The recruitment of elite 2025 prospect Nate Ament has taken another dramatic turn as both Kentucky and Arkansas have ramped up their pursuit of the highly-coveted forward. The 6-foot-9 star from Highland High School in Virginia, ranked as the third-best talent in the 2025 class, has drawn intense attention from multiple high-profile programs.
Kentucky’s Growing 2025 Class Under Pope
Mark Pope’s tenure at Kentucky is already showing promise in recruiting, securing three top-35 commitments in his first high school recruiting class. Notable additions include high four-star prospects Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno. However, landing a top-10 prospect remains a priority after missing out on Caleb Wilson last month.
The Multi-Team Race for Ament
While earlier reports suggested a five-team race including Duke, Louisville, Notre Dame, and Tennessee, the competition has evolved into what appears to be a three-way battle between Kentucky, Louisville, and Arkansas. John Calipari’s recent involvement with the Razorbacks adds an intriguing subplot to this recruitment.
What Makes Ament Special
Ament’s appeal extends beyond his impressive 6’9″ frame. His versatility as a small forward, combined with his advanced skill set, makes him one of the most coveted prospects in the 2025 class. Scouts praise his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, making him a potential program-changing recruit.
Kentucky’s Strategic Push
The Wildcats have made several calculated moves to strengthen their position:
- Hosted Ament during a signature win over Tennessee
- Mark Pope made a personal appearance at Ament’s Senior night
- Emphasized NIL opportunities, a known priority for Ament
- Demonstrated the program’s commitment to his development
The Calipari Factor
John Calipari’s presence at Ament’s recent game represents Arkansas’s serious interest in the elite forward. The former Kentucky coach’s involvement adds another layer of complexity to this recruitment, potentially setting up a fascinating showdown between his current and former programs.
Timeline for Decision
Sources close to the recruitment suggest a decision could come within the next few weeks. Recent intel from Joe Tipton of On3 initially indicated Louisville and Duke had positioned themselves well, but Jamie Shaw’s latest update suggests this could ultimately become a Kentucky-Louisville battle, with Arkansas now firmly in the mix.
