ESPN names Tennessee newcomer as a player with a chance to earn an elite honor that no Vols basketball player has ever accomplished
The Tennessee Vols have had some outstanding individual performances over the last two years from a pair of newcomers. They're hoping that a third could help them reach new heights in 2025-26, as well as earn an individual first in the process. Incoming freshman superstar Nate Ament was listed by ESPN as one of four […]
The Tennessee Vols have had some outstanding individual performances over the last two years from a pair of newcomers. They're hoping that a third could help them reach new heights in 2025-26, as well as earn an individual first in the process.
Incoming freshman superstar Nate Ament was listed by ESPN as one of four candidates for the number one overall pick in the NBA Draft in 2026. Draft expert Jonathan Givony had the following to say about Ament's chances:
"Ament is a late addition to the No. 1 pick conversation and the furthest away of the four from reaching his potential — in no small part because he weighs 186 pounds. But ultra-talented 6-11 wing players with his fluidity, shotmaking prowess, defensive versatility and scoring ability are often deemed franchise-type prospects.
There were plenty of NBA executives who walked out of the McDonald's All American Game in April and said Ament has All-Star potential. After starting practice at Tennessee on June 17, Ament appears to be adding weight and will be in a featured role in the SEC, giving him every opportunity to make his case as a surprise No. 1 candidate."
Ament might be among the lowest of the four candidates listed, but he's stepping into a situation where the leading scorer in each of Rick Barnes' last two teams has had standout seasons that have undoubtedly spiked their draft prospects.
Dalton Knecht, the 17th overall pick in 2024 by the Los Angeles Lakers. earned First-Team All-American honors and was the SEC Player of the Year after a legendary season. Chaz Lanier, taken 37th overall by Detroit last month, was named the Jerry West Award winner give to the nation's best shooting guard. Both helped the Vols reach the Elite Eight in back-to-back seasons.
Ament has the natural talent that transcends all of them, perhaps more than anyone who's come through the program. And if Barnes can tap into, develop, and utilize that talent quickly, a monster season could be coming for the freshman, which could perhaps translate into Ament becoming the first Tennessee player to be the top pick in the draft next June.
And Vol fans are hoping that's after reaching another program first by making the Final Four in Indianapolis.
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