Five-star forward Nate Ament has made headlines in the basketball world by flipping his commitment from BYU to Duke University. Ament, one of the top recruits in the 2025 class, had initially pledged to BYU, a decision that shocked many considering the school’s smaller basketball profile. However, with intense recruitment efforts from several powerhouse programs, including Kentucky and Louisville, Ament reconsidered his options and ultimately chose to join the Blue Devils in what is expected to be a major addition to Duke’s already impressive roster.
Ament, a 6’8″ forward known for his exceptional scoring ability and athleticism, had an impressive high school career that made him a highly sought-after prospect. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has made him one of the most coveted players in his class. His combination of size, skill, and versatility is something that programs across the country desperately wanted, with Kentucky and Louisville being among the programs who recruited him hard. However, it was Duke’s rich basketball history, elite coaching staff, and winning culture that ultimately swayed the young forward.
The Blue Devils, led by head coach Jon Scheyer, have become a powerhouse in college basketball and have consistently recruited some of the best talent in the country. This commitment is a significant win for Duke, as they continue to assert themselves as a destination for top-tier recruits. Scheyer, who took over as head coach after Coach K’s retirement, has already established a strong rapport with Ament, and the young forward has spoken highly of the Blue Devils’ staff and their vision for his development.
What makes Ament’s commitment especially notable is the fierce competition Duke faced. Programs like Kentucky, known for their championship pedigree, and Louisville, with its strong recruiting ties, both had hopes of landing the five-star forward. However, the allure of playing for a program with Duke’s prestige and the chance to develop under the guidance of one of the game’s brightest minds proved irresistible to Ament.
BYU, where Ament had originally committed, will be disappointed to lose such a highly touted recruit, but it’s clear that the competition for elite talent in college basketball is as fierce as ever. Ament’s flip to Duke is a testament to the Blue Devils’ continued prominence in the sport, while also serving as a reminder of how quickly the landscape of college basketball recruiting can shift.
Looking ahead, Ament is expected to play an immediate role for Duke, likely contributing both as a scorer and a versatile defender. With his commitment now official, Ament will be a centerpiece for the Blue Devils’ future, and his decision only adds to the excitement surrounding Duke’s recruiting efforts in the coming years.