Decision Looming: 5-Star Forward Nate Ament Could Choose Duke Any Day Now

One of the most coveted names in the 2025 basketball recruiting class, Nate Ament, could be ready to shake up the college basketball landscape. The 6-foot-9, five-star forward from Highland School in Virginia has been a major target for blue blood programs nationwide, but in recent months, the momentum has steadily built around Jon Scheyer and the Duke Blue Devils. Now, it appears Ament’s decision could come at any moment.

Ament has long been regarded as one of the most versatile prospects in his class. His mix of length, athleticism, and skill makes him a rare breed—someone who can score from all three levels, defend multiple positions, and play with both finesse and force. Coaches at the high school and grassroots level rave about his feel for the game, his motor, and his upside, which is still nowhere near being fully tapped. As one of the top ten recruits in the country, Ament’s commitment will have a ripple effect on the rest of the 2025 recruiting cycle.

Duke, as always, is in the thick of it. The Blue Devils identified Ament early in the process and have maintained a strong, consistent presence throughout. From Scheyer personally attending his games to Duke assistants making regular trips to check in, the Blue Devils have made it clear that Ament is a priority. And it’s mutual. Ament has spoken glowingly about Duke on several occasions, praising the program’s history, its NBA development track record, and the style of play that would suit his versatile game.

What separates Duke in this recruitment is the combination of opportunity and legacy. The Blue Devils are in a period of transformation under Scheyer, who has already proven he can recruit and develop top-tier talent in the post-Krzyzewski era. With the likelihood of multiple players leaving for the NBA after this season, there’s a clear opportunity for Ament to step into a featured role right away. That kind of early spotlight is rare, even among blue blood programs, and it’s something Ament and his inner circle are said to be considering heavily.

The whispers around Ament’s recruitment have only intensified over the last week. According to multiple sources close to the situation, Ament has narrowed his focus to a small handful of schools, and Duke appears to be the leader in the clubhouse. While other finalists like Kentucky, North Carolina, and Kansas continue to make their pitches, there’s growing belief that Duke has the edge thanks to relationships, fit, and the timeline of the decision.

Recruiting insiders have noted that Ament’s family has grown close with the Duke coaching staff, and that proximity—Durham being a manageable drive from his Virginia home—could also be a factor. There’s a comfort and familiarity there that may be hard for other programs to overcome. Additionally, Duke’s success with hybrid forwards—players like Brandon Ingram, Jayson Tatum, and Paolo Banchero—provides a clear blueprint for how Ament could flourish at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Perhaps the most compelling part of this recruitment is how quietly yet confidently it has moved toward this impending decision. Ament has not been one to soak up media attention or drag out the process. Those around him describe him as focused, thoughtful, and deliberate in how he has approached his recruitment. That demeanor mirrors the way he plays on the court—controlled, decisive, and mature beyond his years.

The sense among those closest to the recruitment is that a decision could come very soon—possibly even this week. Ament has completed his visits, spoken at length with coaching staffs, and taken time to reflect with his family. It’s not a matter of if he’ll commit, but when—and all signs suggest that the “when” is imminent. Duke fans are understandably on edge, knowing how impactful a commitment from Ament would be. Not only would it secure a top-10 talent, but it would also send a message to the rest of the college basketball world: Duke’s recruiting machine is still very much alive and well.

Landing Ament would be a significant addition to what’s already shaping up to be a strong 2025 class for the Blue Devils. They’ve made strategic offers, pursued top-tier athletes, and appear ready to make a serious push toward another No. 1 recruiting class ranking. Adding Ament would give them a centerpiece—an elite frontcourt presence who can do a little bit of everything and elevate everyone around him.

From a pure basketball standpoint, Ament fits the modern game perfectly. He has a fluid jumper that extends beyond the arc, excellent passing instincts, and a handle that allows him to initiate offense if needed. On defense, he’s long and mobile, capable of switching across positions and protecting the rim. His frame is still filling out, but he’s already strong enough to bang in the post and agile enough to guard the perimeter. In many ways, he’s the prototype forward that NBA scouts drool over—and that’s not lost on Ament or those advising him.

Scheyer’s ability to connect with Ament on a personal and developmental level may be the difference in this recruitment. Since taking over the program, Scheyer has leaned into the idea of positionless basketball, and players like Ament are tailor-made for that approach. It’s not hard to imagine him thriving in Duke’s offense, pushing the tempo off rebounds, creating mismatches with his size and skill, and anchoring a switch-heavy defense. He wouldn’t just be another piece—he’d be the piece.

That’s why this decision feels so pivotal. It’s not just about one player picking a school. It’s about the trajectory of a program and the dominoes that will inevitably fall afterward. If Ament chooses Duke, it could lead other top recruits to follow. It could open the door to forming another “super class,” the kind that fuels championship runs and future NBA Draft nights.

Conversely, if he surprises and goes another route—say, to Kentucky or UNC—it could shift the balance of power. That’s the kind of weight Ament’s decision carries. And it’s why coaches, scouts, and fans alike are watching so closely.

For now, all anyone can do is wait. Ament has kept things close to the vest, not tipping his hand publicly or giving away too much. But the signs are there. The visits are done. The evaluations are in. The conversations have been had. And Duke has positioned itself perfectly. They’ve done the legwork, built the relationship, and presented a compelling case. Now, it’s up to Ament.

Should he choose the Blue Devils, expect an outpouring of excitement—not just from fans, but from future teammates, alumni, and NBA scouts alike. His commitment would mark another major win for Scheyer, and further solidify Duke’s place atop the recruiting landscape. It’s a pivotal moment for a young coach carving his legacy and a top prospect on the cusp of defining his future.

The countdown is on. Nate Ament could make his decision any day now. And Duke is ready.