Duke basketball fans wanting to add top recruit Nate Ament can back that hope with cash
As Duke basketball attempts to add five-star forward Nate Ament to a 2025 recruiting class already rated No. 1 in the nation, a new deal announced Wednesday gives its fans a chance to directly influence the decision.
Ament, a 6-foot-9 forward from Manassas, Virginia, signed with Fanstake, a service that allows fans from each of his prospective schools to make an up-front cash investment that will go toward the player’s NIL earnings if he picks their school. Should Ament pick another school, that cash investment is 100% refundable.
“I’m proud to partner with Fanstake,” Ament said in a statement. “This platform gives fans a unique way to be part of the recruiting process, which is pretty cool. I’m still weighing my options for where I’ll play, and there’s a lot to consider, but it’s exciting to see how fans can get involved in helping me find the right fit.”
While announcing his Fanstake involvement, Ament also listed the 11 schools he’s still considering for next season. Duke is among them, along with Alabama, Arkansas, BYU, Georgetown, Kansas State, Kentucky, Louisville, Notre Dame, Tennessee and Texas.
Ament has made official visits to Louisville, Notre Dame, Tennessee and Texas. He made an unofficial visit to Duke for the team’s Countdown to Craziness event on Oct. 4.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Louisville fans led the way with $6,826 in Ament investments through Fanstake. Duke was second at $3,250.
“The NIL landscape is changing, and fans now have the chance to directly influence where top athletes like Nate Ament decide to play,” Greg Glass, Fanstake CEO and co-founder, said in a statement. “This is the future of college sports — fans actively participating in the recruitment process, helping teams stay competitive, and ensuring athletes understand their true market value. With Nate still uncommitted, now’s the perfect time for fans to stake their claims and help shape his decision.”
Ament is rated the No. 4 player nationally, according to 247sports.com.
Duke’s class already includes the nation’s No. 2 recruit, 6-9 forward Cameron Boozer, as well as the No. 15-rated player in 6-6 small forward Shelton Henderson. Cameron Boozer’s twin brother, 6-4 point guard Cayden Boozer, is the No. 20 player nationally and also has signed with Duke.
Nikolas Khamenia, a 6-9 forward who is rated No. 19 nationally, rounds out Duke’s current incoming class for next season.