Duke ‘Very Slight’ Favorite for Five-Star Nate Ament, But New Dark Horse Program Emerges
The recruiting race for five-star forward Nate Ament is heating up, and while Duke remains a “very slight” favorite for his commitment, a new dark horse program has made a significant push, turning what once looked like a Blue Devil lock into a wide-open battle.
Ament, the 6-foot-9 phenom from Highland High School in Virginia, is ranked among the top prospects in the 2025 class. Known for his elite length, versatile scoring ability, and disruptive defense, Ament has drawn offers from blue-blood programs across the country. His final five schools—Duke, Kentucky, Louisville, Arkansas, and Tennessee—represent a mix of traditional powerhouses and rising contenders, but recent developments have shifted the landscape.
Duke: The Slight Favorite
Duke has long been considered the frontrunner for Ament. The Blue Devils have hosted him on multiple visits, and their track record of developing NBA-ready forwards plays heavily in their favor. Ament has expressed admiration for Duke’s culture, coaching staff, and the legacy of recent stars like Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Paolo Banchero. On3’s recruiting prediction machine gives Duke a 23.3% chance of landing Ament—currently the highest of any program, but far from a guarantee.
However, while Duke may hold the edge, it is described as a very slight one. The recruiting race is anything but decided, and momentum may be shifting.
Louisville: The NIL Leader
Louisville has surged in the recruitment thanks to strong NIL backing and fan engagement. The Cardinals’ faithful recently pledged over $37,000 to Ament via NIL platform Fanstake, a clear signal of the community’s commitment. On3’s model gives Louisville a 17.7% chance, and some insiders believe that number may be rising as head coach Pat Kelsey continues to build relationships and present a compelling vision for Ament’s role.
Kentucky: The New Dark Horse
The most intriguing development in Ament’s recruitment is the emergence of Kentucky as a dark horse. Under new head coach Mark Pope, the Wildcats have doubled down on making a late push. Pope attended Ament’s senior night in person and has reportedly built a strong personal connection with the five-star recruit. Kentucky’s reenergized pitch includes immediate playing time, a fast-paced system tailored to Ament’s strengths, and a reinvigorated commitment to NIL support.
While Kentucky was once seen as a long shot, recent visits and Pope’s active recruiting have pushed them firmly into the conversation. Their presence is now being felt, and they could surprise if momentum continues to build.
What’s Next
Ament plans to announce his decision during the McDonald’s All-American Game, giving each program a narrow window to make a final impression. With top-tier talent and serious college basketball implications on the line, the coming weeks will be crucial.
Whether Duke holds onto its slight lead, Louisville capitalizes on its NIL advantage, or Kentucky completes a late surge remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Nate Ament’s decision will send ripples through the 2025 recruiting class and shape the future of whichever program wins the battle.
