With dark clouds hanging over his SEC hopes, John Calipari is trying to produce a ray of light himself. With his Arkansas team struggling in conference play, Coach Cal has started thinking about his next batch of players. The current high-school graduation class is filled to the brim with top-end talent like AJ Dybantsa, the Boozer twins, etc., but Calipari is focusing on one Nate Ament. The six-foot-nine wing from Highland School has not yet decided on his college commitment. Scouts have him as a top-five prospect in his class, and it looks like John Calipari agrees with their reports.

Ament has narrowed it down to 11 schools as of Wednesday. The list includes schools like Alabama, Duke, BYU, and Arkansas. Where he goes is a mystery to everyone but him. However, people like Dybantsa and Coach Cal are trying to turn the tide for their respective teams. Ament is at a crossroads, with both paths promising success and fruition. It remains to be seen which road he will take.

BYU and AJ Dybantsa: a match made in heaven?

The first path leads to him becoming a Cougar. Ever since AJ Dybantsa committed to BYU, Nate Ament has been giving it some thought. The lanky forward spoke to On3 about his thoughts of potentially committing alongside Dybantsa. “I’ve actually talked with AJ since he committed,” said Ament, “You know, having me and AJ on one team, two high-level wings, would be enticing for us to both grow as freshmen, pursuing our dreams of the NBA. So that would put them a little more into play for me since AJ committed.”

On top of his conversations with Dybantsa, BYU basketball assistant coach Brandon Dunson visited Ament back in September. If Nate Ament chooses the Cougars, their front court would be unstoppable. He has a lot of length and athleticism. Moreover, his two-way output and offensive production would be something to write home about.

AJ Dybantsa reposted on his story Ament’s post narrowing down his top 11 schools as a message of sorts. Everyone knows that he is trying hard to recruit his fellow forward, but a public gesture really solidifies his intent. The number one prospect wants Ament with him as a Cougar, and he’s not hiding it. It will be interesting to see whether Ament decides to go with his friend and rival to BYU, as it would really place the spotlight on these two forwards in the 2025-26 NCAA season.

Arkansas, John Calipari, and the Road Not Taken

Coach Cal and his Arkansas Razorbacks stand at the other end of the crossroads. Even with the Arkansas-based team struggling to make waves in the SEC this year, John Calipari’s resume speaks for itself. He has done it all, and Nate Ament recognizes that.

“Coach Cal has been up to see me a couple of times,” Ament said about the legendary coach, “He’s talked with my mom and dad, he’s talked to all of us… He’s just trying to get to know our family and making sure we hear his pitch.” Nate Ament is definitely giving Calipari his flowers.

“He’s doing the same thing that he was at Kentucky. He has the same firepower and the same amount of freshmen. It’s been tough for them this season because they started the year with a bunch of injuries. … Just seeing them battle it out and develop his players so they’re ready to come out whenever that may be. He’s doing a great job in that way.”

According to further reports from On3, Coach Cal had visited Highland School on Wednesday to meet with Ament. If the 18-year-old decides to join Arkansas this year, he will have the stage all to himself. Boogie Fland is expected to be a one-and-done prospect, Aidoo will have passed out, and it is uncertain whether Thiero will enter the draft or not. Ament is giving Arkansas some serious thought, especially with Calipari there. “You know he’s sent more players to the league than anybody, and he’s an NBA coach in college so that’s very enticing.”

Nate Ament is not wrong. John Calipari sent over 50 players to the NBA during his time as a coach, including big names like Anthony Davis and John Wall. If Ament decides to go with Arkansas, Calipari’s experience with the league will greatly benefit him. We will have to wait and see where the #4 overall prospect goes.

If he joins BYU, he and Dybantsa can cause some major damage to their opposition. However, going with Calipari makes more sense for his NBA dreams. What do you think? Where will Nate Ament commit to?