Massive Announcement! 6-foot-9 small forward out of Highland School (VA)  Finally Makes Decision To Join Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats Bringing His Superstar Potential To Rupp Arena!

A commitment has emerged for the Five-Star Plus+ prospect.

In a major recruiting victory, 6-foot-9 small forward Nate Ament, the top remaining prospect in the 2025 class, has officially committed to Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats. The Highland School (VA) star, ranked No. 3 overall in On3’s Player Rankings, made his long-awaited decision, choosing Kentucky over a loaded final five that included Arkansas, Duke, Louisville, and Tennessee.

Ament Scouting Report

On3’s Jamie Shaw recently wrote the following scouting report for Nate Ament:

Nate Ament is On3’s No. 3 overall player in the class. The 6-foot-9 wing has been in the top 15 recruits for this 2025 class for On3 since the October 2023 update. While then, Ament was an On3 outlier, he is now making his case to be mentioned in the same conversation as the No. 1 overall player. In fact, playing on the same court as Dybantsa tonight, Ament was the best player on the floor.

Ament showcased a clam floor game. He proved the defense, was comfortable on the ball, playing in the half-court, and able to get to the spots he wanted. For starters, Ament is a threat from 28-plus feet out. He pulled up multiple times in this one to knock it down. Ament has a quick release on his no-dip shot. While he does not have the explosive burst of others, he has the ability to utilize his dribble to get to his kill spots in the half-court. Ament showed multiple pull-ups and floaters in this one. He attacked from the wing and also set up in the mid-post.

Ament, despite his thin frame, also rebounded the ball well. This got his team out quickly as his teammates filled the lanes and the 6-foot-9 Ament pushed the break. His thin frame is something that will need to be addressed in the long run. He has narrow shoulders and thin ankles, so how much strength he could put on will be interesting to monitor. Ament is an excellent passer, very unselfish and he is a quick processor with the ball in hand.

While he might not have the strength and the athletic pop of others, his feel and basketball IQ complement his size and length very well. Ament is a high-level prospect, one who already has NBA scouts talking.

Ament’s Journey to Kentucky

Ament’s recruitment has been one of the most highly anticipated in the 2025 class. At 6-foot-9 with elite versatility, he has drawn comparisons to NBA-level wings with his ability to score, defend, and impact the game in multiple ways.

Throughout his recruitment, Ament also considered schools such as Notre Dame, Alabama, BYU, Georgetown, Kansas State, and Texas, but Kentucky emerged as the best fit for his future.

Why Kentucky?

Mark Pope, who took over the storied Kentucky program, has wasted no time in securing elite talent. Ament cited several factors in his decision:

Mark Pope’s Vision: Ament believes in Pope’s up-tempo system, which emphasizes positionless basketball and perimeter versatility—both of which fit his skill set.

Player Development: Kentucky has a history of developing NBA talent, and Ament sees the program as the best place to prepare for the next level.

Competitive Atmosphere: Playing in the SEC and in front of the Wildcats’ passionate fanbase was a key factor in his commitment.

What Ament Brings to Kentucky

Ament is the definition of a modern small forward with:

Elite Length & Athleticism: At 6-foot-9, he can guard multiple positions and finish above the rim.

Three-Level Scoring: He can shoot from deep, attack the mid-range, and finish inside.

High Basketball IQ: Ament understands spacing, ball movement, and how to create for teammates.

Defensive Upside: His length and instincts make him an elite two-way player.

Kentucky’s 2025 Class Gets a Huge Boost

With Ament on board, Mark Pope’s first full recruiting class at Kentucky is shaping up to be one of the best in the nation. His addition gives the Wildcats a potential future lottery pick, adding to an already talented roster.

Final Thoughts

This is a massive win for Kentucky basketball and a statement from Mark Pope that he can land the best talent in the country. Nate Ament’s commitment ensures the Wildcats remain a powerhouse in college basketball, and his decision could lead other top recruits to follow.

Wildcat fans, get ready—Nate Ament is bringing his superstar potential to Rupp Arena!