Four-star small forward Cole Cloer is in the thick of his recruitment, drawing interest from some of the nation’s top programs.
Even as his own profile rises, Cloer is quick to spotlight former teammate and fellow class of 2026 player Dionte Neal, the 5-foot-9 guard he believes embodies the pure spirit of heart over height.
Cole Cloer Labels Neal a Winner
Cloer and Neal built their connection on the court with Team CP3, where both consistently delivered. Now at IMG Academy, Cloer describes Neal as a ‘serial winner.’
“That’s all you need to know,” Cloer said to Zags Blog. “He doesn’t lose in anything he does. He wins in legit every single thing. He wins in football. He wins in basketball. He wins drills in practice. He wins drills in football practice. He wins 7-on-7s in football. He wins matchups in football.”
“He beats every point guard that plays him,” he added. “He wins that matchup and people are still sleep. He’s a winner. He’s the best winner in the country. He don’t lose.”
While Cloer has plenty of praise for Neal, the guard has backed up every word whenever he steps foot on the court.
On the recruitment front, Neal has trimmed his list to six schools. Duke leads the pack to make him a Blue Devil. He is also considering North Carolina, Boston College, Appalachian State, Old Dominion, and UNCG.
App State has made class of 2026 two-sport athlete Dionte Neals final six schools.
Neal received scholarship offers from both App States basketball AND football programs.
The guard was awarded the 2025 NC player of the year award (basketball) and also holds football offers from… pic.twitter.com/3mzDsvDh1z
— NeersUpdate | App State News (@neersupdate) August 9, 2025
With Cloer’s faith in his teammate’s talent shining bright, all eyes will be on where Neal’s journey takes him next.
Alongside Neal, Cloer is actively navigating his own recruitment journey. He plans visits to UNC, NC State, Florida, Kentucky, and Alabama, and may explore additional programs this fall.
Dionte Neal’s Game Speaks For Itself
Dionte Neal may be the most minor player on the court, but his impact is anything but small. This summer, competing with Team CP3, Neal averaged 12.9 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.8 rebounds over 19 games, consistently proving his value.
Dionte Neal at EYBL Session 1 with Team CP3! @dionte_neal @NikeEYB pic.twitter.com/JOCEwI5WBh
— Courtside Films (@CourtsideFilms) May 6, 2025
His performance at the Peach Jam tournament stood out, where he took control in critical moments. Neal scored 23 points, handed out six assists, and recorded two steals in a victory over Drive Nation.
He then followed with a near-flawless game against Vegas Elite, adding 18 points and nine assists without turning the ball over, helping lead his team to key wins.
During the 2024-25 season, Neal earned the prestigious North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year award.
He posted impressive averages of 22.8 points, 9.1 assists, 7.0 steals, and 4.9 rebounds per game while guiding Reidsville High School to an undefeated 31-0 record and a state championship. Neal’s standout performance in the title game included 24 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Neal is also a talented football player, but after discussions with his family, he plans to concentrate on basketball as he moves forward in his career.
