Nate Ament has long been viewed as a player with lottery potential, coming in as a top-five prospect in the 2025 class. The last Tennessee Vol taken in the top 10 was Dale Ellis back in 1983, and this summer, the Vols have a real chance to change that with Ament.
Ament had a rocky start this season for the Vols, struggling with the physicality of NCAA basketball, but he's since turned it around mightily. Ament is averaging 17.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.0 steals a game this year and has cemented himself as the go-to guy for Rick Barnes in the clutch moments down the stretch. Ament has hit some amazing shots for Tennessee, including a go-ahead bucket on the road against Vandy.
Sam Veceie's latest 2026 NBA mock Draft was just released, and he had a very interesting spot for Ament. He has him going to Milwaukee at No. 9 overall, pairing him with Giannis Antetokounmpo. If Ament were to go No. 9, it would feel like somehwat of a gut punch, because he does have top-five potential, but if he were able to be deployed next to Giannis, that would be an insane combo. Plus, getting the chance to learn from one of the best forwards in the league would be incredibly valuable for Ament, and it puts him on a team with legitimate playoff aspirations rather than a struggling franchise. Ament’s two-way game makes him an extremely coveted prospect. He doesn’t have a glaring weakness in his game. Ament can score, pass, rebound, and defend across multiple positions.
March is here, and as we head toward the madness, here’s @Sam_Vecenie's latest 2026 NBA mock draft ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/5hPtjDAydb
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 2, 2026
Nate Ament can boost his draft stock during March Madness
NBA scouts will be watching closely during the March Madness tournament, evaluating how players perform in a high-pressure, highly competitive environment. If Ament can ball out, it could put him in the top five. It's worth noting that Ament is currently hurt with a high ankle sprain, but things do seem encouraging that he will be back before March Madness.
When Ament inevitably does get drafted in the first round, he would be the fifth Tennessee Vol in the last eight NBA Drafts.