BREAKING NEWS: Five-Star Nate Ament Flips Commitment to Kentucky Wildcats – Here’s What Mark Pope Said About His Commitment
January 17, 2025 – Lexington, KY
In a stunning turn of events, five-star recruit Nate Ament has officially flipped his commitment from Duke University to the University of Kentucky Wildcats. The 6’8″ forward, widely regarded as one of the top high school basketball prospects in the country, made the announcement earlier today in a live-streamed press conference that sent ripples through the college basketball world.
Ament, a versatile forward from San Francisco, had been committed to Duke for nearly a year. However, rumors began swirling in the past week that the highly coveted prospect was reconsidering his decision, with many speculating about a potential shift to another powerhouse program. Today, Ament confirmed those rumors, choosing to take his talents to the bluegrass state and join head coach Mark Pope’s already loaded roster.
A Big Get for Kentucky
Ament’s commitment is a massive win for Coach Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats. Known for their ability to recruit top-tier talent, Kentucky’s recruiting class just got even stronger with the addition of Ament, who has the potential to immediately impact the program. The forward is seen as a future lottery pick in the NBA, with his combination of size, athleticism, and high basketball IQ making him one of the most sought-after players in the nation.
Speaking about Ament’s decision to join the Wildcats, Coach Mark Pope expressed both excitement and confidence.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Nate Ament to the Kentucky family,” Pope said during a press conference this afternoon. “This is a huge moment not just for our program, but for the future of Kentucky basketball. Nate is a special talent, and he fits perfectly with the culture we’ve been building here. He brings a unique skill set to the table, and his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor is something we’re excited to harness.”
Pope also highlighted Ament’s leadership qualities, noting that the forward’s work ethic and attitude will serve as a valuable example for the younger players on the team.
“What sets Nate apart isn’t just his physical gifts – it’s his mindset. He’s the kind of player who leads by example, who will work tirelessly in the gym, and who holds himself and his teammates to a high standard. We’re looking forward to seeing how he grows as a player and person in our program.”
Ament’s Path to Kentucky
Ament had long been considered one of the top prospects of the 2025 recruiting class, drawing attention from nearly every major program across the country. His initial commitment to Duke had been viewed as a significant coup for the Blue Devils, but Kentucky had remained in the mix throughout the process.
Several factors are believed to have contributed to Ament’s decision to flip his commitment. The opportunity to play under Coach Pope, who has quickly established himself as one of the premier young coaches in the game, was likely a major factor. Additionally, the Wildcats’ impressive recruiting class, combined with a more up-tempo style of play, was appealing to Ament’s skill set.
What This Means for Kentucky’s Future
With Ament on board, Kentucky’s 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in the nation. Ament’s commitment further solidifies the Wildcats as a perennial national championship contender and adds another dynamic weapon to a team that will already feature an impressive roster of returning players and newcomers.
For fans of Kentucky basketball, the future just got a whole lot brighter.
Stay tuned for more updates on Ament’s commitment and what it means for the Wildcats as the 2025 season approaches.