Mark Pope, Cody Fueger visit '25 5-star forward Nate Ament

“Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in” — The Godfather: Part III, but also Kentucky‘s recruitment of 2025 five-star forward Nate Ament.

The Wildcats landed the No. 3 overall prospect’s first official visit back in August, only to have it postponed indefinitely shortly before the trip. Seen as a sneaky darkhorse among top suitors, it appeared Mark Pope and his staff then pivoted toward fellow five-star forwards Caleb Wilson and Chris Cenac, hosting both on officials in September. Meanwhile, Ament took visits to Texas and Duke while scheduling others to Louisville and Tennessee in the coming weeks with others making serious pushes — John Calipari and the Arkansas staff have visited him three times in two weeks, for example.

Two ships passing in the night, right? Tell that to Coach Pope, who visited Ament alongside assistant coach Cody Fueger, according to Jacob Polacheck of KSR+.

Kentucky head coach Mark Pope and assistant coach Cody Fueger were in for five-star forward Nate Ament on Wednesday, a source tells KSR+.

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— Jacob Polacheck (@PolacheckKSR) October 9, 2024

Kentucky extended a scholarship offer back on June 17, followed by a visit from Mark Pope on Sept. 4 — before things really ramped up with Wilson and Cenac.

Ament is not expected to make a commitment until the spring, opening the door for Kentucky to stay within striking distance while monitoring other dominoes set to fall sooner rather than later.

And it’s a great call, because the top-three prospect is worth the wait.

Nate Ament Scouting Report

What could the Wildcats be getting in the 6-9, 185-pound wing out of Virginia? On3’s Jamie Shaw has listed the versatile five-star as a contender for the No. 1 overall pick in 2026 thanks to his frame and natural skillset for his size.

“(He) has a basketball player’s frame,” Shaw wrote. “While thin, he has good length and excellent positional size. It is that positional size that allows for his versatility on the floor. Ament is comfortable on the ball at each level. In fact, his passing and processing might be his most intriguing attribute on the court. Ament is an excellent passer with both hands, from multiple levels, off a live dribble or with his feet set. The jump shot release can get a little long, but he can knock down a three when given time and his size helps get into his shot motion. He is comfortable stepping into his shot and has a no-dip release on the catch.

“Ament does not get sped up. While lacking true blow-by-speed, he has a good pace and is typically either bigger or more mobile than his defender at this point to help him get to various spots on the floor. He has excellent footwork in traffic and is able to use his body and balance to throw a defender off-balance and get a clean look. Ament is thin with narrow shoulders, he will need to continue adding weight. He is an instinctive defender and a good rebounder from his position. While thin, he is not afraid of contact. He is also a quiet by nature person, and a late bloomer. Continue to watch as he develops. He has a unique game that enhances the level of those around him.”