The basketball world watches with anticipation as five-star prospect Nate Ament, ranked No. 4 in the 2025 class, approaches his college decision. Having narrowed his choices to Duke, Kentucky, Arkansas, Louisville and Tennessee, Ament stands as the last uncommitted top 10 player in his class.
At the Nike Hoops Summit, surrounded by elite talent and NBA scouts, Ament displayed the versatility that has seen him rise from 40th to No. 4 in national rankings. The 6’9″ wing from Highland School in Virginia has transformed from a freshman averaging just 0.3 points per game to one of the most sought recruits in the country.
Portal Patience Paying Off for Nate Ament
Ament revealed his strategic approach to the recruitment process during a recent interview at USA Basketball’s Nike Hoops Summit. When asked about waiting so long to make his decision, Ament was clear about his reasoning.
“Absolutely. I waited this long already. Might as well see how the portal shakes out,” Ament said. “But I feel like it’s just the smartest choice for me. I don’t want to commit to a school. I’m sure I know all these coaches wouldn’t do anything like that to me. But commit to a school, then here comes eight players out of the portal. And I’m in a tough situation.”
I sat down with uncommitted five-star Nate Ament after practice at Nike Hoop Summit and we discussed his final five schools of Duke, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisville and Arkansas. He said he plans on committing in the next couple of weeks. Full interview below. pic.twitter.com/FkqRqR6G40
— Krysten Peek (@krystenpeek) April 12, 2025
This calculated patience demonstrates Ament’s understanding of the evolving college basketball landscape. By waiting until after the initial transfer portal rush, he can better evaluate which program truly offers the best fit for his one-year college stop before an anticipated NBA career.
“And I can see how it shakes out, see what coaches really want me on their team, and just make my decision from there,” Ament added, showing maturity beyond his years in navigating the complex recruitment process.
Faith and Family Guiding Decision
When discussing what factors will ultimately determine his college choice, Ament emphasized trust in coaches and opportunity for immediate impact as primary considerations.
“I mean, like I said earlier, just how I feel, how much I trust the coaches and what they’re telling me, how much I truly believe I can come in and be an impact freshman,” Ament explained. “And obviously just how much I can come in, make mistakes, learn from them in the game and just the coach trusts me to make those adjustments in game.”
Ament attributes his meteoric rise in rankings to his support system and spiritual foundation.
“I attribute a lot to the circle around me, the people that push me every day to get better. My parents, my brothers, my trainers, my coaches, everybody. I also attribute a lot to my faith,” Ament shared.
“My faith has really kept me grounded and humble and really made sure that I’m not just trying to chase the basketball or chase anything like that. I’m chasing being the best person I could be on this earth,” Ament continued, providing insight into the values that will guide his impending decision.
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Despite persistent recruiting pitches from already committed prospects at events like McDonald’s All-American Game and Nike Hoops Summit, Ament remains focused on making the right choice for his development.
“You should hear the bus conversation,” he joked about his peers’ recruitment efforts.
The basketball community won’t have to wait much longer for Ament’s decision, as he indicated an announcement is nearby and should come in the next week or two.
Whichever program lands the versatile wing will gain an immediate impact player with NBA lottery potential and the rare combination of size, skill and basketball IQ that defines modern basketball’s elite.
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