With the 2025 recruiting cycle entering its final stages, one of the most compelling storylines surrounds Nate Ament, the No. 4 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite Rankings. The 6-foot-9 forward out of Highland School (Va.) remains the highest-ranked uncommitted senior in the country, and all signs suggest a decision could be on the horizon.
Duke, currently holding the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation with four five-star commitments, has remained one of the most consistent presences in Ament’s recruitment. The Blue Devils extended a scholarship offer over a year ago and have hosted Ament for multiple visits, including key moments during the 2024-25 season such as Countdown to Craziness and a rivalry clash against North Carolina in Durham.
A Shifting Landscape
Initially expected to announce his decision during the McDonald’s All-American Game on April 1, Ament postponed the commitment, signaling that he needed more time to weigh his options. Since then, the race for his services has only grown more dynamic.
According to recent insights from 247Sports’ Travis Branham, Duke remains the slight favorite, though the gap has narrowed. “Right now I still give the slight, very slight, edge to Duke,” Branham noted, adding that Tennessee has recently gained traction in the recruitment. Louisville, once viewed as a leading candidate in part due to significant NIL opportunities, appears to be losing momentum, while Kentucky and Arkansas continue to hover as viable options.
The Value of Familiarity
Ament has emphasized the value of long-term relationships in his recruitment. “They’ve probably been recruiting me for the longest of the five,” he said of Duke, acknowledging the program’s reputation for developing freshman talent and competing at a high level on both ends of the floor.
His presence courtside at several key Duke games including the ACC Tournament championship and the victory over UNC further underscores the mutual interest between player and program.
What’s at Stake
Should Ament choose Duke, he would join a recruiting class that already includes Cayden Boozer, Cameron Boozer, Shelton Henderson, and Nikolas Khamenia — all five-star prospects. This group would represent head coach Jon Scheyer’s third top-ranked class in just four cycles, reinforcing the program’s continued relevance and adaptability in the evolving recruiting landscape.
Still, with multiple programs in serious contention and Ament’s timeline still fluid, nothing is guaranteed. While Duke’s longstanding relationship and consistent presence may offer an edge, the unpredictability of modern recruitment shaped by NIL dynamics and changing priorities ensures that Ament’s final decision remains one to watch closely in the coming days.
