Latest update about Nate Ament’s NBA Draft decision sounds like a very positive development for the Tennessee Vols
Rick Barnes and the Tennessee Vols are waiting to hear if star forward Nate Ament will return for a second season on Rocky Top. Ament is considering entering the 2026 NBA Draft.
While the Tennessee Vols continue to rebuild their roster through the NCAA transfer portal, the program is waiting on an NBA Draft decision from forward Nate Ament.
Ament, a former five-star recruit from Virginia, is one of the most talented players in the sport. But he’s not viewed as a guaranteed lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, which is why some folks believe he should return to Tennessee for his sophomore season.
Nate Ament’s representation is split on his draft decision
According to Yahoo Sports NBA senior analyst Kevin O’Connor, Ament’s representation is “split” on whether he should enter the draft or return to Tennessee.
Ament’s reps believe he could be the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft if he chooses to return to Tennessee for another season.
“League front office executives tell me that his agency, LIFT Sports Management, is split on the decision because they believe that Ament could be the No. 1 pick in 2027,” wrote O’Connor. “If Ament falls outside of the lottery, he’d be playing for less money this year and potentially hurting his future earnings. For financial reasons it may make sense to return, and more importantly, for his own development to get one more year to improve physically and progress his skills.
“If Ament stays in the draft, he could very well end up in the lottery as he was expected to prior to the season. But there’s also a strong possibility he slips.”
One thing working in Tennessee’s favor is that Ament has very much enjoyed his time in Knoxville.
“I’ll say this: he has really enjoyed his time at Tennessee,” said VolQuest’s Brent Hubbs last week on 104.5 The Zone’s Ramon and Will. “He’s taken an in-person class. He’s not one of these athletes who’s only taken online classes…He’s hanging out with football guys and other athletes. I mean, he has really enjoyed the college experience. Now he has to make a business decision — as we all have to do at some point in time. But this is not the lay down because he hates college. He does not hate college. He does not hate his time at Tennessee. He’s not bored with his time at Tennessee, if you will.”
Ament has until late May to make a decision.