First-year head coach Mark Pope continues to make waves in recruiting, as Nate Ament, the No. 4 overall prospect in the 2025 class, has set his sights on a visit to Lexington. The 6-foot-8 power forward from Virginia is one of the most sought-after players in the nation and a centerpiece of several top programs' recruiting boards.
NEW: Class of 2025, 5-star PF, Nate Ament plans to visit Kentucky. #BBN
— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) December 6, 2024
STORY: https://t.co/NZ9QwENYXR
Ament plans to visit Kentucky in February, alongside high-profile stops at North Carolina for their legendary rivalry game against Duke and Arizona when they take on Kansas State.
According to ESPN’s Paul Biancardi, Ament’s decisions are guided by trust and alignment with coaching staffs and their vision. “I want to play for a coach and staff I can trust,” Ament said. “How they value me as a player and person is most important to me.”
For Kentucky, securing a visit from Ament signifies momentum on the recruiting trail. Pope has already assembled a strong foundation in the 2025 class with commitments from Malachi Moreno, Jasper Johnson, and Acaden Lewis. Adding Ament to the mix would be a major coup, solidifying the Wildcats as one of the premier destinations for elite talent under Pope as well.
5 ⭐️ Nate Ament drops 26 points with 11 rebounds in Highlands W over Bishop McNamara. Ament is one the one the top uncommitted players in the country 👀@NateAment15 pic.twitter.com/qPmb3Edqas
— League Ready (@LeagueRDY) November 30, 2024
Ament’s versatility and size make him a perfect fit for the modern game. At 6-foot-8, he combines elite athleticism with a polished skill set, allowing him to impact games on both ends of the floor. Scouts rave about his ability to stretch the floor, finish at the rim, and defend multiple positions—qualities that make him a prototype for a dynamic forward in today’s college basketball landscape; more importantly for Mark Pope's system.
If you look at the very top prospects in VA rn, Nate Ament, Chance Mallory, Jordan Smith, Latrell Allmond, there’s one interesting thing about them.
— Jack Herron (@jwherron10) December 5, 2024
All 4 of those kids are not only extremely talented, but they’re high character, unselfish, hard working kids. Says a lot
With a commitment to recruiting high-character, high-talent players, Pope’s early success could usher in a new era of Kentucky basketball, mixing high profile national recruits and returning stars. If Ament’s visit to Rupp Arena leaves a lasting impression, the Wildcats could take another major step toward re-establishing themselves as perennial championship contenders. Kentucky has the chance to showcase why Lexington is still an elite destination for young talent.