Everyone might be focused on Tennessee football opening its season against Syracuse soon, but keep in mind that Rick Barnes and his guys have been hard at work this summer in preparation for the 2025-26 campaign as well. We don't have to tell you that plenty of eyes will be on Nate Ament.
The 5-star signee, and highest-rated player ever to join Tennessee basketball, has been on campus for a little while now and so far things are looking pretty darn good for him. There's a ton of buzz surrounding Ament leading up to the first game of the season and rightfully so.
However, that doesn't mean anything. Ament will be the first one to tell you that, as he understands that his 5-star status is going to be thrown out the window this fall when he makes his Tennessee debut. Leading up to said debut, he's going to keep grinding and work to silence everyone doubting him:
Five-star freshman Nate Ament:
— Emilie Rae Cochrane (@EmCochranetv) August 20, 2025
"It's really not about me, what I did in high school or what I was before Tennessee. I'm here now...I'm here to just try to bring as much winning and as much of everything I can, of Nate, to this program." #Vols pic.twitter.com/2kPxqgwT8m
Nate Ament is focused on having a huge season with Tennessee basketball
It's hard to believe this kid is still a teenager, as he's showing a ton of maturity despite being a baby-faced freshman. Ament has been told countless times that nothing is going to be handed to him and he's going to have to bust his hump to make an impact for the Vols.
This is something Barnes is confident that will get done - there's a reason Tennessee broke the bank NIL wise to make sure Ament didn't sign with anyone else. Getting his signature sure wasn't easy, as the 5-star forward was down to Tennessee, Arkansas, Duke, Kentucky and Louisville.
Barnes went all-in with Ament's recruitment and now the youngster is going to be in a place to help Tennessee attempt to reach the Final Four for the first time in program history. The Vols have been close, reaching the Elite Eight in back-to-back seasons. Only time will tell if Tennessee can get over the hump, but Ament has the right mindset to help this team get that job done.