The Duke Blue Devils’ recruiting efforts have taken a hit with the news that 5-star forward Nate Ament has committed to the Tennessee Volunteers. Despite hosting Ament on multiple occasions, including an unofficial visit to Durham in September 2023, Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils couldn’t seal the deal.
A Tough Loss for Duke
Ament, ranked No. 4 overall on the 247Sports 2025 Composite, would have been a great addition to the Duke roster. His length and smooth skills on the court would have been a valuable asset to the team. However, he chose the Volunteers over the Blue Devils and his other finalists in Arkansas, Kentucky, and Louisville.
Still a Strong Recruiting Class
Despite losing out on Ament, the Duke Blue Devils still have a strong recruiting class, with three five-star signees. However, with Ament’s decision and only a couple of five-star seniors remaining on the board, it’s unlikely that the Blue Devils will finish No. 1 in the recruiting rankings, a feat they’ve accomplished in two of the past three years.
What’s Next for Duke Basketball?
The Blue Devils will need to regroup and focus on their remaining targets to make a strong finish to their recruiting class. With talented players already committed, Duke still has a promising future ahead. Stay tuned for more updates on Duke basketball recruiting.