienced big men in Brandon Garrison (Kentucky) and Jamarion Davis-Fleming (Mississippi State), Oats turned his attention to the wing, landing a commitment from NC State transfer Cole Cloer:
NEWS: NC State transfer wing Cole Cloer has committed to Alabama, sources told @On3.
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) April 17, 2026
The 6-7 small forward is a former top-30 recruit who enrolled early for the Wolfpack and redshirted. https://t.co/l46vRsDk8l pic.twitter.com/Ka5anpGO3Y
Alabama had picked up significant buzz in the last 24 hours or so from Cloer, and a commitment had been trending. Oats and Preston Murphy had a preexisting relationship with Cloer after recruiting him out of high school and being on his shortlist before he chose to stay home and play for Will Wade at NC State.
Cloer got hurt ahead of his senior year of high school basketball and elected to enroll a semester early at NC State, joining the Wolfpack in January to begin his rehab. He wasn't eligible to play, so he took a redshirt. He'll join Alabama with four years of eligibility remaining.
Cole Cloer is a big addition for Nate Oats and Alabama in the Transfer Portal
Cloer was a Top 100 recruit in the 2026 high school class. He's a 6-foot-7 athletic wing who will likely spend time between playing the three and the four for the Crimson Tide. He adds more length and versatility on the wing, something that has been a clear priority for Oats.
Cloer's most translatable trait, and what makes him so intriguing in this system, is his ability as a three-point shooter. Cloer knocked down 43% of his spot-up three-point attempts on the Nike EYBL circuit last summer. He's got a high-arching release, and with his size, it makes defending it incredibly difficult.
Cloer will take some time to develop, but should quickly carve out a role for the Crimson Tide with his ability to shoot. If he can lock in on the defensive end, there could be a significant role waiting for him, though Alabama will be deep and talented on the wing in 2026-27.
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