When Nate Ament officially declared for the NBA Draft, it was a bittersweet moment for Tennessee basketball fans. Of course, everyone would have loved to see him in a Vols uniform for one more year and make a run at the Final Four, but it’s understandable to pass up on a potential NBA lottery selection given that it’s the ultimate goal for any young basketball player.
Ament’s strong relationship with Rick Barnes and the Vols fanbase contributed to his status as a fan favorite during his time in Knoxville. At the NBA level, that support is likely to continue. Currently, Ament is projected to be selected between picks 7 and 14 in most mock drafts, though his draft position could rise based on his measurements at the NBA Combine.
Rick Barnes gave Tennessee a unique advantage in Juke Harris recruitment
Digging deeper, Ament measured at 6'9.5 barefoot and 211 pounds with an almost 7-foot wingspan. which is absurdly good for a small forward. While he certainly isn't as good a scorer as Kebin Durnat, his build gives off the same vibes as the superstar. This will certainly make the NBA team want to take a chance on the former Vol with a top 10 pick. Not only that, but he has also shown progress in the weight room, adding 25 pounds in a couple of years. At just 19 years old, he is a bonified NBA prospect with All-Star upside. This has raised a ton of eyebrows.
Tennessee's Nate Ament measured 6'9.5 barefoot and 211 pounds at the NBA Draft Combine, with a 6'11.5 wingspan and 9'1.5 standing reach.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 11, 2026
Up an inch and 25 pounds over two years. Some of the best measurements in his class, likely to intrigue every team picking 5-10. pic.twitter.com/47iimxPzvw
Nate Ament could be the steal of the NBA Draft
What stands out most about Nate Ament is how advanced he is in terms of mechanics and overall feel for the game. However, he is very thin and not the most explosive athlete. Still, Ament isn’t afraid to put the ball on the floor, attack the rim, or make reads as a passer. As a secondary ball-handler, he averaged 2.3 assists last year on a team that struggled to score consistently. On top of that, Ament is a functional team defender and contributed a steal per game. While his scoring efficiency could still improve, there aren’t many glaring holes in his overall game.
Sure, he isn't the best athlete to ever step on the hardwood, and he only shot 40% from the field, but he possesses the ability to score at all three levels while playing all 94 feet. Plus, Ament got better as the year went on, and wasn't afraid to take the ball to the rim and draw a foul at the basket. You'd like to see a 6-foot-11(with shoes) forward finish better at the basket, no doubt, but being a young player like he is and srtruggling with physicality, it's not uncommon to see. The good news is he wasn't afraid to keep trying, and he improved. There will be an adjustment period for Ament once he gets to the next level, but he has the size and the tools NBA teams love.
In one of the deepest NBA draft classes ever, Ament is considered to be a big-time target. I wouldn't be shocked if in five years from now NBA teams are kicking themselves for not taking a chance on Ament.
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