In a major announcement that has sent ripples through the college basketball world, five-star recruit Nate Ament has officially committed to playing for the Miami Hurricanes. The highly coveted forward, who has been a standout player throughout his high school career, chose Miami over a stacked list of suitors, including the Louisville Cardinals, Duke Blue Devils, and Kentucky Wildcats. This decision is not only a game-changer for Miami’s basketball program but also a strong indication of head coach Jim Larranaga’s growing influence in college basketball recruiting.
Ament, standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing around 220 pounds, is known for his impressive combination of size, athleticism, and skill. As a forward, he has the versatility to dominate in the paint while also stretching the floor with his perimeter shooting. His defensive ability and basketball IQ make him a complete player capable of contributing on both ends of the floor. These attributes have made him one of the top-ranked players in the 2025 recruiting class and have drawn the attention of some of the most prestigious college programs in the nation.
While many expected Ament to gravitate toward a traditional powerhouse like Duke, Kentucky, or Louisville, his commitment to Miami came as a pleasant surprise to many. Miami, traditionally not considered a perennial powerhouse in college basketball, has made significant strides under coach Jim Larranaga, who has steadily turned the Hurricanes into an increasingly competitive team within the ACC. Larranaga’s ability to develop talent, combined with his strong emphasis on team-oriented play, appears to have been a significant factor in Ament’s decision.
In particular, Ament’s choice to join the Hurricanes is seen as a nod to the program’s rising reputation, both in terms of on-court success and player development. Miami has shown impressive growth in recent years, culminating in a successful run in the NCAA tournament. Larranaga has built a reputation for making the most out of his players, helping them reach their full potential, and sending them on to successful professional careers. This was a major selling point for Ament, who has aspirations of making it to the NBA.
“Miami has everything I’m looking for in a program,” Ament said in an interview following his commitment. “Coach Larranaga’s vision for how I fit into their system and the way they develop players really stood out to me. I want to be a part of something special, and I believe Miami is the right place for me to grow, develop, and help take this program to new heights.”
In choosing Miami over the likes of Louisville, Duke, and Kentucky, Ament has made it clear that he values a program that will provide both the opportunity for immediate playing time and a structured development system. Louisville, under head coach Kenny Payne, and Duke, under legendary coach Jon Scheyer, have long been known for their elite recruiting, while Kentucky has remained a consistent force in college basketball under John Calipari. Yet, Miami’s unique combination of personalized player development and the chance to make an immediate impact in the ACC helped seal the deal for Ament.
For Miami, securing Ament’s commitment is a huge win. It significantly boosts the program’s recruiting profile and signals that the Hurricanes are building a roster capable of competing with the traditional powerhouses in college basketball. With Ament leading the charge, Miami will be a team to watch in the coming years as they continue to climb the ranks of the ACC and the national basketball scene.
Nate Ament’s decision to play for the Miami Hurricanes is a landmark moment for the program and promises to bring about a new era of success for Miami basketball. With his talent and work ethic, Ament is poised to become a cornerstone of the Hurricanes’ future and help them make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.