CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland State Head Men's Basketball Coach Dennis Gates has announced the signing of forward Jon "Cole" Middleton.

"Cole Middleton is one of the most undervalued and underrated 2021 high school recruits in the country," said Gates. "He immediately brings the daily work ethic and the bilateral toughness we demand in our program. He is a basketball magnet and hunts effort plays. He is the ultimate teammate, a great leader, and gives us instant basketball versatility. He will be a very successful student-athlete here at Cleveland State and during that time he will become President of CSU Student Government Association. I'm looking forward to Cole joining our program and the Cleveland State University community."

Middleton, a current senior at Pace Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, is ranked the ninth-best player in the state. The 6-6 forward saw action in 31 games during the 2019-20 campaign, registering 12.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.0 steal per game, leading his team to an overall record of 21-4, including a perfect 12-0 record in Region 5, and a Georgia state championship.

"In Cole Middleton, Cleveland State is getting a high-level talent, a high-level worker, and most importantly, a high-level person," said Pace Academy head men's basketball coach Sharman White. "Cole has been the heart and soul of this program since his arrival and his commitment to the game as a whole has made him one of the top players in the state. Coach Gates and the Vikings staff did a phenomenal job in securing, what most would say, is a 'high-level steal recruit.' Cole will have an immediate impact and provide the caliber of player that will make Cleveland State successful."

During his junior campaign, Middleton set a Pace Academy record by pouring in 380 total points, while dishing out 34 total assists. Last season, the Cleveland State signee compiled a team-leading 14 double-doubles, including two games of at least 20 points and 15 rebounds.

Over his two varsity campaigns at Pace Academy, Middleton holds career averages of 12.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.0 steal and 1.9 blocks in 45 contests.

"I committed to Cleveland State University based off of the family-like environment Coach Gates has created," said Middleton. "Coach Gates recruited me as more than a basketball player; he made sure my family knew I would grow as a young man both on and off the court. I'm excited to get to campus and compete with my new teammates, all while using my Cleveland State education to see what other passions lie within me, other than basketball. I'm very appreciative of this opportunity and I cannot wait to join the family."

Middleton has garnered numerous accolades throughout his high school career, including 2020-21 GHSA Preseason Boys Basketball All-State Second Team (Class AA), 2020 Top 5 Rim Protectors in Georgia's 2021 Class, 2019-20 Pace Academy Crissa Hawkins Memorial Scholar, Georgia Athletic Coaches Association All-State Team (Class AAA North), Hoopseen Georgia and AJC Sports Class AAA All-State First Team, 2018-19 GHSA Sanford and Barbara Orkin Honor Scholarship Award, and 2017-19 5-AAA All-Region Team. 

The Vikings recently released their 2020-21 Horizon League schedule, which tips off on Saturday, Dec. 19 at Robert Morris.