"A no-brainer for me": 5-star forward Nate Ament on why he chose to sign first-of-its-kind NIL deal

Nate Ament made history on Wednesday as he became the first high school men’s basketball player to sign a NIL deal (Name, Image and Likeness) with Reebok. He sat down with Swish Cultures founder and CEO Jordan Richard during "The Youngins Podcast" to discuss the historic deal, estimated at $1.3 million by On3, and his basketball journey.

Ament was asked why he chose Reebok, a brand that resonated more with the older generation.

"Obviously I didn't really know about Reebok," Ament said (0:55). "I didn't know about you know I don't know about much clothing brands, to be honest. But once I did my research, a little bit research their products um, the management, the people they've brought in, it was really just a no-brainer for me."

He then praised Reebok's clothing line and said that the sports apparel brand more than matched his style.

"I feel like they have, you know, a spectacular clothing line. Insane people around them so it matched my circle and so it was like a no-brainer for me, yeah."

Ament signed a multi-year deal with Reebok, which is preparing to relaunch its performance basketball program in 2025. The deal will include a Player Exclusive sneaker with different colorways of the new Reebok "Engine A" shoes.

Nate Ament talks about being a trendsetter following million-dollar Reebok deal

Ament was asked what it felt like being a trendsetter, after signing a NIL deal at 17.

"I mean for me it's really about a trendsetter just trying to um do something no one else is doing," Ament said (1:35). "For me it's really just doing what I want to do, staying true to myself, what I like and what I don't like.

"I could do what everyone else is doing, but that wouldn't that wouldn't be me so I mean I'm just going to pick the best choices for me."

Ament is playing his senior year at Highland High School in Virginia. He is ranked No. 4 in the Class of 2025 by 247 Sports and No. 2 among power forwards. He has received offers from Texas, UConn, Creighton, Duke and Florida State among others.