Duke recently took a hit on the recruiting trail when five-star prospect decommitted from the program.
The Blue Devils had a shot at rebounding with another elite recruit, but things didn’t go their way.
Top prospect, the No. 4 overall player in the 2025 class according to ESPN, announced his commitment to Tennessee, opting to play for Rick Barnes.
“Coach Barnes views me as a one-and-done player,” he told ESPN. “He’s developed talent like that before, including Kevin Durant. I’ve built a strong relationship with the coaching staff, and I trust them. They have big plans for me, and I believe they’ll help me grow both as a player and a person.”
The 6-foot-10 wing, who led Highland High School in Virginia to a state title, chose the Volunteers over other finalists including Duke, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Louisville.
“This was a tough decision,” Ament admitted. “It took longer than expected because I wanted to make sure it was the right fit. I really looked at rosters, the transfer portal, how I’d mesh with teammates, and most importantly, how much I could trust the coaches and if our goals aligned.”
Ament has been one of the fastest-rising stars over the last 18 months, making his mark starting with the summer before his junior year.
“Eighteen months ago, I wouldn’t have believed I’d be here,” he said. “Confidence was the biggest key. It wasn’t about size or strength—it was about applying the training and believing I belong among the best.”
While he’s expected to be a one-and-done at Tennessee, Ament could’ve been suiting up in Duke blue. Still, the Blue Devils aren’t hurting, with the five-star Boozer twins headlining a stacked class under Jon Scheyer.
And with Cooper Flagg likely leading the way, adding more star power never hurts—but Ament won’t be part of that mix.
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