In a massive win for John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats, five-star forward Nate Ament, ranked as the No. 4 overall player in the country for the class of 2025, has officially committed to Kentucky, choosing the Wildcats over Louisville and Tennessee.
Ament, a 6-foot-9 versatile forward from Virginia, made his announcement on Friday, live on ESPN, in front of a packed gym filled with family, friends, and fans eagerly awaiting his decision. After months of speculation and heated recruitment battles, the highly touted prospect ended all the suspense when he unzipped his jacket to reveal a Kentucky Wildcats shirt, sparking loud cheers from those in attendance.
In his post-commitment interview, Ament cited Kentucky’s track record of developing NBA talent, the program’s competitive culture, and his trust in John Calipari’s vision as major reasons for his decision.
“I just felt like Kentucky was the right fit for me,” Ament said. “The way they push their players, the way they prepare you for the next level, and just the overall history of the program—it was hard to turn down. I grew up watching guys like Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Devin Booker come through here, and I want to be part of that tradition.”
Ament also acknowledged the relationships he built throughout the recruiting process, especially with the Kentucky coaching staff and current players. He noted that he felt a strong connection with the team and appreciated the family-like atmosphere that Kentucky basketball provides.
“Kentucky just felt like home,” Ament added. “Every time I visited, I felt comfortable. I talked to a lot of former players, and they all told me the same thing—if you want to be great, this is the place to be.”
His decision comes after a long and intense recruiting battle, with both Louisville and Tennessee making strong pushes to land the elite forward. Louisville, under head coach Pat Kelsey, pitched Ament on being the face of their rebuilding program, while Tennessee’s Rick Barnes emphasized the program’s recent success in developing NBA-ready forwards. In the end, however, Kentucky’s storied history and Calipari’s reputation for producing NBA talent proved too strong to resist.
Ament is widely regarded as one of the most complete forwards in the 2025 class, boasting an elite combination of size, athleticism, and skill. His ability to score at all three levels, defend multiple positions, and impact the game on both ends of the floor makes him an ideal prospect for Kentucky’s system. Scouts have compared his game to that of Jayson Tatum and Brandon Ingram, citing his fluid shot-making ability and polished offensive game.
With Ament now officially in the fold, Kentucky’s 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in the nation. His commitment could also have a ripple effect, potentially attracting other top-tier prospects to join him in Lexington. The Wildcats are still in the hunt for several other elite recruits, and Ament’s decision could help seal the deal for more big names in the coming months.
Wildcats fans immediately took to social media to celebrate, with many already envisioning Ament leading Kentucky to another deep NCAA Tournament run. The excitement around his arrival is palpable, as he is expected to make an immediate impact as a freshman.
With the 2025 season still a year away, Ament remains focused on finishing his high school career strong, but Kentucky fans can already start dreaming about what he will bring to the Wildcats. His commitment is yet another reminder that when it comes to landing elite talent, Kentucky remains at the top of college basketball’s recruiting hierarchy.
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